Study Guide

Carpenter

Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

 Apprenticeship and Certification

Study Guide

Carpenter
(Based on 2013 NOA)

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division

Version 7
April, 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 .................................................................................................................... 22
Resources – Book List.................................................................................................................... 23
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 24

Appendices:

Appendix A: Regional Offices ................................................................................................ 25

Appendix B: Calculator Use................................................................................................... 26
Appendix C: Answer Sheet Example ..................................................................................... 27
Introduction

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

Some of the specific goals of this guide are:

 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_Carpenter_2019 3
Exam Process

Before the Exam

You must contact the nearest Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Divisional office to make
request to write the IP Red Seal exam (See Appendix A for a list of regional offices). Upon
approval, the Apprenticeship Program Officer (APO) will notify you of your eligibility to write
the exam, and provide you with scheduling information.

During the Exam

You must bring:
 personal identification such as a photo or signature ID or valid Newfoundland
and Labrador driver’s license
 your notification letter

The following will be provided:

 a calculator (see Appendix B for calculator information)
 National Building Code of Canada
 all other items required such as pencils, scrap paper, etc.

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.

After the Exam

Results will be mailed to you approximately seven to ten days after completion of the exam. All
necessary instructions and information will be provided in the results letter.

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_Carpenter_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).

IP Red Seal exams contain three types of questions:

Level 1 Knowledge and Recall

Questions at this level test your ability to recall and understand definitions, facts,
and principles.

Level 2 Procedural and Application

Questions at this level test your ability to apply your knowledge of procedures to
a new situation.

Level 3 Critical Thinking

Questions at this level test your ability to interpret data, solve problems and
arrive at valid conclusions.

On the following pages, examples of each of the three types of questions are provided.

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 5
Level 1 Examples:

1. Which tool is best suited for transferring a 35° angle from a drawing to a
shop project?

A. Try square.
B. Sliding T-bevel.
C. Framing square.
D. Combination square.

2. What should be placed on top of a concrete foundation wall to isolate the

bottom plate from the concrete?

A. Sill gasket.
B. Filler strip.
C. Continuous bead of caulking.
D. 25 mm (1") of rigid insulation.

3. What is the minimum length a scaffold plank must overhang the scaffold
transom at each end?

A. 125 mm (5")
B. 150 mm (6")
C. 175 mm (7")
D. 200 mm (8")

6 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
Level 2 Examples:

1. What is the first thing that should be done before using a pneumatic tool?

A. Drain the water from the compressor.

B. Drain the oil from the compressor
C. Put a couple of drops of oil into the tool where
the air hose attaches.
D. Put a couple of drops of water into the tool
where the air hose attaches.

2. What should be done when entering a new worksite?

A. Workers should avoid all hazardous areas.

B. Workers should dress for the hazards
encountered.
C. Workers must be trained how to use their
personal protective equipment.
D. Workers must properly wear all personal
protective equipment required.

3. What should be done to fill small gaps in an insulated concrete form

system?

A. Use high expansion foam to ensure a tight seal.

B. Use a small bead of low expansion foam to
seal.
C. Fill with small amounts of concrete prior to
pouring.
D. Scribe and fit a piece of plywood to fit and the
seal gap.

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 7
Level 3 Examples:

1. What are the outside diagonal measurements of a rectangular basement

with 200 mm (8") concrete walls, whose length is 30 m (98' 5") and width is
20 m (65' 7½")?
Source of questions: www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca
Metric Imperial

A. 35.779 m A. 116' 4½"

B. 36.333 m B. 117' 2½"
C. 36.056 m C. 118' 3½"
D. 36.555 m D. 119' 11D"

2. A line on a blueprint representing a jog in a wall is drawn 4.25" long. At the

scale of ¼" = 1', how long should the dimension read for this jog?

A. 192"
B. 16'
C. 17"
D. 17'

3. A building is 5 000 mm (16' 5") wide with a 38 x 140 mm (2" x 6") mudsill
flush to the outside of the building all the way around. With no central
support members, what is the minimum supported joist length required to
frame this floor?

Metric Imperial

A. 4 796 mm A. 15' 9"

B. 4 720 mm B. 15' 7"
C. 4 800 mm C. 16'
D. 4 924 mm D. 16' 2"

Source of questions: www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

8 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
Exam Content
Understanding the National Occupational Analysis (NOA)
The NOA is a document used for Red Seal trades that describes the knowledge, skills and
abilities required by a fully competent tradesperson working in that trade. The content for the
IP Red Seal exam is based on the NOA. The NOA is an excellent tool to use as you study for the
Red Seal exam. NOAs can be found at www.red-seal.ca.

NOA material is organized into major content areas called BLOCKS. The blocks are further
broken down into TASKS and SUB-TASKS.

