What's on the Red Seal Cook exam
150 questions across 13 areas of the trade. Here is how many each area carries, what it covers, and free practice questions for every one.
The Red Seal Cook exam is written from the Red Seal Occupational Standard for Cook, which divides the trade into 13 major work activities. The official exam breakdown sets how many questions come from each, so it pays to study in proportion.
The biggest areas are meats, game, poultry, game birds and variety meats (16), fish and seafood (15) and hygiene, sanitation and safety (13).
The 13 exam areas
- AHygiene, sanitation and safetyWorkplace safety, personal hygiene, and the food safety practices that keep guests safe.13 questions
- BCommon occupational skillsThe tools, organization, costing, and communication skills every cook uses daily.11 questions
- CProduceHerbs, spices, vegetables, and fruit: identification, preparation, and cooking.12 questions
- DStocks, broths and soupsThe foundations of the kitchen, from stocks and broths to every family of soup.12 questions
- ESaucesThickening agents, the mother sauces and their derivatives, and contemporary sauces.13 questions
- FCheese, dairy, plant-based dairy alternatives, eggs and egg productsCheese, dairy, plant-based alternatives, and egg cookery.10 questions
- GPastas, noodles, stuffed pastas and dumplingsFresh and dried pasta, noodles, stuffed pastas, and dumplings.10 questions
- HGrains, pulses, seeds, nuts and alternative proteinsGrains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and plant-based proteins.11 questions
- IMeats, game, poultry, game birds and variety meatsMeat, game, poultry, and variety meats: fabrication, cooking, and doneness.16 questions
- JFish and seafoodFin fish, shellfish, and seafood: quality, fabrication, and cooking.15 questions
- KSalads and sandwichesSalads, sandwiches, condiments, preserves, and dressings.9 questions
- LSpecialty preparationHors d'oeuvres, charcuterie, gels, glazes, marinades, rubs, and brines.8 questions
- MSweet and savoury baked goods and dessertsSweet and savoury baking, pastry, desserts, and chocolate.10 questions
Source: the official Red Seal Cook exam breakdown at red-seal.ca.
Study every area in one course
Lessons for all 41 tasks, practice with explanations, timed unit tests, and a full 150-question practice exam weighted to the breakdown above.