Apprentice Services
Entrance Exams
If you don’t meet your trade's high school entrance requirements, you can write an entrance exam instead.
Entrance exams show you have the skills you need to start classroom instruction.
Who needs to write an entrance exam?
You may need to pass an entrance exam if:
- You didn’t complete the required high school courses for your trade
- You studied outside Alberta and don’t have:
- a transcript from a Canadian high school, or
- an education assessment from:
- International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS), or
- World Education Services (WES)
Check the entrance requirements for your trade
What’s the Exam Like?
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Subjects: Math, English, and sometimes Science
- 3-hour time limit
- You need 70% or higher to pass
Learn about extra supports that are available
When & How Can I Write It?
Before registering as an apprentice:
- Apply to write the exam through the PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) application.
- This is a great way to prove you’re ready before applying.
After you apply as an apprentice:
- If you don’t meet entrance requirements, your MyTradesecrets account will show a message.
- Call 1-800-248-4823 to book your exam.
- You won't be able to register for classroom instruction until you pass.
There is no fee for writing an entrance exam.