Trades Qualifier Exams

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

Exam Requirements

• Once your application is approved, AIT will request and schedule your theory exam.
  • If you are a Foreign National and have not yet arrived in Alberta, your theory exam will be scheduled once you arrive in Alberta. Update your mailing address and phone number in your MyTradesecrets online account and notify AIT Assessment Inquiries when you arrive. Your exam will not be scheduled until you have completed these two steps.
• All Trades Qualifier candidates must pass a theory exam. The minimum pass mark is 70%.
• Your first attempt at the theory exam is included in your application fee.
• In some trades, a practical exam is also required after the theory exam.
  • The minimum pass mark is also 70% for a practical exam.
  • Practical exam fees 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 and complete all program requirements within 18 months of your application approval date.

Scheduling & Attending Your Exam

• Once your application is approved, your exam information, including the date, time, and location will be posted to your MyTradesecrets account under the Exam tab.
  • This is typically posted 3-4 weeks before the scheduled exam date.
• Important Policies:
  • If you cannot attend your scheduled exam, you must notify AIT at least 24 hours in advance.
  • To request a new exam date, email AIT.Assessments@gov.ab.ca.
  • You may reschedule a maximum of two times.
  • Failing to attend your exam twice without notice will result in your Trades Qualifier application being cancelled.

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 contact AIT to get 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 the first exam attempt, you may attempt the exam a second time.
  • A new exam rewrite fee will be required.
• If you don’t pass the second exam attempt, your next steps will depend on your mark:
  • If your exam mark is below 70%, your Trades Qualifier application will be cancelled. To continue, you must submit a new application with fees and a Training Plan.
  • If your exam mark is between 60% - 69%, you may submit a Training Plan for review by AIT within 30 days of the date on your exam result letter. If approved, you will be required to pay the exam rewrite fee for a third exam attempt.
  • Applicants have 18 months to complete all Trades Qualifier program requirements. Training Plans must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the 18-month deadline.
• If you don’t pass your third exam attempt:
  • Your Trades Qualifier application will be cancelled.
  • To continue, you must submit a new application with fees and a Training Plan.
  • A Training Plan will also be required if you failed the Red Seal exam outside Alberta or under a previous application.

Learn more:

• AIT Training Plan