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Parts Technician Study Guide

Year 1 Exam Study Guide — the foundational knowledge every apprentice needs before advancing.

Yr 1Red Seal →
12Topic Sections
60Key Concepts
0Flashcard Terms
Year 1Apprentice Level

Year 1 Fundamentals

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖Parts Identification
  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): factory parts
  • Aftermarket: alternative supplier
  • Superseded part numbers: old number replaced by new — must check current catalogue
  • VIN decoding: 17-character code identifies year, make, model, engine, plant
  • Casting numbers on engines/transmissions identify exact application
📖Cataloguing Systems
  • Paper microfiche: older system, fast lookup for experienced tech
  • Electronic cataloguing (EPC): manufacturer online lookup — most current
  • MOTOR/Mitchell parts databases: independent aftermarket
  • Cross-reference catalogues: match competitor to house brand
  • Always verify by VIN and model year
📖Parts Receiving
  • Match packing slip to purchase order: quantity, part number, condition
  • Inspect for damage before signing
  • Cores: return old part for credit — must be same as purchased
  • Backorder: item not in stock, date required
  • Record discrepancies immediately — difficult to claim after signing
📖Inventory Management
  • FIFO (First In, First Out): rotate stock so oldest used first
  • Dead stock: items not sold in 12+ months — reduces cash flow
  • Min/max system: reorder when stock hits minimum level, order to maximum
  • ABC analysis: A items high value/fast moving, C items low value/slow moving
📖Warehousing & Storage
  • Heavy parts: bottom shelf
  • Chemicals and fluids: secure, WHMIS required
  • Long parts (pipes, shafts): floor or long goods rack
  • Hazardous goods: TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) regulations for shipping
  • Electrical parts: anti-static bags, dry storage; climate control for gaskets and rubber
⚡Customer Service
  • Counter sales: confirm application, verify fit before sale
  • Warranty claims: document carefully, keep parts for inspection
  • Special orders: confirm non-returnable policy upfront
  • Core charge: refundable deposit — must collect on purchase
  • Professional phone manner; product knowledge builds trust

Red Seal Certification

Study each topic below — these are the core knowledge areas tested in Year 1. Build a solid foundation here before advancing to Year 2 material.

📖Inventory Control Systems
  • DMS (Dealer Management System): tracks inventory, sales, orders, pricing
  • ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): integrated purchasing, inventory, accounting
  • Perpetual inventory: real-time count vs periodic (annual physical)
  • Cycle counting: regular partial counts reduce full shutdown need
  • Shrinkage: theft, damage, admin error
📖Purchasing & Procurement
  • Purchase order (PO): formal authorization to buy
  • Blanket PO: ongoing supplier contract
  • Drop shipping: supplier ships direct to customer
  • Lead time: time from order to receipt
  • Back-to-back ordering: order when customer orders
  • Negotiating with suppliers: volume discounts, return privileges, warranty support
📖Warranty Administration
  • OEM warranty: manufacturer covers defects for set period
  • Extended warranty: additional coverage sold by dealer
  • Warranty claim: requires labour op code, parts list, tech notes, customer concern
  • Warranty parts: held and tagged per manufacturer instructions (typically 90 days)
  • Parts audit: manufacturer may inspect returned cores and warranty parts
🔧Heavy Equipment Parts
  • Undercarriage wear measurement: track sag, sprocket wear, roller flanges
  • Interchange: match function even if different brand
  • Pin and bushing kits: full undercarriage rebuild
  • GET (ground engaging tools): teeth, adapters, cutting edges — fast-moving inventory item
  • Hydraulic seals: kit numbers match cylinder model and serial number
🦺Hazardous Materials Management
  • WHMIS: SDS must be accessible for all products
  • TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods): Class 3 flammable liquids, Class 8 corrosives
  • UN numbers on shipping containers
  • Proper packaging and labelling for outbound hazmat
  • Waste oil and antifreeze: recycling programs, no drain to sewer
📖Parts Department Metrics
  • Gross profit margin: (selling price − cost) / selling price × 100
  • Fill rate: % of orders filled from stock
  • Inventory turn: cost of goods sold / average inventory value
  • Sales per employee
  • Customer satisfaction scores; target gross profit: typically 30-40% for parts

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