Study Guide Heavy Duty Equipment Technician: Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Study Guide Heavy Duty Equipment Technician: Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Study Guide
Version 7
March 2019
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
Exam Process .................................................................................................................................. 4
Before the Exam.......................................................................................................................... 4
During the Exam.......................................................................................................................... 4
After the Exam ............................................................................................................................ 4
Exam Format ................................................................................................................................... 5
Exam Content .................................................................................................................................. 9
Understanding the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) ........................................................ 9
Exam Breakdown ...................................................................................................................... 11
NOA Sub-tasks........................................................................................................................... 12
Task Profile Checklist ................................................................................................................ 13
Create a Study Plan ....................................................................................................................... 18
Resources - Websites .................................................................................................................... 21
Resources – Book List.................................................................................................................... 22
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 23
Appendices
This Study Guide has been developed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, to
assist apprentices and trade qualifiers as they prepare to write the Interprovincial (IP) Red Seal
Exam. IP Exams are available for all Red Seal trades. For a list of Interprovincial trades please
refer to the Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour website:
https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/app/trades.html
to help you understand the skills and knowledge that might be covered on the exam
to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses
to provide organization and structure for a course of study
to provide a list of resources to help you with your study plan
to support and supplement the teaching and learning process
This study guide outlines the theoretical portion of the program. The intent is not to replace
technical training provided under the guidance of instructors. Rather, it is a tool to be used in
conjunction with formal training.
Study Guide_HeavyDutyEquipmentTechnician_2019 3
Exam Process
Important Note:
Personal cell phones, calculators, or other electronic equipment are NOT allowed into the
exam room. If you do bring them, they will be stored away and returned to you when you
have completed the exam.
The percentage mark you obtained will be provided. You will also be given a section by section
breakdown, showing how many questions were in each section, as well as the number of
questions in each section you completed successfully.
If you are successful in obtaining a 70% or more on your exam, you will be issued a
Newfoundland and Labrador Certificate of Qualification with a Red Seal endorsement.
4 Study Guide_HeavyDutyEquipmentTechnician_2019
Exam Format
All IP Red Seal exams are written in multiple choice format. Each exam has between 100 and
150 questions. A multiple choice question consists of a stem (a complete question) followed by
four options (A, B, C, D). The stem contains all the information necessary to answer the
question. The options consist of the one correct answer and three “distracters.” Distracters
are incorrect. (See Appendix C for a sample answer sheet).
Level 1 Examples:
Study Guide_HeavyDutyEquipmentTechnician_2019 5
2. Why adjust crossheads after reassembling an engine?
3. How many U-bolt clips are required for 1.5 inch diameter rope?
A. 7.
B. 6.
C. 5.
D. 4.
Level 2 Examples:
A. 52.
B. 44.
C. 23.
D. 17.
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3. M
A. Electric motor.
B. Non-electric prime mover.
C. Pneumatic pressure source.
D. Hydraulic pressure source.
Level 3 Examples:
1. A diesel engine equipped with a governor has a high idle speed of 2150
rpm and a rated speed of 1995 rpm.
2. A diesel engine equipped with a governor has a high idle speed of 2125
rpm and a rated speed of 2075 rpm.
A. 4.3.
B. 6.4.
C. 0.6.
D. 2.4.
Study Guide_HeavyDutyEquipmentTechnician_2019 7
3. What should an Ohmmeter read when placed across a new fusible link?
A. Almost zero.
B. Infinity.
C. 12 Volts.
D. 24 Volts.
Source of questions:
www.red-seal.ca/s.1mpl.2.2x.1mQ.5.2st.3.4ns-eng.html?tid=101
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Exam Content
NOA material is organized into major content areas called BLOCKS. The blocks are further
broken down into TASKS and SUB-TASKS.
Blocks Sub-tasks
Tasks
NOA Blocks
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NOA Pie Chart
The NOA Pie Chart presents the block percentages in the form of a pie chart which tells you the
approximate number of questions from each block. For example, 8% of the questions on the
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Exam will be based on Block A.
H A
G 5% 8%
6%
B
F
16%
18%
E
14% C
19%
D
14%
Block Titles
Steering, Suspension, Brake Systems,
Block A Common Occupational Skills Block E
Wheel Assemblies and Undercarriage
Engines and Engine Support Electrical and Vehicle Management
Block B Block F
Systems Systems
Hydraulic, Hydrostatic and
Block C Block G Environmental Control Systems
Pneumatic Systems
Structural Components, Accessories and
Block D Drive Train Systems Block H
Attachments
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Exam Breakdown
The Heavy Duty Equipment Technician exam currently has 135 questions. The following table
shows a breakdown of the number of questions that come from each NOA block. It is
important to note that the exact number of questions can change at any time. When you are
ready to write your exam, you may contact your regional office to verify the number of
questions (See Appendix A).
