Red Seal Sample Examination Questions Carpenter

Carpenter Practice Interprovincial Red Seal Exam

Disclaimer: This is NOT an Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Examination. This is a practice examination that has been developed using similar weighting, question distribution, question taxonomies and question styles to that of a red seal examination. Success on this examination will NOT result in certification or qualification. This examination is intended to be used for self-assessment in preparation for attempting a red seal examination. More information about the standard that the red seal examination is based on may be found within the National Occupational Analysis for the occupation at www.red-seal.ca.

Sample Red Seal Exam Carpenter Preparation Questions

1. How much space should be left from the bottom edge of the joist for cross-bridging?
a) 5mm or 1/4"
b) 10mm or 3/8"
c) 15mm or 1/2"
d) 20mm or 3/4"
Answer: b) 10mm or 3/8"

2. In balloon framing, how are wall and floor systems assembled?
a) Independently
b) Interlocked
c) Simultaneously
d) Diagonally
Answer: a) Independently

3. What is the purpose of strapping for the ceiling?
a) Load distribution
b) Aesthetic appeal
c) Structural support
d) Fire resistance
Answer: c) Structural support

4. How is the measurement of the inside edge to the inside edge of supports referred to?
a) Clear span
b) Joist spacing
c) Beam length
d) Trimmer span
Answer: a) Clear span

5. What should be used to minimize squeaking in the subfloor?
a) Nails
b) Glue
c) Screws and adhesive
d) Bolts
Answer: c) Screws and adhesive

6. What is the purpose of vapor barriers in insulation?
a) Fire resistance
b) Moisture control
c) Structural support
d) Thermal insulation
Answer: b) Moisture control

7. What spacing is required for anchor bolts in a sill system?
a) 1.2m
b) 1.8m
c) 2.4m
d) 3.0m
Answer: c) 2.4m

8. When should floor system headers be doubled in length?
a) 800mm or 31.5"
b) 1000mm or 39.5"
c) 1200mm or 4'
d) 1500mm or 59"
Answer: c) 1200mm or 4'

9. What side of the insulation should vapor barriers be on?
a) Cold side
b) Warm side
c) Exterior side
d) Interior side
Answer: b) Warm side

10. What type of framing uses a sill system fastened with anchor bolts?
a) Post and Beam
b) Balloon framing
c) Platform framing
d) Shear framing
Answer: Can be found inside the package.

How To Pass Red Seal Carpentry Exam?

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 5 and 15% of questions that are this type.

Example of a Knowledge and Recall Question:

How much space should be left from the bottom edge of the joist for cross-bridging?
a) 5mm or 1/4"
b) 10mm or 3/8"
c) 15mm or 1/2"
d) 20mm or 3/4"
Answer: b) 10mm or 3/8"

Procedural and Application

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

For this trade, between 75 and 85% of questions are this type.

Example of a Procedural and Application Question:

2. In balloon framing, how are wall and floor systems assembled?
a) Independently
b) Interlocked
c) Simultaneously
d) Diagonally
Answer: a) Independently

Critical Thinking

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

Example of a Critical Thinking Question

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