Canada · Trade examWhat's on the carpenter Red Seal exam?
Framing comes first, but every area has at least 10 questions:
| Major work activity | Questions |
|---|---|
| Framing | 20 |
| Concrete work | 16 |
| Planning and layout | 14 |
| Exterior finishing | 14 |
| Interior finishing | 14 |
| Common occupational skills | 12 |
| Renovations | 10 |
This exam is about doing the work: 75 to 85% of questions are procedural and application, 5 to 15% knowledge and recall, and under 10% critical thinking.
The formula sheet
You get a formula sheet at the exam, and it's posted on the exam page in advance: area, circumference, the Pythagorean theorem, rafter rise and run, and cube and cylinder volume. On rafter and layout questions, the skill being tested is choosing the right formula and applying it.
Getting your carpentry Red Seal
Each province sets its own hours and evidence rules, so start with your authority.
- Apprentices: finish your training, then write the exam at the end.
- Experienced carpenters: apply to your authority to challenge the exam.
- Pass with 70% or more.
Sources: Red Seal and 2 more. Checked October 2026.
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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