# of
Questions
Block A Common Occupational Skills 11
Task 1 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
Task 2 Performs general maintenance and inspections
Task 3 Organizes work
Task 4 Performs routine trade activities
Block B Engines and Engine Support Systems 21
Task 5 Diagnoses engines and engine support systems
Task 6 Repairs engines and engine support systems
Block C Hydraulic, Hydrostatic and Pneumatic Systems 26
Task 7 Diagnoses hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems
Task 8 Repairs hydraulic, hydrostatic and pneumatic systems
Block D Drive Train Systems 18
Task 9 Diagnoses drive train systems
Task 10 Repairs drive train systems
Block E Steering, Suspension, Brake Systems, Wheel Assemblies and Undercarriage 20
Diagnoses steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and
Task 11
undercarriage
Task 12 Repairs steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and undercarriage
Block F Electrical and Vehicle Management Systems 24
Task 13 Diagnoses electrical systems
Task 14 Repairs electrical systems
Task 15 Diagnoses electronic vehicle management systems
Task 16 Repairs electronic vehicle management systems
Block G Environmental Control Systems 8
Task 17 Diagnoses environmental control systems
Task 18 Repairs environmental control systems
Block H Structural Components, Accessories and Attachments 7
Task 19 Diagnoses structural components, accessories and attachments
Task 20 Repairs structural components, accessories and attachments
Total 135
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NOA Sub-tasks
The following NOA Task Profile Checklist outlines the blocks, tasks and sub-tasks for your trade.
The IP Red Seal exam is written to test your knowledge and abilities regarding the sub-tasks in
the NOA. This chart can be used to review your current knowledge. You can review by placing
a checkmark () next to those you understand fully.
Place your focus on those you do not understand and study them until you are comfortable
with the material. Think of possible questions in that particular content area.
The NOA also contains a list of “supporting knowledge and abilities” for each sub-task. They
are the skills and knowledge you must have to perform a sub-task. The supporting knowledge
and abilities identified under each sub-task will be very helpful as you review. The list can be
found in the NOA for your trade.
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Task Profile Checklist
Based on 2014 NOA
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Maintains fluids
Services fasteners, sealing devices, adhesives and gaskets
Services hoses, tubing, piping and fittings
Sub-Tasks
Heats materials
Cools materials
Sub-Tasks
Cuts materials
Welds materials
Cleans parts and materials
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Block B: Engines and Engine Support Systems
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Block D: Drive Train Systems
Task 11: Diagnoses steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and
undercarriage
Task 12: Repairs steering, suspension, brake systems, wheel assemblies and
undercarriage
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Block F: Electrical and Vehicle Management Systems
Monitors parameters
Interprets test results
Tests system circuitry and components
Task 16: Repairs electronic vehicle management systems
Sub-Tasks
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Block H: Structural Components, Accessories and Attachments
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Create a Study Plan
As you prepare for your exam, it is important to plan a schedule. The following two tables will
help you stay on track.
The first table is a “Weekly Study Plan.” In this table list the areas you will focus your study
for each day. You should include items you need to review as well as items you need to study.
Remember, more time will be needed for study in areas you find difficult, whereas you may
only require review in areas you are more familiar with. As you work through the NOA sub-
task list you can start to fill in this table.
The second table is a “Study Time Table.” It is important to create a study schedule where
you determine the best days of the week and times of day for you to study.
Print several copies of these tables and fill out for each week of study. It is important to stick
to your study schedule.
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Weekly Study Plan for Week of: _________________________________________
Area of Study 1 Area of Study 2 Area of Study 3 Area of Study 4 Area of Study 5 Area of Study 6
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Study Time Table for Week of: _________________________________________
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
8:00 AM -
9:00 AM
9:00 AM -
10:00 AM
10:00 AM -
11:00 AM
11:00 AM -
12:00 Noon
12:00 Noon
1:00 PM
1:00 PM -
2:00 PM
2:00 PM -
3:00 PM
3:00 PM -
4:00 PM
4:00 PM -
5:00 PM
5:00 PM -
6:00 PM
6:00 PM -
7:00 PM
7:00 PM -
8:00 PM
Resources - Websites
Study information can be drawn from a variety of sources. A sample list of study materials (websites
and books) is provided below. These and other helpful resources may be found in a local college
bookstore, on the internet, or at your place of employment. You may also be able to borrow them
from an apprentice or journeyperson in your trade.
The Study Strategies & Exam Preparation Guide is meant to be used in conjunction with this study
guide. It provides direction and information on such areas as study habits, test preparation and test
taking techniques.
A Provincial Plan of Training details the full scope of learning for a particular occupation, including both
technical training competencies and industry experiences necessary to write an IP Red Seal exam (and
complete the requirements for Red Seal Certification), or to write a provincial examination. The Plan of
Training is based on the NOA.
