RBQ 10 Solid Fuel Local Heating Systems Contractor Licence Exam Preparation | Prof-RBQ.ca

RBQ 10 Solid Fuel Local Heating Systems Contractor Licence Exam Preparation

Online course aligned with the four official modules of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec sub-category 10 contractor licence exam — practice questions, flashcards, mock exams, and detailed answer explanations covering combustion concepts, appliance types (wood stoves, prefab fireplaces, inserts, wood furnaces), the regulatory framework (CAN/CSA-B365, ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey, EPA emission rules), plan and specification reading, clearances and floor/wall protection, and the full execution of installation work.

4Official modules
13Competency elements
80Skill statements
3 hExam length
60 %Passing grade
Mixed bookFormat (3 open, 6 closed)

1. About the RBQ 10 contractor licence exam

The RBQ sub-category 10 exam is the theoretical examination administered by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec for candidates seeking to act as qualified representative (répondant) for a contractor licence covering solid-fuel localized heating systems — wood stoves, prefabricated fireplaces, inserts, and wood furnaces. The licence excludes work that is exclusively reserved for master plumbers in piping and for electrical contractors; it covers the appliance installation, chimney and connector pipe assembly, clearance compliance, structural envelope work, and any similar or related construction work.

The licence with the most appliance-specific competency elements. RBQ 10 has 13 competency elements — more than any other structural sub-category — because Module 4 breaks installation work down into one EC per appliance type: prefab fireplace (EC 7), wood stove (EC 8), insert with chimney liner (EC 9), and wood furnace or combined furnace (EC 10). It is also one of the few RBQ exams that references EPA emission standards and recognises three certification organisations (ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey).

The exam is offered in French and English in multiple-choice format, lasts 3 hours, and the passing grade is 60%. It is built around four official modules covering definitions and types of systems, the regulatory framework, plans and specifications, and the standards for executing installation work.

2. Exam structure at a glance

ModuleTitleCompetency elementsSkill statements
1Definitions and types of systems215
2Legislative, normative and regulatory framework19
3Plans and specifications15
4Standards and execution of work951

The RBQ does not publish a percentage weighting per module for this licence. By content volume, Module 4 dominates with 51 skill statements across 9 ECs. EC 6 (Protections and clearances) carries 9 skill statements — the heaviest single block in Module 4 and the most heavily tested operational topic. The installation ECs (7 through 10) collectively cover all four appliance types in scope, and each has its own EC because the installation sequence differs by appliance.

3. Detailed competency elements

Module 1 — Definitions and types of systems

Module 2 — Legislative, normative and regulatory framework

Module 3 — Plans and specifications

Module 4 — Standards and execution of work

4. Documents at the exam — mixed-book format

This is a MIXED-BOOK exam. Three documents are provided to candidates during the exam — including CAN/CSA-B365, the central installation code for this licence. Six more are recommended reading only.

Provided at the exam (open book — 3 documents)

Recommended reading only (closed book — 6 documents)

Several Quebec documents are available free of charge on publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca. CSA and ULC standards are available from their respective stores.

5. Material provided at the exam

The calculator, ruler, paper and pencil needed for the exam are supplied on site. Only the documents and material handed out by the exam supervisor may be used during the session — personal copies, notes, electronic devices, and additional reference material are not allowed.

6. What makes the RBQ 10 exam different

The RBQ 10 contractor licence is the installation licence for solid-fuel heating equipment — wood stoves, prefabricated fireplaces, inserts, and wood furnaces. Three characteristics make this exam stand apart.

The most competency elements of any RBQ structural sub-category — 13. Module 4 breaks installation work down into one dedicated EC per appliance type: prefab fireplace (EC 7), wood stove (EC 8), insert (EC 9), and wood furnace or combined furnace (EC 10). Each EC walks through a different installation sequence — and the exam tests them as four distinct workflows, not one generic installation procedure.

CAN/CSA-B365 is open at the desk. B365 is the day-to-day reference for clearances, reduction percentages, floor protectors, heat shields, connector pipes, and chimney compatibility. RBQ 10 is one of the few licences where the central technical installation code is provided at the exam — but only candidates who have practised locating each clause can use it efficiently inside the 3-hour window. The skill being tested is code navigation, not memorisation.

The only RBQ licence that references the U.S. EPA. Module 2 (EC 3.3) tests the candidate's knowledge of EPA emission requirements for solid-fuel appliances — because compliant appliances bear EPA emission labels alongside their ULC, CSA, or Warnock-Hersey certification marks. Three different certification organisations are in scope (ULC, CSA, W-H), and candidates must recognise each one's mark.

The licence boundary is on the exam. RBQ 10 explicitly excludes work reserved for master plumbers in piping and for electrical contractors. EC 3.9 tests this scope boundary directly: candidates must know what their own licence covers and what must be handed off to a master plumber (combined furnace boiler piping) or an electrician (appliance electrical supply).

