Apprentice Services
Challenge Exams for Registered Apprentices
Apprentices can challenge an exam to move to the next period without attending classroom instruction.
You might want to take a challenge exam if you think you have the skills and knowledge required for the period:
- without attending classroom instruction, or
- after failing a period of classroom instruction.
How to Request an Exam Challenge
To request a challenge exam, you'll need to show you're ready. How to do this depends on if you have a sponsor.
Sponsored Apprentices
- Ask your sponsor if they believe you have the skills and knowledge to challenge the exam.
- If they agree, ask them to provide you with a signed Sponsor Recommends Exam Challenge letter.
- Upload the letter to your MyTradesecrets account to request the exam.
Unsponsored Apprentices
- Submit a Record Book (blue book) showing that you completed the required work experience (months and hours) for your period of apprenticeship, with a valid previous sponsor.
- Contact an AIT Office to request an exam challenge.
If AIT approves your request, you will be contacted to pay a $150 fee and schedule your exam.
- If your trade requires a practical exam, you will also pay that exam fee (fee varies by trade).
Passing or Failing
A mark of 70% or higher is required to pass an apprenticeship challenge exam.
- Pass: You will progress to your next period of apprenticeship without being required to attend classroom instruction.
- First fail: You may request a second attempt through the same processes outlined above.
- Second fail: You may request a third attempt if:
- you received a mark of 60% or higher on your first or second attempt, AND
- you complete an AIT Training Plan.
- Third fail: You will be required to attend and pass classroom instruction for the period of apprenticeship; no further exam challenges will be approved.
- This also applies if you receive a mark below 60% on your first two attempts, or your AIT training plan is not approved.
Pass Marks Policy( AIT Policy Manual)
Minimum Classroom Instruction Requirement
You must attend at least one period of classroom instruction to complete your apprenticeship and get certified.
This means that you cannot challenge every exam--you'll have to attend classes for at least one period.
Exemption: If classroom instruction is unavailable in all periods of your program, you might be exempt from this requirement.
- This applies to programs that are listed as ‘Temporarily Unavailable’ in the Class Catalogue.
- This does not apply to programs where classes are being offered but are currently full.
- If classroom instruction is re-established in the program, this exemption will be rescinded.
Not a registered apprentice? You might want to apply for one of these:
- Prior Learning Assessment: Challenge an exam for advanced credit once you register as an apprentice.
- Trades Qualifier Program: Challenge the exam for journeyperson certification.
Process Diagrams
First or Second Exam Challenge Request
Third (Final) Exam Challenge Request
Preparing to rewrite a Trades Qualifier Exam?
If you were unsuccessful in your Trades Qualifier exam attempt(s), you may be eligible for an exam rewrite.
See below for steps on rewriting a Trades Qualifier exam.
Trades Qualifier - Recognized Credential
Trades Qualifier - Work Experience
Click here for the fillable AIT Training Plan template. For more information, please visit our AIT Training Plan page.