Year 3 Exam Study Guide — master what the exam actually tests, concept by concept.
Construction sites are one of the most hazardous work environments in Canada. Fall protection, scaffold safety, struck-by and caught-in hazards are among the leading causes of fatalities. This section ensures you can identify hazards, apply controls, and know the regulations that protect workers.
Powdery mildew control: cultural (pruning, spacing) + chemical (fungicide). Sulfur effective; spray schedule ~7-10 day interval. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
IPM documentation: required for compliance. Records show prevention priority, chemical use justification, phased approach. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Structural calculations, material quantities, load calculations, and slope determinations are all part of journeyperson knowledge. These questions test your ability to move between units, apply geometric principles, and size materials correctly for the application.
Pump sizing: volume ÷ time = GPM. At 1-hour turnover (typical), 13,500 gal ÷ 60 min = 225 GPM minimum. Memorize this formula and practise substituting values — exam questions often give you three variables and ask you to solve for the fourth.
time = GPM
Drip design: emitter spacing and flow matched to soil/plant. 6" spacing = small area; 0.5-1 GPH adequate for vegetables. Memorize this formula and practise substituting values — exam questions often give you three variables and ask you to solve for the fourth.
spacing = small area
ET irrigation: water needed = ET × Kc ÷ efficiency. ET controller adjusts schedule based on weather, maximizes water use efficiency. Memorize this formula and practise substituting values — exam questions often give you three variables and ask you to solve for the fourth.
water needed = ET × Kc ÷ efficiency
Wall stability: engineer-designed per soil conditions. Geogrid adds internal strength (shear resistance); drainage prevents hydrostatic pressure. On the job, a solid grasp of this concept means faster decisions, fewer errors, and work that passes inspection the first time.
Outdoor lighting: lumens ÷ area provides illumination. Path lighting typically 5-10 fc; accent lighting 1-5 fc. When solving calculation questions, always identify your known variables first, select the correct formula, and double-check your units before calculating.
Green roof depth: sedum (drought-tolerant) 2-4", grasses/perennials 6-12". Deeper = higher load, better root penetration. Memorize this formula and practise substituting values — exam questions often give you three variables and ask you to solve for the fourth.
Deeper = higher load, better root penetration
Construction materials have specific strengths, limitations, and proper applications. Choosing the wrong adhesive, fastener, or structural member isn't just a quality issue — it can be a structural failure waiting to happen. Know your materials.
Pond liner: EPDM 45-60 mil for durability (UV stable, puncture resistant). PVC thinner (20-30 mil) but less durable. Material selection directly affects performance, code compliance, and longevity. Using the wrong type can fail an inspection or create a hazard down the line.
Underlayment: geofabric absorbs sharp rock, cushions liner. 8-12 oz typical; combined with sand layer (2 inches). Knowing what each component does — not just what it is — helps you diagnose failures, specify replacements, and explain your work to inspectors and clients.
All 10 exam concepts from this guide — test your recall before you sit the exam.