7. Recommended preparation strategy

  1. Master CAN/CSA-B365 navigation. B365 is open at the exam, but only useful if you know where the clearance tables, reduction-percentage tables, floor protector tables, heat shield rules, and connector pipe rules live. Practise locating each in seconds.
  2. Master clearances and reductions. EC 6 has 9 skill statements — the heaviest single block. Drill the four core scenarios (combustible vs. non-combustible materials, certified vs. non-certified appliances) and the reduction percentages allowed for each protection type. Expect several exam questions on percentage reductions for ventilated metal shielding versus rigid non-combustible protection.
  3. Walk the four installation workflows separately. Prefab fireplace (EC 7, 8 steps), wood stove (EC 8, 6 steps), insert with top-down liner (EC 9, 5 steps), wood furnace (EC 10, 6 steps). Each has its own sequence — read them as four distinct flows rather than one merged procedure.
  4. Master appliance vocabulary. Wood stove (poêle), prefab fireplace (foyer préfabriqué), insert (encastrable), wood cookstove (cuisinière), wood furnace (fournaise à bois), combined furnace/boiler (générateur d'air chaud ou chaudière). Plus components (prise d'air, conduit de raccordement, chemisage, registre, buse, manchon, déflecteur) and chimney terms (cheminée préfabriquée, conduit de raccordement, linteau, avaloir, âtre).
  5. Master the certification bodies and test standards. ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey (W-H). Test standards: CAN/CSA-B366.1, CAN/ULC-S610, CAN/ULC-S628, CAN/ULC-S629. Plus the EPA emission requirements — unique to this licence.
  6. Memorize the closed-book set. Six documents to memorize: Building Act, in-use Safety Code, Professional Qualification Regulation, OHS Act, CAN/CSA-B415.1 (testing and performance), ULC-S628 (fireplace inserts). The two CSA/ULC standards are technical references — focus on their scope and the role each plays alongside B365.
  7. Master scope boundaries with other trades. EC 3.9 tests this directly. RBQ 10 covers appliance installation, chimney and connector pipe assembly, clearance compliance, and envelope work. It does NOT cover piping for combined furnace boilers (master plumber) or appliance electrical supply (electrician). When the CCQ requires registration is also in scope.
  8. Master combustion and chimney behaviour. Draft (tirage), smoke return (retour de fumée), pyrolysis, negative pressure, creosote formation. Climate and environmental impacts on prefab chimney operation. These are vocabulary-driven questions where the right term unlocks the answer.
  9. Take at least two full mock exams under real conditions (3 hours, only the Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, and CAN/CSA-B365 on the desk) before scheduling the real exam.
  10. Review every wrong answer. The Prof-RBQ.ca platform shows the reasoning behind each correct answer — read every explanation, even on questions you got right.

8. Why Prof-RBQ.ca for the RBQ 10 exam

Get ready for your RBQ 10 contractor licence exam

Online course, mock exams, flashcards, and answer explanations — built for the mixed-book RBQ format and the full scope of solid-fuel heating installation, from CAN/CSA-B365 clearance tables to the four appliance-specific installation workflows.

395.00 CAD

Access Prof-RBQ.ca

Pricing is subject to change — confirm the current rate on Prof-RBQ.ca before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the RBQ 10 Solid fuel local heating systems contractor licence exam?

The RBQ sub-category 10 exam is the theoretical examination administered by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec for candidates seeking to act as qualified representative (répondant) for a contractor licence covering solid-fuel localized heating systems such as wood stoves and prefabricated fireplaces. The licence excludes work that is exclusively reserved for master plumbers in piping (the piping side) and electrical contractors (the electrical side); it covers the installation work itself plus similar or related construction work. The exam is built around four modules: definitions and types of systems, the legislative/normative/regulatory framework, plans and specifications, and standards and execution of work.

Is the RBQ 10 exam open book or closed book?

The RBQ 10 exam is mixed book. Three documents are provided to candidates during the exam: the Quebec Construction Code (Chapter I, Building 1995), the Safety code for construction work (S-2.1, r.4), and CAN/CSA-B365 — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment. Six additional documents are listed as recommended reading only: the Building Act (B-1.1), the Safety Code for in-use buildings (B-1.1, r.3), the Professional Qualification Regulation (B-1.1, r.9), the Act respecting occupational health and safety (S-2.1), CAN/CSA-B415.1 (testing and performance of solid-fuel appliances), and ULC-S628 (Standard for Fireplace Inserts). Only material handed out by the exam supervisor may be used during the session.

What is CAN/CSA-B365 and why is it open at the exam?

CAN/CSA-B365 — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment is the central installation standard for the entire scope of this licence. It governs clearances (minimum distances from combustible and non-combustible materials, for certified and non-certified appliances), allowed clearance reduction percentages by protection type, floor protector materials, heat shield requirements, connector pipe rules, chimney compatibility, and air intake requirements. Because B365 is the day-to-day reference on the job, the RBQ allows it open at the exam — but only candidates who have practised locating each clause in advance can use it efficiently inside the 3-hour window.

