The exam at a glance
- 135multiple-choice questions
- 70%pass mark (95 of 135 correct)
- 4 hourswriting time
- ~1.8 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 45–55%, critical thinking 35–45%.
What's on the exam
The questions follow the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Red Seal Occupational Standard, grouped into major work activities. The biggest blocks are Services, diagnoses and repairs electrical and electronic systems (25), Services, diagnoses and repairs hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems (25), Services, diagnoses and repairs engines and supporting systems (20).
| Block | Major work activity | Questions | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Performs common occupational skills | 10 | 7% |
| B | Services, diagnoses and repairs engines and supporting systems | 20 | 15% |
| C | Services, diagnoses and repairs steering, suspension, brake and undercarriage systems, and wheel assemblies | 16 | 12% |
| D | Services, diagnoses and repairs electrical and electronic systems | 25 | 19% |
| E | Services, diagnoses and repairs drivetrain systems | 17 | 13% |
| F | Services, diagnoses and repairs environmental control systems | 9 | 7% |
| G | Services, diagnoses and repairs hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems | 25 | 19% |
| H | Services, diagnoses and repairs structural components, operator stations, attachments and accessories | 9 | 7% |
| I | Services, diagnoses and repairs hybrid and all-electric equipment | 4 | 3% |
| Total | 135 | 100% |
How to study
- Electrical (D) and hydraulics, hydrostatics and pneumatics (G) are 25 questions each. Know charging and starting tests, sensor circuits, pump and valve types, and relief and load-sense systems.
- Up to 45% of questions are critical thinking. Practise symptom-to-cause reasoning: what would you check first, and what result points where.
- Engines and supporting systems (B, 20) include aftertreatment. Know DPF, DOC, SCR and EGR operation and the faults that set them off.
- Learn drivetrain power flow (E, 17), from torque converters through powershift transmissions to final drives, so you can trace a fault.
- 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 Heavy Duty Equipment Technician question bank, not real exam questions.
Question 1 · Base engines
A diesel has heavy blow-by and is using oil, but the coolant is fine. What's the most likely cause?
- A. A bad oil pressure sender
- B. A leaking EGR cooler pressurizing the crankcase
- C. Worn rings or cylinder liners
- D. A cracked air cleaner
Show the answer
C. Worn rings or cylinder liners
Combustion gases get past worn rings and liners into the crankcase. That makes blow-by and pushes oil out the breather. Oil also gets into the cylinders and burns.
Question 2 · Charging
On a 24 V machine at high idle, the battery reads 24.2 V. What does that tell you?
- A. That's normal
- B. The batteries are fully charged and the regulator has cut the alternator back
- C. It's overcharging
- D. It's not charging; 24 V systems should read about 27–28.5 V
Show the answer
D. It's not charging; 24 V systems should read about 27–28.5 V
The alternator must put out above battery voltage. At 24.2 V the batteries are only resting. Check the belt, wiring and alternator output.
Question 3 · Heating
The cab heater is weak. The heater inlet hose is hot but the outlet is cold. What does that point to?
- A. A restricted heater core or heater valve
- B. A dead blower motor
- C. Low refrigerant
- D. A stuck-open engine thermostat keeping coolant cool
Show the answer
A. A restricted heater core or heater valve
A big temperature difference means little coolant is flowing through the core. Check the valve, then flush or replace the core.
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: Heavy Duty Equipment 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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