Apprentice Services

Types of Exams
Classroom Instruction
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Extra Supports
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Types of Exams

You might write several different types of exams during your apprenticeship or certification journey. 


Apprenticeship Period Exams

Required exams at the end of each apprenticeship period, usually taken at your school.

  • You must pass a theory period exam to complete each period of an apprenticeship program.
  • These are sometimes also called ‘industry exams’, ‘AIT exams,’ or ‘provincial exams’.
  • Some trades also require a practical exam in certain periods, which you'll complete as part of your classroom instruction. 
  • You’ll write the theory exam at your school at the end classroom instruction. Ask your school for exam details.

Supplemental Exams

A free rewrite if you pass your course but fail the period exam.

  • If you pass your classroom instruction coursework but fail the period exam, you may be able to rewrite it for free. This is called a Supplemental Exam.
  • If your exam status in MyTradesecrets is SUPPLEMENTAL, you qualify for a supplemental.
  • AIT will schedule your supplemental exam for you (no fee).
    • Check the Schedule section in MyTradesecrets for the date, time, and location.
  • If you fail the supplemental, you’ll need to:
    • repeat the period of classroom instruction, or
    • request an exam challenge (fees apply).

Challenge Exams (for registered apprentices)

Skip classroom training by challenging the period exam (conditions apply).

  • If you haven’t passed classroom instruction, you might be able to challenge the period exam to move in your apprenticeship. This is known as a challenge exam.
  • Fees and conditions apply.
  • Learn more about Challenge Exams.

Prior Learning Assessments (before you register)

Prove your past experience or training to get credit before registering.

  • If you already have trade experience or training, you can apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
  • A PLA lets you challenge a period exam for advance credit when you register as an apprentice.
  • Learn more about PLA exams.

Entrance Exams

Needed if you don’t meet high school entrance requirements.

  • If you don’t meet the high school entrance requirements, you’ll need to pass an entrance exam before registering in apprenticeship classroom instruction.
  • Learn more about Entrance Exams

Red Seal Exams

Prove you meet national standards by passing this interprovincial exam.

  • Passing a Red Seal exam shows you have met the national standard in your trade.
  • Apprentices in Red Seal Trades can write the Red Seal exam at their school after they pass their final period exam.
  • Certified journeypersons without the Red Seal may apply to write the exam at an AIT office.
  • Trades Qualifier candidates generally need to pass the Red Seal exam to be certified, after meeting all other program requirements.
  • These are sometimes also referred to as Interprovincial or IP exams. 
  • Learn more about Red Seal Exams. 

Trades Qualifier Exams

For experienced workers applying for certification without formal apprenticeship in Alberta.

  • If you’re applying for certification through the Trades Qualifier program, you must pass a theory exam.
    • In Red Seal trades, this is generally the Red Seal Exam.
  • In some trades, a practical exam is also required after you pass the theory exam.
    • Learn more about practical exams.
  • Learn more about Trades Qualifier exams.