National Occupational Analysis - The NOA is a document used for Red Seal trades that describes the
knowledge and abilities required by a fully competent tradesperson working in that trade. The content
for the IP exam is based on the NOA.
This is NOT an IP exam. This is a practice exam provided by the Inter-provincial Standards Red Seal
program. It was developed using similar question types to that of a Red Seal exam. The exam is
intended to be used for self-assessment in preparation for writing an IP Exam.
Glossary of Terms
The Red Seal website also lists a Glossary of Terms which will be helpful in preparing for your IP exam:
www.red-seal.ca/trades/heavydutyequiptech/2014n.4.1_.1ppb_gl.4ss.1ry-eng.html
Study Guide_HeavyDutyEquipmentTechnician_2019 21
Resources – Book List
The books listed below are sorted according to NOA blocks as referenced throughout this
study guide. You can use this list to help you obtain information on specific topics. It is not
necessary to use these books specifically, as you may find others that will be equally beneficial.
BOOK BLOCK
A B C D E F G H
Modern Diesel Technology (MDT): Electricity and Electronics
MDT: Diesel Engines
MDT: Brakes, Steering and Suspension Systems
MDT: Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis
MDT: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
MDT: Heavy Equipment Systems
th
Diesel Mechanics, 4 edition
Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Engines, Fuel & Computerized
rd
Management Systems, 3 edition
Canadian Truck and Transport Technician: Inter-provincial
Certificate of Qualification Test Preparation
If you wish to obtain any of the resources listed above, here is the reference information:
Modern Diesel Technology: Electricity and Electronics, Delmar Gengage Learning, Bennett, ISBN
1-4018-801304
Modern Diesel Technology: Diesel Engines, Delmar Gengage Learning, Spears, ISBN 1-4018-
9809-2
Modern Diesel Technology: Brakes, Steering and Suspension Systems, Delmar Gengage
Learning, Bennett, ISBN 1-4180-1372-2
Modern Diesel Technology: Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis, Delmar Gengage Learning,
Bennett, ISBN 1-4018-7079-1
Modern Diesel Technology: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Delmar
Gengage Learning, Dixon, ISBN 1-4018-7849-0
Modern Diesel Technology: Heavy Equipment Systems, Delmar Gengage Learning, 2009,
Bennett, Huzij and Spano, ISBN 1-4180-0950-4
Diesel Mechanics, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill, 1999, Evridge and Schulz, ISBN 0-02-803462-7
Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Engines, Fuel & Computerized Management Systems, 3rd edition,
Delmar Gengage Learning, 2009, Bennett, ISBN 1-4283-6666-0
Canadian Truck and Transport Technician: Interprovincial Certificate of Qualification Test
Preparation, Centennial College Press, 2003, Bennett, Parsons and Restoule, ISBN 0-919852-
44-0 ** (85% of the Heavy Duty content is covered here).
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Disclaimer
Various external resources (websites, textbooks) have been listed in this study guide to assist an
individual in preparing to write an IP Red Seal Exam. This does not mean the Department of
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Newfoundland and Labrador endorses the material or
that these are recommended as the best resources. There may be other resources of equal or
greater value to an individual preparing for an IP Red Seal exam. The Department of Advanced
Education, Skills and Labour has no control over the content of external textbooks and websites
listed, and no responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of the material.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has provided you with some useful tools as you prepare for your IP Red Seal
exam. If you have any questions regarding your IP Red Seal exam please contact your regional
office (see Appendix A for a list of regional offices).
We appreciate your comments and feedback regarding the usefulness of this study guide. If
you have any comments or suggestions, we welcome your feedback. The feedback form at the
end of this guide can be used for this purpose.
Study Guide_HeavyDutyEquipmentTechnician_2019 23
Appendix A: Regional Offices
If you have any questions regarding your IP Red Seal exam, please contact one of the following
regional offices:
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Appendix B: Calculator Use
The picture below shows a calculator with the same functions as the one you will be provided
with during your exam. It is advisable to borrow or purchase one with similar functions so that
you can familiarize yourself with it before you write your exam.
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Appendix C: Answer Sheet Example
With your exam you will be given an answer sheet similar to the one below. When answering
multiple choice questions be sure to fill the circle completely and fill the circle that corresponds
to the question on the exam.
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Feedback Form
Study Guide – Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
(2) The topics contained in the guide are arranged in a logical order.
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(4) The instructions throughout the guide are clear and to the point.
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(5) The resources listed in this guide are suitable and valuable.
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Additional Comments:
Please complete this form and return via fax or mail to the following:
Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Education
Standards and Curriculum Unit
45 Tilley’s Road, Clarenville, NL A5A 1Z4
Fax: (709) 466-3987