You have expertise in your trade, but do you have the knowledge to pass your Red Seal challenge exam? Theory and application can be
quite different when it comes to testing versus hands-on work and sometimes,
very skilled and qualified tradespeople are surprised when they don’t do as
well on their Red Seal challenge exam as they’d hoped. While having the
hands-on skills is the point of the Red Seal certification, knowing the theory
behind those skills is essential to successfully completing and passing the
exam.
Before taking the exam, you must prove your eligibility.
This includes a minimum number of hours of trade-specific work experience,
experience in the full-scope of the trade and any other requirements based on your
specific trade. You will need to apply to challenge the exam as well as
providing relevant apprenticeship information. Once approved, you can book your
exam time and get ready to take it.
Red Seal challenge exams range between 100 and 150 multiple-choice
questions depending upon the trade and are four hours in length. To pass, you
must achieve 70% or more.
How to Prepare for a
Red Seal Challenge Exam
If you’ve decided it’s time to take the Red Seal challenge exam
for your trade, you can prepare in a number of ways. You might start by asking your
Red Seal certified colleagues how they prepared for their exam, what their
results were and what they would do the same way or differently. But do keep in
mind that everyone learns in different ways. What may have worked for one
individual may not be the best way for you to prepare. Some people need more
structure around their education while others are good at pushing themselves to
do the studying and preparation required on their own.
Red Seal Challenge
Exam Preparation Courses
For those who require more structure and time blocked off in
order to prepare for their exam, a Red Seal challenge preparation course may be
the best way to establish a study routine and practice. Depending upon the
school you choose to help you with your studies, you may find prep courses in
person or online. Online courses offer the greatest flexibility of course and
that’s ideal for someone who is working in the trade during the day and
studying at night, on weekends or during breaks. Not to mention the fact that
you will be able to continue attending course sessions from anywhere that
offers an internet connection as long as you have a camera and
microphone-enabled computer.
When considering a prep course for the Red Seal challenge
exam, look for one that is taught by those who have earned their Red Seal
certification and understand the trade as well as the need to prepare for the
exam in order to the pass. You’ll also want to know that the course includes
practice exams so that you have a feel for the questions and flow of the exam
and won’t be surprised when it’s time to write it. Additionally, look for a
school that offers ways to ask questions and get instruction on the areas you
specifically need help with. There is no point in taking a one-way class where
the instructor forces information on you without learning where you need more
help! You’ll want to be able to ask for assistance in the areas that are giving
you trouble as you review the information required for the exam.
Another point to consider is to look for courses and
instructors that understand a variety of teaching methods – as mentioned,
everyone learns differently – so that there are a range of tools and tips you
can try during your studying process to determine what works best for you.
Red Seal Exam
Preparation Guides
While preparation courses are likely to offer exam guides,
you don’t need to take a course to access these materials. If you feel
confident in studying on your own without an instructor, you can download the
PDF version of the guide from the Red Seal program website at http://www.red-seal.ca/resources/g.2tr.2.1dy-eng.html.
The guide is much more than just study material. It outlines the steps needed
prior to applying to challenge the exam, special considerations when
registering for the exam and preparation tips. It also explains how to find the
breakdown of the exam’s focus and how to determine the approximate number of
questions in each area of the trade. You’ll also find information about how the
exam works, sample study plans and more within the study guide.
Get to Know the NOA
for your Trade
Within the guide and the main part of preparation courses
will focus on the NOA (National Occupation Analysis) for your specific trade.
The NOA is really a study guide in itself and can be found on the Red Seal site
within each specific trade. For example, the NOA for an Agricultural Equipment
Technician can be viewed at http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/agriequiptech/2012n.4.1_.4v.2rv.3.2w-eng.html.
Within the NOA are sub-tasks of your trade and these are what the exam
questions are based on. Sub-task sections explain the functions to be performed
by a trade and the skills needed to be competent at that trade.
Talk to Others in the
Trade
At the end of each NOA is a task profile chart that shows
all the tasks and sub-tasks needed for a trade. This can be used to do a check
of your own skills. Which tasks and sub-tasks do you feel you know well? Which
would you need to know more about in order to explain them to someone else? Use
the areas that you can’t confidently talk about and explain to identify areas where
you need more study time. Talk to your boss, review the NOA and ask colleagues
to help you better understand those sections or consider taking a prep course
to ensure those weaker spots become strengths you are confident with.
Take Sample Tests
The Red Seal site and preparation courses offer sample
tests. These are one of the most valuable study resources because they give you
a real-life idea of how the test will flow and what you can expect.
If earning your Red Seal certification is important to you,
you’ll want to get to know the NOA for your trade and start studying before you
even apply to challenge the exam. Make studying a priority and talk to others
about their study methods.
