The exam at a glance
- 125multiple-choice questions
- 70%pass mark (88 of 125 correct)
- 4 hourswriting time
- ~1.9 minper question on average
Every question has four options and one correct answer. There are no trick questions, and every question is worth one mark. An acronym list is provided at the sitting.
Question types: knowledge and recall 5–15%, procedural and application 40–50%, critical thinking 40–50%.
What's on the exam
The questions follow the Automotive Service Technician Red Seal Occupational Standard, grouped into major work activities. The biggest blocks are Diagnoses and repairs electrical and comfort control systems (23), Diagnoses and repairs steering, suspension, braking, control systems, tires, hubs and wheel bearings (23), Diagnoses and repairs engine and engine support systems (22).
| Block | Major work activity | Questions | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Performs common occupational skills | 9 | 7% |
| B | Diagnoses and repairs engine and engine support systems | 22 | 18% |
| C | Diagnoses and repairs vehicle module communications systems | 12 | 10% |
| D | Diagnoses and repairs driveline systems | 17 | 14% |
| E | Diagnoses and repairs electrical and comfort control systems | 23 | 18% |
| F | Diagnoses and repairs steering, suspension, braking, control systems, tires, hubs and wheel bearings | 23 | 18% |
| G | Diagnoses and repairs restraint systems, body components, accessories and trim | 10 | 8% |
| H | Diagnoses and repairs hybrid and electric vehicle systems | 9 | 7% |
| Total | 125 | 100% |
How to study
- Almost half the exam is critical thinking, so practise diagnosis: read the symptom, list the likely causes, then pick the test that proves one.
- Electrical (E) and steering, suspension and brakes (F) carry 46 questions together. Know voltage-drop testing, relay and module circuits, and brake hydraulics cold.
- Don't skip network diagnosis (C, 12 questions). Know CAN bus resistance checks, terminating resistors and what a no-communication code tells you.
- Hybrid and EV systems are 9 questions. Learn high-voltage isolation, PPE and the safe disable steps even if your shop rarely sees them.
- Do the free self-assessment on the official exam page and spend your time on the tasks you rated lowest, weighted by how many questions they carry.
- Practise every day in short sets. When you get one wrong, work out why each wrong option is wrong, not just which one is right.
Try 3 sample questions
These are original practice questions from our Automotive Service Technician question bank, not real exam questions.
Question 1 · Engine diagnosis
Cylinder 3 tests low on compression. You squirt a little oil in and retest, and the number jumps up a lot. What's the likely cause?
- A. A burnt exhaust valve
- B. A bent intake valve
- C. A head gasket leak to the next cylinder
- D. Worn or stuck piston rings
Show the answer
D. Worn or stuck piston rings
Oil temporarily seals the ring gap, so a big gain points at the rings. If valves or a head gasket were leaking, the oil wouldn't help much and the reading would stay low.
Question 2 · Network diagnosis
With the battery disconnected, you measure across CAN high and CAN low at the DLC (pins 6 and 14). What reading is normal on most high-speed CAN systems?
- A. About 120 Ω
- B. About 0 Ω
- C. About 60 Ω
- D. Open (OL)
Show the answer
C. About 60 Ω
There are two 120 Ω terminating resistors in parallel, which gives about 60 Ω. 120 Ω means one is missing, near 0 means the wires are shorted, and OL means the circuit is open.
Question 3 · Steering, suspension & brakes diagnosis
The brake pedal pulses when stopping from highway speed. What's the most likely cause?
- A. Low brake fluid
- B. Rotor thickness variation, often started by lateral runout
- C. Air in the brake lines
- D. Worn brake pads
Show the answer
B. Rotor thickness variation, often started by lateral runout
Uneven rotor thickness pushes the pistons in and out as the rotor turns, which you feel in the pedal. Runout from a dirty hub or uneven lug torque often starts it.
Every question in every trade is free for everyone until Dec 1. No sign-up needed.
Try 10 questions free, no account needed. Every question has a plain-language explanation.
Start practisingSources
- Red Seal Program: Automotive Service Technician exam information (number of questions, breakdown, question types)
- Red Seal Exam Preparation Guide (70% pass mark, four-hour writing time, format)
- SkilledTradesBC: What to expect on exam day (four-hour time limit, materials provided)
Checked October 2026. Exam details can change, so confirm with the official page and your provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority before you write. RedSkillTrade is an independent study tool and isn't affiliated with the Red Seal Program.
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