Red Seal Plumber Exam Prep (Online)

Red Seal Plumber Exam Prep Overview

The Red Seal Plumber Examination Preparation course is designed based on the competencies listed in the trade’s Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS). The course will help students review all the trade-specific concepts and theories they will need to challenge and successfully pass the Red Seal Examination.

This intensive review course is for participants who have the requisite theoretical and practical knowledge and have met the challenge requirements to write the exam. The course will guide candidates and help them with the preparation material for the exam to become a Red Seal Plumber.

Students will have eight weeks to complete the course.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:  

• Understand the components and structure of the Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) and its relation to the Red Seal Exam
• Identify knowledge gaps through review of sub-tasks
• Review and demonstrate understanding of content as related to sub-tasks outlined in the RSOS
• Develop an approach to answering multiple choice questions
• Develop a strategic personal study plan to prepare for the Red Seal Exam
• Create study notes and guides to prepare for the Red Seal Exam

Topics Covered

• Session 1 – Common Occupational Skills
• Session 2 – Pipe Assembly
• Session 3 – Sewer installation, treatment systems, drainage, waste and vents
• Session 4 – Water Service and Distribution
• Session 5 – Plumbing fixtures and appliances, water treatment
• Session 6 – Low pressure steam, hydronic heating and cooling systems
• Session 7 – Fire protection and sandpipe systems
• Session 8 – Specialized plumbing systems

Admission Requirements

None

Becoming a Plumber as a Career Choice

Plumbers install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems such as water, hydronic, drain, waste and vent (DWV), low pressure steam, residential fire, chemical and irrigation. They also install specialized systems such as medical gas, process piping, compressed air, water conditioners, fuel piping, sewage and water treatment, and storage and flow equipment.

Plumbers may be employed by plumbing/mechanical contractors, service companies, and maintenance departments of manufacturing, commercial, health care and educational facilities. They may also be self employed.

What Do Plumbers Do?

Plumbers interpret drawings, refer to layouts of existing services, and review applicable codes and specifications to determine work details and procedures. They locate and mark positions for fixtures, pipe connections and sleeves, and cut openings to accommodate pipe and fittings. Plumbers install piping and equipment in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and sites.

Plumbers use a variety of tools and equipment such as hand and power tools, welding and soldering/brazing equipment, and hoisting and lifting equipment to perform the tasks in their trade. To perform some tasks or use some equipment, specific certification may be required. Plumbers work with a variety of piping materials such as copper, steel, plastic, glass, cast iron, cement, fibreglass and specialty materials.

Before assembling and fitting pipe sections, tubing and fittings, the pipes must be measured, cut and bent as required. Joining pipe may be done by various means, such as threading, using mechanical joints, welding, soldering/brazing and using fastening materials and compounds.

Plumbers test and commission systems to ensure proper operation. They perform scheduled, unscheduled and emergency maintenance and repair. Safety awareness is essential for plumbers. They may work indoors or outdoors and working conditions vary from one job to another.

Required Skills

The work of plumbers can be physically demanding. Plumbers often need to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment. While performing their duties, plumbers are also required to do considerable standing, climbing and kneeling. They may work at heights and in confined spaces. Special precautions may have to be taken when working with fluids, gases, steam and hazardous elements. Plumbers need to assess the systems and the environment to identify possible dangers.

Key attributes for people entering this trade are good mechanical, mathematical and spatial visualization skills. Plumbers also need good communication skills to communicate with co-workers and clients. Analytical/problem solving skills are required to interpret building plans, inspect piping systems and diagnose system faults and malfunctions. This standard recognizes some similarities or overlaps with the work of gasfitters, steamfitters/pipefitters, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics and sprinkler system installers.

Career Options

With experience, plumbers act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also move into other positions such as instructors, inspectors, estimators and project managers.

Note: Before registering for any Red Seal Exam Preparation courses, please contact your local trades authority to confirm your eligibility to write the relevant Red Seal Exam.