How long is the exam and what is the passing grade?

The RBQ 10 exam lasts 3 hours and the passing grade is 60%. It is offered in French or English in multiple-choice format. The calculator, ruler, paper and pencil needed for the exam are supplied on site, along with the three reference documents listed as Fourni à l examen (Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, and CAN/CSA-B365). Confirm the official details on the RBQ website before your exam date.

What are the four modules of the RBQ 10 exam?

The exam is built around four modules: Module 1 — Definitions and types of systems (2 competency elements, 15 skill statements); Module 2 — Legislative, normative and regulatory framework (1 competency element, 9 skill statements); Module 3 — Plans and specifications (1 competency element, 5 skill statements); Module 4 — Standards and execution of work (9 competency elements, 51 skill statements). The RBQ does not publish a percentage weighting per module — but Module 4 is by far the largest. RBQ 10 has the most competency elements (13) of any structural sub-category because Module 4 breaks installation work down into one EC per appliance type (prefab fireplace, wood stove, insert with chimney liner, wood furnace or combined furnace).

Which clearance and protection rules are most heavily tested?

EC 6 (Protections and clearances — 9 skill statements) is the heaviest single content block in Module 4. Candidates must distinguish clearances for non-certified appliances from certified appliances (each with specified minimum distances: floor, wall, front, height), apply the allowed clearance reduction percentages by protection type (CAN/CSA-B365 tables), select acceptable floor-protector materials and installation methods, install heat shields (écrans) correctly, and respect connector-pipe clearances and pipe-protection methods. Expect several exam questions on percentage reductions for ventilated metal shielding versus non-combustible material protection — a classic exam trap.

What solid fuels and appliance types do I need to know?

Solid fuels in scope: wood, pellets (granules), anthracite coal, and corn. Appliance types: wood stove (poêle), prefabricated fireplace (foyer préfabriqué), insert (encastrable — fits into a pre-existing masonry or prefab fireplace), wood cookstove (cuisinière), wood furnace (fournaise à bois — central forced-air heating), and combined furnace/boiler (générateur d air chaud ou chaudière). Radiant vs. convection operating principles, and dedicated mobile-home appliances, are also tested. Each appliance type has its own Module 4 EC with installation-specific skill statements.

What does Module 4 — Standards and execution of work cover?

Module 4 is the largest module (9 competency elements, 51 skill statements) and the most distinctive feature of RBQ 10. It covers: EC 5 — Planning and organizing (6 skill statements); EC 6 — Protections and clearances (9 skill statements, the heaviest block — clearances for combustible/non-combustible materials, certified vs. non-certified appliances, prefab chimney clearances, allowed reduction percentages, floor protector materials, heat shields, connector pipe clearances and pipe-protection methods); EC 7 — Installing a prefab fireplace, chimney and connector pipes (8 skill statements); EC 8 — Installing a wood stove, chimney and connector pipes (6 skill statements); EC 9 — Installing an insert and metal liner in a pre-existing chimney (5 skill statements); EC 10 — Installing a wood furnace or combined furnace (6 skill statements); EC 11 — Building envelope integrity and surface patching (5 skill statements); EC 12 — Finalising the installation including first lighting and finish work (3 skill statements); EC 13 — Health and safety (3 skill statements: heights, electricity in walls, dust, confined space, harness, mask).

What documents are recommended for the RBQ 10 exam?

Nine documents are listed by the RBQ. THREE are provided at the exam: the Code de construction (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.2) — Chapter I, Building 1995; the Safety code for construction work (RLRQ, S-2.1, r.4); and CAN/CSA-B365 — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment. SIX are recommended reading only: the Building Act (RLRQ, B-1.1); the Safety Code for in-use buildings (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.3); the Professional Qualification Regulation (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.9); the Act respecting occupational health and safety (RLRQ, S-2.1); CAN/CSA-B415.1 — Performance Testing of Solid-Fuel-Burning Heating Appliances; and ULC-S628 — Standard for Fireplace Inserts. Several Quebec documents are available for free consultation on publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca; CSA and ULC standards are available from their respective stores.

How does the RBQ 10 licence interact with master plumbers and electricians?

The RBQ 10 licence definition explicitly excludes work that is exclusively reserved for master plumbers in piping (maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie) and for electrical contractors (entrepreneurs en électricité). In practice, the holder of an RBQ 10 licence handles the appliance installation, chimney and connector pipe assembly, clearance compliance, and structural envelope work — but pipe runs for combined furnace boilers must be done by a master plumber, and the appliance electrical supply must be wired by an electrician. EC 3.9 of the competency profile tests this scope boundary directly: candidates must recognize the limits of their own licence and those of related trades (electricity, piping, ventilation).

How does Prof-RBQ.ca prepare me for the RBQ 10 exam?

