Canada · Trade examWhat's on the HVAC Red Seal exam?
The 125 questions are split across six areas:
| Major work activity | Questions |
|---|---|
| Performs maintenance and service | 28 |
| Performs installation | 26 |
| Performs commissioning | 21 |
| Performs routine trade activities | 19 |
| Plans installation | 18 |
| Performs common occupational skills | 13 |
Half or more of the questions are procedural and application (50 to 60%), 20 to 30% are knowledge and recall, and 10 to 20% critical thinking.
Which standard is the exam based on?
The previous one. A new standard for the trade is out, but red-seal.ca says current Red Seal exams still use the previous standard while new exams are developed.
Formulas and acronyms
A math formulas section is posted on the exam page and handed out at the exam: measurement units, conversion factors, constants, value symbols, and general, total thermal, area and volume formulas. An acronym list is provided too.
Where it's Red Seal
In all 13 provinces and territories, under these titles:
| Province or territory | Trade title |
|---|---|
| Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, N.W.T., Nunavut, P.E.I., Saskatchewan, Yukon | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic |
| New Brunswick | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician |
| Ontario | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic |
| Quebec | Refrigeration Mechanic; Class 1 refrigeration systems (non-construction) |
Sources: Red Seal and 1 more. Checked October 2026.
- Red Seal: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic ↗
- Red Seal: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic exam information ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.
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