Tradesecrets Logo
Contact Us Access MyTradesecrets
Access MyTradesecrets
Tradesecrets Logo

Get Started

Get Started

Prior Learning Assessments
About Apprenticeship
    Sponsors and Employers
    Educational Credentials
Become an Apprentice
    Choose your program
    Eligibility and Entrance Requirements
    Apply for Apprenticeship
    Prior Learning Assessments
Start in High School
    Registered Apprenticeship Program
    Career and Technology Studies
Sponsor an Apprentice

Prior Learning Assessments

Before you register as an apprentice, you can take a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) exam to check what you already know.

Why take a PLA exam? 

Taking a PLA exam before you register as apprentice shows you already have the skills, so you can get started sooner or jump ahead in your apprenticeship. 

  • PLA entrance exam: If you pass, you can start apprenticeship classes without the required high school courses when you register as an apprentice. | Learn More
  • Other PLA exams: If you pass, you'll receive credit toward the relevant period of your apprenticeship classroom instruction when you register as an apprentice. 

Already an apprentice? Find out how to challenge a period exam.

Types of PLA Exams

PLA - Entrance Exam

Take this if you don't meet the educational requirements, to show you're ready to attend apprenticeship classes.

  • There is no fee for this application.

Learn more about Entrance Exams

PLA - High School Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Programs

Finished a CTS apprenticeship pathway in high school? Take this PLA to get credit toward your apprenticeship. 

Before you apply: 

When you apply: 

  • We'll confirm your CTS courses through Alberta Education. 
  • There is no fee for this exam.

PLA - Pre-employment Programs

Completed or taking an approved pre‑employment program? Get credit with this PLA.

Before you apply:

  • Completed or enroll in an accredited pre‑employment program.
  • Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade. 
  • Confirm that your program is approved (Not sure? Contact us.)

When you apply:

  • Program finished: upload a photo/scan of your certificate or diploma.
  • Currently enrolled: enter the program reference number (ask your instructor).
  • Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee (see below).

PLA - Previous Training in the Trade (Non-accredited)

Have non‑accredited training that matches the apprenticeship program? Try this PLA.

Before you apply:

  • Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade.  
  • Refer to the Curriculum Guide in the Trade Profile for your trade to see if your training covers the same topics. 
  • Contact us to confirm whether your training is eligible. 

When you apply:

  • Upload proof of your training (certificates, transcripts, course outlines).
  • Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee (see below). 

PLA - Previous Work Experience in the Trade

Worked in the trade for at least one year? Use this PLA for period credit.

Before you apply

  • Have 1 year or more of work experience in the trade (you don’t have to be working in the trade now.)
  • Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade. 
  • Contact an AIT office to confirm you are eligible

When you apply

  • Upload proof of work experience
  • Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee for each period exam you apply for (see below)

If you have enough work experience (fees apply for each), you can apply for a PLA for all but one period of the apprenticeship program.

  • To get your journeyperson certificate, you must attend at least one period of classroom instruction without going the PLA route. 

PLA - Technician and Technology Programs

Graduated from or are enrolled in an accredited technician or technology program? Get credit. 

Before you apply

  • Complete or enroll in an accredited technician/technology program.
  • Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade.  
  • Confirm that your program is approved (Not sure? Contact us.)

When you apply

  • Graduates: upload a photo/scan of your diploma or certificate.
  • Current students: enter the program reference number (ask your instructor).
  • Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee (see below)

How to apply for a PLA exam

Visit the MyTradesecrets applications page.

  1. Click Apply Now.
  2. Sign in or create an account.
  3. Click the green Apply for Services button.
  4. Click Start Application.
  5. Select your trade.
  6. Select the Prior Learning Assessment option.
  7. Choose which exam you want to take.
  8. Follow the on-screen steps to complete your application. 

If your application is approved, we'll contact you to schedule the exam. 

Apply Now

Cancellation of an Application

Your PLA exam application is cancelled if you:

  • do not have the requirements to qualify;
  • do not attempt an exam within 12 months of the application being approved;
  • do not attempt an exam within 12 months of a previously failed exam attempt;
  • fail the examination twice;
  • do not show up for a scheduled exam twice;
  • ask for a scheduled exam to be rescheduled more than two times; and
  • do not pay the reattempt or practical examination fee(s) if required within 30 days from the date of notification; or do not attempt the scheduled examination(s) and do not notify Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Fees

Subject to AIT approval and payment of applicable fee(s) by the applicant, the PLA exam application permits the applicant ONE attempt at the theory exam.