Prof-RBQ.ca offers an online preparation course aligned with the four official RBQ modules, with practice questions, flashcards, mock exams, and detailed explanations for every wrong answer. The platform mirrors the multiple-choice format of the actual exam. Because the exam is mixed book (the Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, and CAN/CSA-B365 are on the desk), the course focuses on navigation drills for B365 in particular (clearance tables, reduction percentages, connector pipe rules) and on memorization of the six closed-book documents — the Building Act, the in-use safety code, the contractor-qualification regulation, the OHS act, CAN/CSA-B415.1, and ULC-S628. Extra emphasis on Module 4 (51 skill statements across 9 appliance-specific ECs), EPA emission rules, and the three certification organizations (ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey).

How much does the course cost and how do I register?

The Prof-RBQ.ca preparation course for the RBQ 10 exam is 395.00 CAD. Pricing is subject to change — confirm the current rate on Prof-RBQ.ca before purchasing. Registration is available directly on Prof-RBQ.ca, and a free section is available so you can try the platform before committing.

RBQ 10.0 Solid Fuel Systems Practice Tests | Prof-RBQ

Solid Fuel Boiler RBQ 10.0
Ace your RBQ 10.0 Solid Fuel Heating Systems contractor exam with our expert-designed practice platform. Access multiple-choice questions, detailed explanations, and study materials anytime, anywhere. Features mobile compatibility and 24/7 access. Start your journey now!
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WARNING!
This online training offers purely theoretical and conceptual teaching. Users must consult and comply with current official codes and regulations before any practical application. In the event of a discrepancy, the regulatory texts systematically prevail over the educational content presented.
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16 hours
32 minutes

Duration

3 Months

About the course

Learn to use all the related tools, walk into a job and be a rockstar from day one. The skill you need to become a real professional. Learn the tools used by the world's top professionals. Boost your confidence, master the field.

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Our training is designed to provide the skills in a practical approach. Our students' success is our best asset in showing the quality of our training.

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Strategies shared and knowledge earned allows our students to immediately set up their business and start offering their services around the globe.

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Whether you want to boost your career within the company you are working or grow at your own business by applying the latest strategies we teach, this is the way.

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RBQ 10 Solid Fuel Local Heating Systems Contractor Licence Exam Preparation | Prof-RBQ.ca

RBQ 10 Solid Fuel Local Heating Systems Contractor Licence Exam Preparation

Online course aligned with the four official modules of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec sub-category 10 contractor licence exam — practice questions, flashcards, mock exams, and detailed answer explanations covering combustion concepts, appliance types (wood stoves, prefab fireplaces, inserts, wood furnaces), the regulatory framework (CAN/CSA-B365, ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey, EPA emission rules), plan and specification reading, clearances and floor/wall protection, and the full execution of installation work.

4Official modules
13Competency elements
80Skill statements
3 hExam length
60 %Passing grade
Mixed bookFormat (3 open, 6 closed)

1. About the RBQ 10 contractor licence exam

The RBQ sub-category 10 exam is the theoretical examination administered by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec for candidates seeking to act as qualified representative (répondant) for a contractor licence covering solid-fuel localized heating systems — wood stoves, prefabricated fireplaces, inserts, and wood furnaces. The licence excludes work that is exclusively reserved for master plumbers in piping and for electrical contractors; it covers the appliance installation, chimney and connector pipe assembly, clearance compliance, structural envelope work, and any similar or related construction work.

The licence with the most appliance-specific competency elements. RBQ 10 has 13 competency elements — more than any other structural sub-category — because Module 4 breaks installation work down into one EC per appliance type: prefab fireplace (EC 7), wood stove (EC 8), insert with chimney liner (EC 9), and wood furnace or combined furnace (EC 10). It is also one of the few RBQ exams that references EPA emission standards and recognises three certification organisations (ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey).

The exam is offered in French and English in multiple-choice format, lasts 3 hours, and the passing grade is 60%. It is built around four official modules covering definitions and types of systems, the regulatory framework, plans and specifications, and the standards for executing installation work.

2. Exam structure at a glance

ModuleTitleCompetency elementsSkill statements
1Definitions and types of systems215
2Legislative, normative and regulatory framework19
3Plans and specifications15
4Standards and execution of work951

The RBQ does not publish a percentage weighting per module for this licence. By content volume, Module 4 dominates with 51 skill statements across 9 ECs. EC 6 (Protections and clearances) carries 9 skill statements — the heaviest single block in Module 4 and the most heavily tested operational topic. The installation ECs (7 through 10) collectively cover all four appliance types in scope, and each has its own EC because the installation sequence differs by appliance.

