Trades Qualifier Exams

To earn certification through any of the Trades Qualifier Programs, you’ll need to pass an exam.

Exam Requirements

• All Trades Qualifier candidates must pass a theory exam (after your application is approved and you've met all other program requirements).
  • No extra fee—it's included in your application fee.
• In some trades, a practical exam is also required after the theory exam.
  • Fees for practical exams vary by trade and must be paid before the exam is scheduled.
  • View Trades with practical exams and their fees here.
• You must complete and pass all required exams within 18 months of your application approval date.

Scheduling & Attending Your Exam

• After your application is approved, you'll receive an email with your exam details or instructing you to book your exam through your MyTradesecrets account.
• Important Policies:
  • You must reschedule at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t attend.
  • Missing the exam twice without notice will cancel your Trades Qualifier application.
  • You may reschedule only twice.

Learn more:

• Study Resources 
• What to bring to your exam. 

Interpreters and Readers

• Most exams are in English only, except Red Seal exams (available in English or French).
• You may use an interpreter or reader during your exam, but:
  • You must get AIT approval first
  • You are responsible for their cost
  • They cannot have knowledge of your trade (or a related one)

Learn more:

• Special Accommodations for Exams
• Interpreter/Reader Information Sheet
• Sign Language Interpreter Information Sheet 
• Related Occupations for Interpreter/ Reader

Rewriting the Exam

• If you don’t pass:
  • You can attempt the exam a second time.
  • After two failed attempts, you must complete an approved AIT Training Plan before trying again.
    • This also applies if you failed the Red Seal exam outside Alberta or under a previous application.

Learn more:

• AIT Training Plan