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. A formula sheet and an acronym list are provided at the sitting.
Question types: knowledge and recall 40–50%, procedural and application 35–45%, critical thinking 10–20%.
What's on the exam
The questions follow the Welder Red Seal Occupational Standard, grouped into major work activities. The biggest blocks are Welding processes (54), Performs layout and fabrication of components for welding (28), Performs cutting and gouging (23).
| Block | Major work activity | Questions | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Performs common occupational skills | 20 | 16% |
| B | Performs layout and fabrication of components for welding | 28 | 22% |
| C | Performs cutting and gouging | 23 | 18% |
| D | Welding processes (SMAW, FCAW/MCAW/GMAW, GTAW, SAW) | 54 | 43% |
| Total | 125 | 100% |
How to study
- Welding processes (D) are 54 of 125 questions. Know electrode and wire classifications, polarity, shielding gases and the cause of each common defect.
- Up to half the exam is knowledge and recall. Flash cards work well for symbols, AWS and CSA classifications and acronyms.
- Layout and fabrication (B, 28) includes pipe and plate math. Practise circumference, arc length, elbow cut angles and weld symbol reading.
- Cutting and gouging (C, 23): know oxy-fuel set-up and flame types, plasma and air carbon arc settings, and safe cylinder handling.
- 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 Welder question bank, not real exam questions.
Question 1 · Tools & equipment
You close the torch valves, and the oxygen regulator's delivery gauge keeps slowly climbing. What's going on?
- A. That's normal, so just back the adjusting screw off every so often
- B. The cylinder is overfilled, so crack the valve to bleed some off
- C. The hose is too long for the regulator, so swap in a shorter one
- D. The regulator seat is leaking (creeping); tag it out for repair
Show the answer
D. The regulator seat is leaking (creeping); tag it out for repair
Pressure that keeps rising with the torch shut means gas is getting past the regulator seat. A creeping regulator can over-pressure the hose and torch. Take it out of service and have it repaired by someone qualified.
Question 2 · Layout
What's the outside circumference of a pipe with a 168.3 mm OD? (Use π = 3.1416.)
- A. 264.4 mm
- B. 484.1 mm
- C. 1 057.5 mm
- D. 528.7 mm
Show the answer
D. 528.7 mm
Circumference = π x diameter = 3.1416 x 168.3 = 528.7 mm. A wraparound template for an outside cut-line is laid out on the OD.
Question 3 · SMAW (stick)
You're running 120 A at 24 V with a travel speed of 150 mm/min. What's the heat input in kJ/mm?
- A. About 19.2 kJ/mm
- B. About 1 152 kJ/mm
- C. About 1.15 kJ/mm
- D. About 0.12 kJ/mm
Show the answer
C. About 1.15 kJ/mm
Heat input = (amps x volts x 60) / (travel speed in mm/min x 1 000) = 120 x 24 x 60 / 150 000 ≈ 1.15 kJ/mm. Some procedures also apply a process efficiency factor.
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: Welder 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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