3. Detailed competency elements

Module 1 — Definitions and types of systems

  • EC 1 — Solid-fuel heating terminology and concepts (7 skill statements): localized heating, solid fuel; draft (tirage), smoke return (retour de fumée), radiation, convection, combustion chamber, chimney capacity; appliance terms (poêle, foyer préfabriqué, cuisinière, encastrable, fournaise à bois); chimney terms (cheminée préfabriquée, conduit de raccordement, chemisage); masonry fireplace terms (linteau, avaloir, âtre); installation components (prise d'air, raccord de cheminée, support de charge, protecteur de plancher, registre, buse, manchon, déflecteur); heat units (BTU, kJ, kW).
  • EC 2 — System characteristics and operating principles (8 skill statements): solid fuels (wood, pellets, anthracite, corn); combustion factors (fuel, temperature, oxygen, humidity); air circulation in localized heating systems; appliance siting impacts (negative pressure, pyrolysis, combustible materials); appliance types (radiant, convection, mobile-home); component types (air intake, connector pipe, hot-air duct, damper, radiant fire-stop) — performance, advantages, applications; chimney types (masonry and prefab categories); climate and environmental impacts on prefab chimneys (creosote, draft).

Module 2 — Legislative, normative and regulatory framework

  • EC 3 — Codes and standards for solid-fuel installation (9 skill statements): certification bodies (ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey W-H); testing and certification standards (CAN/CSA-B366.1, CAN/ULC-S610, CAN/ULC-S628, CAN/ULC-S629); the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission requirements; scope of CAN/CSA-B365 (the central installation code); municipal codes (building and fire-prevention); Quebec Construction Code Chapter I — Building 1995 and NBC 1995 (Quebec modifications); cross-references between building codes and other standards; when CCQ registration is required; licence boundaries with master electricians, master plumbers, and ventilation contractors.

Module 3 — Plans and specifications

  • EC 4 — Reading drawings and plans (5 skill statements): locating elements of a solid-fuel heating system on a plan; reading and interpreting dimensions and annotations; reading sections and details; reading general notes and tables; quantity take-off (métré — connector pipe lengths, component counts).

Module 4 — Standards and execution of work

  • EC 5 — Planning and organizing (6 skill statements): assessing client needs, installation feasibility, and code compliance; proposing an appropriate appliance; logical execution sequence; ensuring permits and authorizations are in place; identifying structural and roofing constraints; ordering and receiving materials.
  • EC 6 — Protections and clearances (9 skill statements — the heaviest single EC): clearances and protection by material type (combustible, non-combustible); minimum distances for non-certified appliances (floor, wall, front, height); minimum distances for certified appliances; clearances for prefabricated chimneys; allowed clearance reduction percentages by protection type (per CAN/CSA-B365 tables); floor protector materials and installation methods; heat shield requirements and installation methods; connector pipe clearances and protection methods; pipe protection methods by pipe type.
  • EC 7 — Installing a prefab fireplace, chimney and connector pipes (8 skill statements): appliance positioning relative to chimney connection and clearances; rear wall coverage and clearance compliance; placing the fireplace at the correct location; piercing walls, ceilings and floors with correct alignment, angles and dimensions; assessing compatibility with an existing chimney; installing the prefab chimney or liner from the fireplace; installing the outside air intake; installing gravity or forced hot-air ducts.
  • EC 8 — Installing a wood stove, chimney and connector pipes (6 skill statements): appliance positioning; piercing walls, ceilings and floors; chimney compatibility assessment; installing prefab chimney or liner; chimney-to-appliance connection; outside air intake.
  • EC 9 — Installing an insert and chimney liner in a pre-existing chimney (5 skill statements): appliance positioning relative to existing fireplace and clearances; compatibility assessment with the existing chimney; installing a metal liner top-down through a masonry or prefab chimney; chimney-to-appliance connection; inserting the insert into the hearth of the existing fireplace.
  • EC 10 — Installing a wood furnace or combined furnace, generator or boiler (6 skill statements): appliance positioning; wall/ceiling/floor penetration; chimney compatibility assessment; installing prefab chimney or liner; chimney-to-appliance connection; outside air intake.
  • EC 11 — Building integrity and surface patching (5 skill statements): double-reinforcement method when cutting through a structural element; envelope-sealing methods after penetration; patching surfaces, fire-stop separations, and walls; technical shaft (puits techniques) concept and applications; verifying standards compliance.
  • EC 12 — Finalising the installation (3 skill statements): final tests (damper operation, mechanical controls, first lighting); confirming standards compliance; finish work (mantel, façade).
  • EC 13 — Health and safety (3 skill statements): identifying risks (heights, electricity in walls, dust, confined space); installation and maintenance precautions (harness, mask); additional manufacturer safety requirements per CAN/CSA-B365 art. 4.3 and S-2.1 r.4.

4. Documents at the exam — mixed-book format

This is a MIXED-BOOK exam. Three documents are provided to candidates during the exam — including CAN/CSA-B365, the central installation code for this licence. Six more are recommended reading only.

Provided at the exam (open book — 3 documents)

  • Code de construction du Québec (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.2) — Chapter I, Building 1995
  • Code de sécurité pour les travaux de construction (RLRQ, S-2.1, r.4) — Safety code for construction work
  • CAN/CSA-B365-F01 (C2006) — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment. The central installation reference for this licence — clearances, reduction percentages, floor protectors, heat shields, connector pipes, chimney compatibility, air intakes.

