Red Seal exam in British Columbia

Challenging as a Trade Qualifier

SkilledTradesBC says that if you have over five years of practical experience in your trade, you may be able to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier without completing an apprenticeship. With one to four years of experience, you may be able to challenge level exams instead.

1. Find your trade's required hours and job-task experience on the Employer or Statutory Declaration form on your trade page.
2. Apply through the SkilledTradesBC Portal. Your references will be phoned to verify your experience.
3. Once approved, schedule and pass your exam, plus any practical assessment, within 24 months (Challenge a Certification Exam).

For compulsory (Skilled Trades Certification) trades, approval comes with a Temporary Authorization so you can keep working, and you get up to four attempts to reach the 70% passing score (details).

Exam day

Arrive 30 minutes early with valid, original government photo ID. For Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal exams, study materials, code books and personal calculators aren't allowed (What to expect on exam day).

Study

SkilledTradesBC lists exam study support. For extra practice, check your trade's question count and try the free quizzes.

FAQ