  • Any re-attempt of the theory exam or attempt of the practical exam (if applicable) is also subject to AIT approval and payment of each exam’s fees by the applicant.
  • If the application is cancelled, contact an AIT office to discuss the options available.

In trades where a practical exam is required, there is an additional fee(s) for each attempt.

  • This fee(s) covers the cost of the exam, materials and markers. 
  • The fee for the practical exam varies from trade to trade and period to period because of the difference in cost of materials.
  • Fees are subject to change without notice.
  • Contact an Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training office for more information.  

Trade

Period

Prior Learning Assessment Fee  (each period)

Practical

Exam Fee

Agricultural Equipment Technician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Appliance Service Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Appliance Service Technician - Commercial Appliance Service Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Auto Body Technician

1

$150.00

n/a

 

2

$150.00

n/a

 

3

$150.00

$78.00

 

4

$150.00

$108.00

Auto Body Technician – Auto Body Prepper

n/a

n/a

n/a

Auto Body Technician – Auto Body Refinisher

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Auto Body Technician – Auto Body Repairer

1

$150.00

n/a

 

2

$150.00

$78.00

 

3

$150.00

$108.00

Automotive Service Technician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Baker

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Barber

1

$150.00

$75.00

Boilermaker

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Bricklayer

1

$150.00

$150.00

 

2

$150.00

$160.00

 

3

$150.00

$210.00

Cabinetmaker

1

$150.00

$195.00

NAIT pre-employ. In-class practical $75.

 

2

$150.00

$180.00

 

3

$150.00

$185.00

 

4

$150.00

$160.00

Carpenter

1

$150.00

$195.00

NAIT pre-employ. In-class practical $75.

 

2

$150.00

$185.00

 

3

$150.00

$205.00

 

4

$150.00

$205.00

Communication Technician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Concrete Finisher

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Cook

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane

1

$150.00

n/a

 

3

$150.00

$310.00

Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator - Tower Crane

1 

$150.00

$310.00

Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator - Boom Truck

n/a

n/a

n/a

Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operator - Wellhead Boom Truck

n/a

n/a

n/a

Electric Motor Systems Technician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Electrician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Elevator Constructor

n/a

n/a

n/a

Floorcovering Installer

1

$150.00

$125.00

 

2

$150.00

$130.00

Gasfitter - Class A

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Gasfitter - Class B

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Glazier

1

$150.00

n/a

 

2

$150.00

$210.00

 

3

$150.00

n/a

 

4

$150.00

$230.00

Hairstylist

1

$150.00

$75.00

 

2

$150.00

$75.00

Heavy Equipment Technician (HET)

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

HET – Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off-road)

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

HET – Truck and Transport Mechanic

1,2,3

$150.00each 

n/a

HET – Transport Trailer Mechanic

n/a

n/a

n/a

Instrumentation and Control Technician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Insulator (Heat and Frost)

1

$150.00

n/a

 

2

$150.00

$375.00

 

3

$150.00

$475.00
   

Ironworker (Metal Building Systems Erector)

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Ironworker (Reinforcing)

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Ironworker (Structural and Ornamental)

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Landscape Horticulturist

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Locksmith

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Machinist

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Motorcycle Mechanic

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Natural Gas Compression Technician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician - Power Equipment

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician - Recreational Equipment

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Painter and Decorator

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Parts Technician - Parts Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Parts Technician – Materials Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Plumber

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Powerline Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Power System Electrician

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Recreation Vehicle Service Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

n/a

Roofer

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Sheet Metal Worker

1,2,3,4

$150.00 each

2 @ $110.00

Sprinkler System Installer

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Steamfitter-Pipefitter

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Transport Refrigeration Technician

1,2,3

$150.00 each

n/a

Water Well Driller

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Water Well Driller – Earth Loop Technician

1,2

$150.00 each

n/a

Welder

1

$150.00

$145.00

 

2

$150.00

$155.00

 

3

$150.00

$160.00

Welder - Wire Process Operator

n/a

n/a

n/a
Contact us with any questions