ALBERTA PLUMBER APPRENTICESHIP
Certification Exam (Third Period) Practice
(Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
1. The device that controls burner operation based on fluid temperature
is the:
A. Aquastat relay
B. Aquastat
C. Thermistor
D. Pressuretrol
Rationale: An aquastat senses water temperature and controls boiler firing.
2. What type of valve is used for balancing flow in a hydronic system?
A. Gate valve
B. Ball valve
C. Globe valve
D. Check valve
Rationale: Globe valves offer precise throttling, ideal for balancing.
3. What piping material is most common for low-pressure steam
distribution?
A. PEX
B. Steel pipe
C. Copper
D. PVC
Rationale: Steel withstands steam temperatures and pressures safely.
4. A vacuum relief valve on a water heater prevents:
A. Thermal expansion
B. Tank collapse under negative pressure
C. Excess temperature
D. Excess pressure only
,Rationale: Vacuum conditions can collapse tanks; relief valves prevent
this.
5. What is the primary purpose of a mixing valve in domestic hot water
systems?
A. Increase hot water pressure
B. Control outlet temperature
C. Eliminate air
D. Boost flow
Rationale: Mixing valves temper hot water for safety.
6. A 3" copper tube with Type L designation has:
A. Thicker walls than Type K
B. Same walls as Type M
C. Thicker walls than Type M
D. No pressure rating
Rationale: Type L is middle thickness between K and M.
7. In hydronic systems, air removal devices are installed at:
A. Coldest point
B. Hottest point
C. Lowest point
D. Any point
Rationale: Air rises to the hottest point, making removal most effective.
8. A boiler relief valve must be set no higher than:
A. 60 psi
B. 120 psi
C. The boiler’s maximum allowable working pressure
D. 250 psi
Rationale: Relief settings cannot exceed equipment MAWP.
9. What is the first step before soldering copper pipe?
A. Apply flux
B. Heat the fitting
C. Clean the pipe and fitting
, D. Apply solder
Rationale: Proper cleaning ensures strong capillary bonding.
10. The purpose of a primary-secondary piping arrangement is to:
A. Increase temperature
B. Add pressure
C. Hydraulically separate system pumps
D. Reduce pipe diameter
Rationale: It ensures pumps do not interfere with each other.
11. Which code governs plumbing installations in Alberta?
A. NEC
B. National Plumbing Code of Canada (as adopted by Alberta)
C. IRC
D. CSA B45
Rationale: Alberta uses the NPC with amendments.
12. The minimum height of a vent stack above the roof is:
A. Flush
B. 100 mm
C. 150 mm
D. 300 mm
Rationale: Standard vent termination minimum is 150 mm above roof.
13. A grease interceptor is required for:
A. Office kitchenettes
B. Commercial kitchens
C. Residential kitchens
D. Industrial plants
Rationale: Commercial food prep creates significant grease loads.
14. PEX piping is joined primarily using:
A. Threading
B. Fusion welding
C. Expansion or crimp fittings
D. Compression nuts
Rationale: PEX relies on mechanical expansion or crimp systems.
Certification Exam (Third Period) Practice
(Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
1. The device that controls burner operation based on fluid temperature
is the:
A. Aquastat relay
B. Aquastat
C. Thermistor
D. Pressuretrol
Rationale: An aquastat senses water temperature and controls boiler firing.
2. What type of valve is used for balancing flow in a hydronic system?
A. Gate valve
B. Ball valve
C. Globe valve
D. Check valve
Rationale: Globe valves offer precise throttling, ideal for balancing.
3. What piping material is most common for low-pressure steam
distribution?
A. PEX
B. Steel pipe
C. Copper
D. PVC
Rationale: Steel withstands steam temperatures and pressures safely.
4. A vacuum relief valve on a water heater prevents:
A. Thermal expansion
B. Tank collapse under negative pressure
C. Excess temperature
D. Excess pressure only
,Rationale: Vacuum conditions can collapse tanks; relief valves prevent
this.
5. What is the primary purpose of a mixing valve in domestic hot water
systems?
A. Increase hot water pressure
B. Control outlet temperature
C. Eliminate air
D. Boost flow
Rationale: Mixing valves temper hot water for safety.
6. A 3" copper tube with Type L designation has:
A. Thicker walls than Type K
B. Same walls as Type M
C. Thicker walls than Type M
D. No pressure rating
Rationale: Type L is middle thickness between K and M.
7. In hydronic systems, air removal devices are installed at:
A. Coldest point
B. Hottest point
C. Lowest point
D. Any point
Rationale: Air rises to the hottest point, making removal most effective.
8. A boiler relief valve must be set no higher than:
A. 60 psi
B. 120 psi
C. The boiler’s maximum allowable working pressure
D. 250 psi
Rationale: Relief settings cannot exceed equipment MAWP.
9. What is the first step before soldering copper pipe?
A. Apply flux
B. Heat the fitting
C. Clean the pipe and fitting
, D. Apply solder
Rationale: Proper cleaning ensures strong capillary bonding.
10. The purpose of a primary-secondary piping arrangement is to:
A. Increase temperature
B. Add pressure
C. Hydraulically separate system pumps
D. Reduce pipe diameter
Rationale: It ensures pumps do not interfere with each other.
11. Which code governs plumbing installations in Alberta?
A. NEC
B. National Plumbing Code of Canada (as adopted by Alberta)
C. IRC
D. CSA B45
Rationale: Alberta uses the NPC with amendments.
12. The minimum height of a vent stack above the roof is:
A. Flush
B. 100 mm
C. 150 mm
D. 300 mm
Rationale: Standard vent termination minimum is 150 mm above roof.
13. A grease interceptor is required for:
A. Office kitchenettes
B. Commercial kitchens
C. Residential kitchens
D. Industrial plants
Rationale: Commercial food prep creates significant grease loads.
14. PEX piping is joined primarily using:
A. Threading
B. Fusion welding
C. Expansion or crimp fittings
D. Compression nuts
Rationale: PEX relies on mechanical expansion or crimp systems.
