Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) - Exam Information

Table of Contents

Self-Assessment

This tool can be used to reflect on your own experience and knowledge in the trade compared with what is on the exam.

Exam Breakdown

Each Red Seal exam's questions are developed to assess the activities laid out in the National Occupational Analysis. This trade's Red Seal exam has 100 questions Footnote *, which are distributed as follows:

Block A – Common Occupational Skills - 23 questions
Task 1 - Uses and maintains tools and equipment
6 questions
Task 2 - Maintains safe work environment
9 questions
Task 3 - Organizes work
8 questions
Block B – Heavy Equipment (Excavator) Inspection and Basic Maintenance - 26 questions
Task 4 - Performs scheduled maintenance
14 questions
Task 5 - Performs inspections
12 questions
Block C – Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Tasks - 51 questions
Task 6 - Performs basic heavy equipment operator (excavator) functions
17 questions
Task 7 - Transports equipment
7 questions
Task 8 - Operates excavators
27 questions

Types of Exam Questions

All Red Seal exam questions are written in multiple-choice format. A multiple-choice question consists of question followed by four possible responses (A, B, C, D). Every question has exactly one correct answer and three incorrect options. They are not misleading or trick questions, but the incorrect options are not always obvious.

There are three types of questions that you will see on Red Seal Exams:

  • Knowledge and Recall
  • Procedural and Application
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge and Recall

This type of question tests your ability to recall and understand definitions, facts and principles.

For this trade, between 50 and 60% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

Which attachment is used on an excavator to compact trench fill?

  1. Hydraulic hoe pack.
  2. Hydraulic breaker.
  3. Trenching bucket.
  4. Jumping jack compactor.

Answer: A

Procedural and Application

This type of question tests your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures to a situation.

For this trade, between 35 and 45% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

Before starting the engine, which important items are checked with the key in the “ON” position from the operator’s station?

  1. Park brake is engaged, warning lights are operational and backup alarm is functional.
  2. Park brake is engaged, windshield wipers are operational and interior lights are operational.
  3. Park brake is engaged, all hydraulic controls are in the “RUN” position, transmission is in neutral and instrument panel indicators are functional.
  4. Park brake is engaged, all hydraulic controls and the transmission are neutralized and instrument panel indicators are functional.

Answer: D

Critical Thinking

This type of question tests  your ability to interpret data, solve problems and arrive at valid conclusions.

For this trade, less than 10% of questions are this type.

Example of a Critical Thinking Question:

A trench is 3 m deep and 1 m wide at the bottom. The slope ratio is 1.5:1. What is the total width of the excavation?

  1. 5.5 m
  2. 7.0 m
  3. 10.0 m
  4. 11.0 m

Answer: C

Try more sample questions for this trade and check out the Exam Preparation Guide. It will give you practical insights on what goes into Red Seal exams, and how you can best prepare yourself to do well.

For more information about exam preparation materials contact your provincial/territorial apprenticeship office.