Blocks
 Tasks  Sub-tasks
NOA Blocks

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 9
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, 14% of the questions on the
Carpenter Exam will be based on Block A.

Carpenter

Block Titles
Block A Common Occupational Skills Block E Exterior Finish
Block B Planning and Layout Block F Interior Finish
Block C Concrete Block G Renovations
Block D Framing

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Exam Breakdown
The Carpenter IP Red Seal Exam has 100 questions. The following table shows a breakdown of
the approximate number of questions that come from each NOA block. It is important to note
that the 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 for
phone numbers).
# of Questions
Block A Common Occupational Skills 14
Task 1 Uses and maintains tools and equipment
Task 2 Performs safety related activities
Task 3 Uses building materials
Task 4 Builds and uses temporary access structures
Block B Planning and Layout 18
Task 5 Interprets documentation
Task 6 Organizes work
Task 7 Performs layout
Block C Concrete 15
Task 8 Constructs formwork
Task 9 Installs concrete, cement-based and epoxy products
Block D Framing 17
Task 10 Constructs floor systems
Task 11 Constructs deck systems
Task 12 Constructs wall systems
Task 13 Constructs roof and ceiling systems
Block E Exterior Finish 13
Task 14 Installs exterior doors and windows
Task 15 Installs roofing
Task 16 Installs exterior finishes
Block F Interior Finish 13
Task 17 Applies wall and ceiling finishes
Task 18 Installs flooring
Task 19 Installs interior doors and windows
Task 20 Constructs and installs finish components and stairs
Block G Renovations 10
Task 21 Performs renovation-specific support activities
Task 22 Performs renovation-specific construction activities
Total 100

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 11
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.

12 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
 Task Profile Checklist
Based on 2013 NOA
Carpenter

Block A: Common Occupational Skills

 Task 1: Uses and Maintains Tools and Equipment

 Uses hand, power and pneumatic tools

 Uses stationary tools
 Uses powder-actuated tools
Sub-Tasks

 Uses lifting, rigging and hoisting equipment

 Uses layout instruments
 Uses tack welding equipment (NOT COMMON CORE)
 Uses torch cutting equipment (NOT COMMON CORE)
 Task 2: Performs Safety Related Activities

 Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment

Sub-Tasks

 Maintains a safe work environment

 Task 3: Uses Building Materials

 Installs fasteners, adhesives and connectors

Sub-Tasks

 Installs membranes and sealants

 Installs foundation protection
 Installs insulating materials
 Task 4: Builds and Uses Temporary Access Structures

 Uses stationary access equipment

 Uses mobile access equipment
Sub-Tasks

 Erects/dismantles scaffolding
 Modifies specialized scaffolding

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 13
Block B: Planning and Layout

 Task 5: Interprets Documentation

 Interprets project drawings

 Interprets specifications
Sub-Tasks

 Interprets safety documentation

 Interprets workplace documentation

 Task 6: Organizes Work

 Schedules work sequence

 Performs site preparation
Sub-Tasks

 Performs quantity take off

 Organizes material

 Task 7: Performs Layout

 Performs site layout

 Lays out concrete formwork
 Lays out floor systems
 Lays out deck systems
Sub-Tasks

 Lays out wall systems

 Las out ceiling systems
 Lays out roof systems
 Lays out stairs

14 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
Block C: Concrete

 Task 8: Constructs Formwork

 Erects excavation shoring and underpinning

 Erects concrete falsework
 Constructs footing forms
 Constructs wall and grade beam formwork
Sub-Tasks

 Constructs slab-on-grade formwork

 Constructs column formwork
 Constructs stair formwork
 Installs embedded steel
 Dismantles formwork

 Task 9: Installs Concrete, Cement-based and Epoxy Products

 Places concrete
 Facilitates curing of concrete
Sub-Tasks

 Performs basic concrete finishing

 Installs pre-cast components
 Installs grout

Block D: Framing

 Task 10: Constructs Floor Systems

 Installs engineered floor systems

Sub-Tasks

 Constructs dimensional lumber floor framing

 Task 11: Constructs Deck Systems

 Installs engineered wall systems

Sub-Tasks

 Constructs dimensional lumber wall framing

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 15
Block D: Framing (Cont’d)

 Task 12: Constructs Wall Systems

 Installs engineered wall systems

Sub-Tasks

 Constructs dimensional lumber wall framing

 Task 13: Constructs Roof and Ceiling Systems

 Installs engineered trusses

Sub-Tasks

 Constructs roof and ceiling framing

Block E: Exterior Finish

 Task 14: Installs Exterior Doors and Windows

 Installs exterior jambs/frames

 Installs exterior doors
Sub-Tasks

 Installs specialty exterior doors

 Installs exterior windows
 Installs exterior door and window hardware

 Task 15: Installs Roofing

 Installs roofing components

Sub-Tasks

 Installs roof coverings

 Task 16: Finishes Exterior Walls and Cornices

 Installs exterior wall trims

Sub-Tasks

 Installs exterior wall coverings

16 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
Block F: Interior Finish