Recommended reading only (closed book — 6 documents)

  • Loi sur le bâtiment (RLRQ, B-1.1) — Building Act
  • Code de sécurité (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.3) — Safety Code (in-use buildings)
  • Règlement sur la qualification professionnelle des entrepreneurs et des constructeurs-propriétaires (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.9) — sub-category 10 scope
  • Loi sur la santé et la sécurité du travail (RLRQ, S-2.1) — Act respecting occupational health and safety
  • CAN/CSA-B415.1-F00 (C2005) — Performance testing of solid-fuel-burning heating appliances
  • ULC-S628 — Standard for Fireplace Inserts

Several Quebec documents are available free of charge on publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca. CSA and ULC standards are available from their respective stores.

5. Material provided at the exam

The calculator, ruler, paper and pencil needed for the exam are supplied on site. Only the documents and material handed out by the exam supervisor may be used during the session — personal copies, notes, electronic devices, and additional reference material are not allowed.

6. What makes the RBQ 10 exam different

The RBQ 10 contractor licence is the installation licence for solid-fuel heating equipment — wood stoves, prefabricated fireplaces, inserts, and wood furnaces. Three characteristics make this exam stand apart.

The most competency elements of any RBQ structural sub-category — 13. Module 4 breaks installation work down into one dedicated EC per appliance type: prefab fireplace (EC 7), wood stove (EC 8), insert (EC 9), and wood furnace or combined furnace (EC 10). Each EC walks through a different installation sequence — and the exam tests them as four distinct workflows, not one generic installation procedure.

CAN/CSA-B365 is open at the desk. B365 is the day-to-day reference for clearances, reduction percentages, floor protectors, heat shields, connector pipes, and chimney compatibility. RBQ 10 is one of the few licences where the central technical installation code is provided at the exam — but only candidates who have practised locating each clause can use it efficiently inside the 3-hour window. The skill being tested is code navigation, not memorisation.

The only RBQ licence that references the U.S. EPA. Module 2 (EC 3.3) tests the candidate's knowledge of EPA emission requirements for solid-fuel appliances — because compliant appliances bear EPA emission labels alongside their ULC, CSA, or Warnock-Hersey certification marks. Three different certification organisations are in scope (ULC, CSA, W-H), and candidates must recognise each one's mark.

The licence boundary is on the exam. RBQ 10 explicitly excludes work reserved for master plumbers in piping and for electrical contractors. EC 3.9 tests this scope boundary directly: candidates must know what their own licence covers and what must be handed off to a master plumber (combined furnace boiler piping) or an electrician (appliance electrical supply).

7. Recommended preparation strategy

  1. Master CAN/CSA-B365 navigation. B365 is open at the exam, but only useful if you know where the clearance tables, reduction-percentage tables, floor protector tables, heat shield rules, and connector pipe rules live. Practise locating each in seconds.
  2. Master clearances and reductions. EC 6 has 9 skill statements — the heaviest single block. Drill the four core scenarios (combustible vs. non-combustible materials, certified vs. non-certified appliances) and the reduction percentages allowed for each protection type. Expect several exam questions on percentage reductions for ventilated metal shielding versus rigid non-combustible protection.
  3. Walk the four installation workflows separately. Prefab fireplace (EC 7, 8 steps), wood stove (EC 8, 6 steps), insert with top-down liner (EC 9, 5 steps), wood furnace (EC 10, 6 steps). Each has its own sequence — read them as four distinct flows rather than one merged procedure.
  4. Master appliance vocabulary. Wood stove (poêle), prefab fireplace (foyer préfabriqué), insert (encastrable), wood cookstove (cuisinière), wood furnace (fournaise à bois), combined furnace/boiler (générateur d'air chaud ou chaudière). Plus components (prise d'air, conduit de raccordement, chemisage, registre, buse, manchon, déflecteur) and chimney terms (cheminée préfabriquée, conduit de raccordement, linteau, avaloir, âtre).
  5. Master the certification bodies and test standards. ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey (W-H). Test standards: CAN/CSA-B366.1, CAN/ULC-S610, CAN/ULC-S628, CAN/ULC-S629. Plus the EPA emission requirements — unique to this licence.
  6. Memorize the closed-book set. Six documents to memorize: Building Act, in-use Safety Code, Professional Qualification Regulation, OHS Act, CAN/CSA-B415.1 (testing and performance), ULC-S628 (fireplace inserts). The two CSA/ULC standards are technical references — focus on their scope and the role each plays alongside B365.
  7. Master scope boundaries with other trades. EC 3.9 tests this directly. RBQ 10 covers appliance installation, chimney and connector pipe assembly, clearance compliance, and envelope work. It does NOT cover piping for combined furnace boilers (master plumber) or appliance electrical supply (electrician). When the CCQ requires registration is also in scope.
  8. Master combustion and chimney behaviour. Draft (tirage), smoke return (retour de fumée), pyrolysis, negative pressure, creosote formation. Climate and environmental impacts on prefab chimney operation. These are vocabulary-driven questions where the right term unlocks the answer.
  9. Take at least two full mock exams under real conditions (3 hours, only the Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, and CAN/CSA-B365 on the desk) before scheduling the real exam.
  10. Review every wrong answer. The Prof-RBQ.ca platform shows the reasoning behind each correct answer — read every explanation, even on questions you got right.

