The exam at a glance
- 130multiple-choice questions
- 70%pass mark (91 of 130 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. A formula sheet and an acronym list are provided at the sitting.
Question types: knowledge and recall 35–45%, procedural and application 45–55%, critical thinking less than 10%.
What's on the exam
The questions follow the Steamfitter/Pipefitter Red Seal Occupational Standard, grouped into major work activities. The biggest blocks are Performs layout, fabrication and piping installation (29), Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs heating, cooling and process piping systems (27), Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs low and high pressure steam and condensate systems (24).
| Block | Major work activity | Questions | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Performs common occupational skills | 16 | 12% |
| B | Performs layout, fabrication and piping installation | 29 | 22% |
| C | Performs rigging, hoisting, lifting and positioning | 15 | 12% |
| D | Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs low and high pressure steam and condensate systems | 24 | 18% |
| E | Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs heating, cooling and process piping systems | 27 | 21% |
| F | Installs, tests, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs renewable energy systems | 8 | 6% |
| G | Performs commissioning, start-up and turnover | 11 | 8% |
| Total | 130 | 100% |
How to study
- Layout, fabrication and installation (B, 29) is the biggest block. Practise offsets (45° travel = set × 1.414), take-outs, grade and reading isometrics and spool sheets.
- Steam and condensate (D, 24): know trap types and where each one fits, warm-up and drainage, water hammer, and boiler fittings and safety valves.
- Heating, cooling and process systems (E, 27) cover many small topics. Use the formula sheet: gpm × 500 × ΔT, 0.433 psi per foot of head, and force = pressure × area.
- Rigging (C, 15): know sling angles, hitches, hardware inspection and crane signals.
- 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 Steamfitter/Pipefitter question bank, not real exam questions.
Question 1 · Layout & installation
What is the "travel" in a pipe offset?
- A. The length of the straight run before it
- B. The centre-to-centre length of the angled pipe
- C. The horizontal distance of the offset
- D. The vertical rise of the offset
Show the answer
B. The centre-to-centre length of the angled pipe
Travel is the diagonal between offset fittings.
Question 2 · Low pressure steam
What is the main job of a steam trap?
- A. To lower the steam pressure to a safe level
- B. To remove condensate and air while holding back steam
- C. To add water to the boiler when it's low
- D. To stop steam from flowing backward in the line
Show the answer
B. To remove condensate and air while holding back steam
Traps discharge condensate and non-condensables while keeping steam in.
Question 3 · Rigging
What must be checked on a wire rope sling before each use?
- A. The colour of the sling to match the load weight
- B. Only the length, since wire rope does not wear out fast
- C. Broken wires, kinks, crushing, corrosion and a legible tag
- D. The date it was bought from the rigging supplier
Show the answer
C. Broken wires, kinks, crushing, corrosion and a legible tag
Inspect slings before every use and remove damaged or untagged ones.
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: Steamfitter/Pipefitter 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.
Steamfitter/Pipefitter practice questions · All study guides