 Task 17: Applies Wall/Ceiling Finishes

 Installs wallboard
 Applies wall compound
Sub-Tasks

 Installs panels, tiles and solid wood finishes

 Installs suspended ceilings
 Installs demountable wall systems

 Task 18: Installs Flooring

 Installs underlayment
Sub-Tasks

 Installs floor coverings

 Installs access flooring

 Task 19: Installs Interior Doors and Windows

 Installs interior jambs/frames

Sub-Tasks

 Installs interior doors

 Installs interior windows
 Installs interior door and window hardware
 Task 20: Constructs and Installs Finish Components and Stairs

 Fabricates finish components

Sub-Tasks

 Installs finish components and accessories

 Constructs stairs

Block G: Renovations

 Task 20: Performs Renovation-Specific Support Activities

 Removes existing material

Sub-Tasks

 Protects structure during renovations

 Task 21: Performs Renovation-Specific Construction Activities

 Joins new construction to old
Sub-Tasks

 Changes existing structure during renovations

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 17
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.

18 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
 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.

Study Strategies and Exam Preparation Guide

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.
Exam Preparation Guide website:
https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/app/publications/exam_prep_guide.pdf

Plan of Training (POT)

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.

POT Website: https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/app/plans.html

Red Seal Website

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.

Red Seal Website: www.red-seal.ca

Carpenter PRACTICE Exam

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.

Sample questions can be found at:

www.red-seal.ca/s.1mpl.2.2x.1mQ.5.2st.3.4ns-eng.html?tid=38

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/carpenters/2013n.4.1_.1ppb_gl.4ss.1ry-eng.html

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 22
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.

Block Block Block Block Block Block

Book
A B C D E F
Canadian Wood frame House Construction      
Carpentry Textbook      
Modern Cabinetmaking 
National Building Code of Canada      
The Use of Hand Woodworking Tools      
Individual Learning Modules (see
     
information below)

If you wish to obtain any of the resources listed above, here is the reference information:
 Canadian Wood frame House Construction, Gage Publishing, 660176033
 Carpentry Textbook, National Research Council, ISBN 978-0-17-610526-6
 Modern Cabinetmaking, Goodheart-Wilcox, ISBN 1-56637-271-2
 National Building Code of Canada, ISBN 0-660-19425-2
 The Use of Hand Woodworking Tools, Nelson Thomson Learning,
ISBN 0-8273-1098-6

23 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
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_Carpenter_2019 24
Appendix A: Regional Offices

If you have any questions regarding your IP Red Seal exam, please contact one of the following
regional offices:

Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Toll Free: 1-877-771-3737
https://www.aesl.gov.nl.ca/app/contact.html

Corner Brook Grand Falls-Windsor

1-3 Union Street 42 Hardy Avenue

Aylward Building, 2nd Floor Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
Corner Brook, NL A2H 5M7 A2A 2J9

Telephone: (709) 637-2366 Telephone: (709) 292-4215

Facsimile: (709) 637-2519 Facsimile: (709) 292-4502

Clarenville St. John’s

45 Tilley’s Road P.O. Box 8700

Clarenville, NL 1170 Topsail Road
A5A 1Z4 Mount Pearl, NL A1B 4J6

Telephone: (709) 466-3982 Telephone: (709) 729-2729

Facsimile: (709) 466-3987 Facsimile: (709) 729-5878

Happy Valley – Goose Bay

163 Hamilton River Road

Bursey Building
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL
A0P 1E0

Telephone: (709) 896-6348

Facsimile: (709) 896-3733

25 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
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.

Study Guide_Carpenter_2019 26
Appendix C: Answer Sheet Example
With your exam you will be given an answer sheet like 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.

27 Study Guide_Carpenter_2019
 Feedback Form
Study Guide - Carpenter

Please answer the following:

(1) This Study Guide is a useful tool for exam preparation.

 strongly agree  agree  disagree  strongly disagree

(2) The topics contained in the guide are arranged in a logical order.
 strongly agree  agree  disagree  strongly disagree

(3) The design and format of the guide caught my attention.

 strongly agree  agree  disagree  strongly disagree

(4) The instructions throughout the guide are clear and to the point.
 strongly agree  agree  disagree  strongly disagree

(5) The resources listed in this guide are suitable and valuable.
 strongly agree  agree  disagree  strongly disagree

(6) The guide should contain more information.

 strongly agree  agree  disagree  strongly disagree

Suggested information/resources to include:

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 Division
Standards and Curriculum Unit
45 Tilley’s Road, Clarenville, NL A5A 1Z4
Fax: (709) 466-3987