8. Why Prof-RBQ.ca for the RBQ 10 exam

  • Aligned with the official RBQ structure — content mapped one-to-one to the four modules and their 13 competency elements, with extra depth on Module 4 (51 skill statements across 9 ECs) and on the four appliance-specific installation workflows.
  • CAN/CSA-B365 navigation drills — practice finding the right clearance table, reduction-percentage table, or connector pipe rule in seconds, so the code works for you on exam day.
  • EC 6 clearance-and-protection focus — 9 skill statements drilled as a coherent block, with the four core scenarios (combustible / non-combustible material, certified / non-certified appliance) repeated until automatic.
  • Four-workflow installation training — prefab fireplace, wood stove, insert with top-down chimney liner, and wood furnace each walked through as a sequenced procedure, not isolated facts.
  • Closed-book training methodology — flashcards and spaced practice for the six closed-book documents, with navigation drills for the three open-book references (Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, CAN/CSA-B365).
  • Mock exams in RBQ format — multiple choice, 3-hour timing, 60% passing grade — so exam day feels familiar.
  • Detailed answer explanations — every question, right or wrong, comes with a written rationale citing the underlying article, code, or standard.
  • Bilingual — full course in English and French. The RBQ exam itself is offered in both languages.
  • A free section is available so you can try the platform before committing.

Get ready for your RBQ 10 contractor licence exam

Online course, mock exams, flashcards, and answer explanations — built for the mixed-book RBQ format and the full scope of solid-fuel heating installation, from CAN/CSA-B365 clearance tables to the four appliance-specific installation workflows.

395.00 CAD

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Frequently asked questions

What is the RBQ 10 Solid fuel local heating systems contractor licence exam?

The RBQ sub-category 10 exam is the theoretical examination administered by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec for candidates seeking to act as qualified representative (répondant) for a contractor licence covering solid-fuel localized heating systems such as wood stoves and prefabricated fireplaces. The licence excludes work that is exclusively reserved for master plumbers in piping (the piping side) and electrical contractors (the electrical side); it covers the installation work itself plus similar or related construction work. The exam is built around four modules: definitions and types of systems, the legislative/normative/regulatory framework, plans and specifications, and standards and execution of work.

Is the RBQ 10 exam open book or closed book?

The RBQ 10 exam is mixed book. Three documents are provided to candidates during the exam: the Quebec Construction Code (Chapter I, Building 1995), the Safety code for construction work (S-2.1, r.4), and CAN/CSA-B365 — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment. Six additional documents are listed as recommended reading only: the Building Act (B-1.1), the Safety Code for in-use buildings (B-1.1, r.3), the Professional Qualification Regulation (B-1.1, r.9), the Act respecting occupational health and safety (S-2.1), CAN/CSA-B415.1 (testing and performance of solid-fuel appliances), and ULC-S628 (Standard for Fireplace Inserts). Only material handed out by the exam supervisor may be used during the session.

What is CAN/CSA-B365 and why is it open at the exam?

CAN/CSA-B365 — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment is the central installation standard for the entire scope of this licence. It governs clearances (minimum distances from combustible and non-combustible materials, for certified and non-certified appliances), allowed clearance reduction percentages by protection type, floor protector materials, heat shield requirements, connector pipe rules, chimney compatibility, and air intake requirements. Because B365 is the day-to-day reference on the job, the RBQ allows it open at the exam — but only candidates who have practised locating each clause in advance can use it efficiently inside the 3-hour window.

How long is the exam and what is the passing grade?

The RBQ 10 exam lasts 3 hours and the passing grade is 60%. It is offered in French or English in multiple-choice format. The calculator, ruler, paper and pencil needed for the exam are supplied on site, along with the three reference documents listed as Fourni à l examen (Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, and CAN/CSA-B365). Confirm the official details on the RBQ website before your exam date.

What are the four modules of the RBQ 10 exam?

The exam is built around four modules: Module 1 — Definitions and types of systems (2 competency elements, 15 skill statements); Module 2 — Legislative, normative and regulatory framework (1 competency element, 9 skill statements); Module 3 — Plans and specifications (1 competency element, 5 skill statements); Module 4 — Standards and execution of work (9 competency elements, 51 skill statements). The RBQ does not publish a percentage weighting per module — but Module 4 is by far the largest. RBQ 10 has the most competency elements (13) of any structural sub-category because Module 4 breaks installation work down into one EC per appliance type (prefab fireplace, wood stove, insert with chimney liner, wood furnace or combined furnace).

Which clearance and protection rules are most heavily tested?

EC 6 (Protections and clearances — 9 skill statements) is the heaviest single content block in Module 4. Candidates must distinguish clearances for non-certified appliances from certified appliances (each with specified minimum distances: floor, wall, front, height), apply the allowed clearance reduction percentages by protection type (CAN/CSA-B365 tables), select acceptable floor-protector materials and installation methods, install heat shields (écrans) correctly, and respect connector-pipe clearances and pipe-protection methods. Expect several exam questions on percentage reductions for ventilated metal shielding versus non-combustible material protection — a classic exam trap.

What solid fuels and appliance types do I need to know?

Solid fuels in scope: wood, pellets (granules), anthracite coal, and corn. Appliance types: wood stove (poêle), prefabricated fireplace (foyer préfabriqué), insert (encastrable — fits into a pre-existing masonry or prefab fireplace), wood cookstove (cuisinière), wood furnace (fournaise à bois — central forced-air heating), and combined furnace/boiler (générateur d air chaud ou chaudière). Radiant vs. convection operating principles, and dedicated mobile-home appliances, are also tested. Each appliance type has its own Module 4 EC with installation-specific skill statements.

What does Module 4 — Standards and execution of work cover?

Module 4 is the largest module (9 competency elements, 51 skill statements) and the most distinctive feature of RBQ 10. It covers: EC 5 — Planning and organizing (6 skill statements); EC 6 — Protections and clearances (9 skill statements, the heaviest block — clearances for combustible/non-combustible materials, certified vs. non-certified appliances, prefab chimney clearances, allowed reduction percentages, floor protector materials, heat shields, connector pipe clearances and pipe-protection methods); EC 7 — Installing a prefab fireplace, chimney and connector pipes (8 skill statements); EC 8 — Installing a wood stove, chimney and connector pipes (6 skill statements); EC 9 — Installing an insert and metal liner in a pre-existing chimney (5 skill statements); EC 10 — Installing a wood furnace or combined furnace (6 skill statements); EC 11 — Building envelope integrity and surface patching (5 skill statements); EC 12 — Finalising the installation including first lighting and finish work (3 skill statements); EC 13 — Health and safety (3 skill statements: heights, electricity in walls, dust, confined space, harness, mask).

What documents are recommended for the RBQ 10 exam?

Nine documents are listed by the RBQ. THREE are provided at the exam: the Code de construction (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.2) — Chapter I, Building 1995; the Safety code for construction work (RLRQ, S-2.1, r.4); and CAN/CSA-B365 — Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment. SIX are recommended reading only: the Building Act (RLRQ, B-1.1); the Safety Code for in-use buildings (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.3); the Professional Qualification Regulation (RLRQ, B-1.1, r.9); the Act respecting occupational health and safety (RLRQ, S-2.1); CAN/CSA-B415.1 — Performance Testing of Solid-Fuel-Burning Heating Appliances; and ULC-S628 — Standard for Fireplace Inserts. Several Quebec documents are available for free consultation on publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca; CSA and ULC standards are available from their respective stores.

How does the RBQ 10 licence interact with master plumbers and electricians?

The RBQ 10 licence definition explicitly excludes work that is exclusively reserved for master plumbers in piping (maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie) and for electrical contractors (entrepreneurs en électricité). In practice, the holder of an RBQ 10 licence handles the appliance installation, chimney and connector pipe assembly, clearance compliance, and structural envelope work — but pipe runs for combined furnace boilers must be done by a master plumber, and the appliance electrical supply must be wired by an electrician. EC 3.9 of the competency profile tests this scope boundary directly: candidates must recognize the limits of their own licence and those of related trades (electricity, piping, ventilation).

How does Prof-RBQ.ca prepare me for the RBQ 10 exam?

Prof-RBQ.ca offers an online preparation course aligned with the four official RBQ modules, with practice questions, flashcards, mock exams, and detailed explanations for every wrong answer. The platform mirrors the multiple-choice format of the actual exam. Because the exam is mixed book (the Quebec Construction Code Chapter I, S-2.1 r.4, and CAN/CSA-B365 are on the desk), the course focuses on navigation drills for B365 in particular (clearance tables, reduction percentages, connector pipe rules) and on memorization of the six closed-book documents — the Building Act, the in-use safety code, the contractor-qualification regulation, the OHS act, CAN/CSA-B415.1, and ULC-S628. Extra emphasis on Module 4 (51 skill statements across 9 appliance-specific ECs), EPA emission rules, and the three certification organizations (ULC, CSA, Warnock-Hersey).

How much does the course cost and how do I register?

The Prof-RBQ.ca preparation course for the RBQ 10 exam is 395.00 CAD. Pricing is subject to change — confirm the current rate on Prof-RBQ.ca before purchasing. Registration is available directly on Prof-RBQ.ca, and a free section is available so you can try the platform before committing.

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John Davis

John Davis has more than 10 years experience working within organizations, mainly in HR functions. He has worked with startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, including in recruitment, performance appraisal, training and coaching. He has coached leaders and teams to unlock their potential, to innovate, adapt, and grow. His coaching is based on a deep understanding of their strengths, their needs, how they connect with others, and how they learn.