Prior Learning Assessments

Write a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) exam to determine your level of skill and knowledge before you register as an apprentice. 

Passing a PLA exam can also help you earn: 

  • entry into an apprenticeship program, or
  • advanced standing in an apprenticeship program.

To apply for a PLA examination:
 1. Visit the MyTradesecrets applications page. 
 2. Click Apply Now.
 3. Sign in or create an account.
 4. Click the green Apply for Services button.
 5. Click Start Application.
 6. Select your trade.
 7. Select the Prior Learning Assessment option.
 8. Choose which exam you wish to attempt (see below more information about the available options).
 9. Complete and submit your application following the prompts on the screen.

Entrance Exam

Attempt an entrance exam if you are interested in becoming an apprentice but:

  • you do not meet the educational requirements of the trade, or 
  • you are required to successfully complete an entrance exam in your chosen trade.

There is no fee for this application.

Download the Entrance Exam Study Guide.

Pre-employment Programs

Attempt a Pre-employment Program PLA exam if you have completed or are attending a recognized pre-employment program.

  • If you have completed your program:
    • submit a clear picture of scanned copy of your certificate or diploma with your application.
    • Pay the required PLA non-refundable fee.
  • If you are currently attending the programs, 
    • inquire with your instructor whether you can apply for the PLA exam while attending class. 
    • Pay the required prior learning assessment non-refundable fee.

If you are not sure your program is recognized, contact the nearest Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training office.

Alberta High School Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Programs

Attempt a CTS PLA exam for advanced standing in an apprenticeship program if you have successfully completed: 

There is no fee for this application

 

Technician and Technology Programs

Attempt a Technician and Technology Program PLA exam if you have completed or are attending required courses in an accredited and recognized technician or technology program.
  • If you have completed your  program:
    • submit a clear picture of scanned copy of your certificate or diploma with your application, and 
    • pay the required prior learning assessment non-refundable fee.
  • If you are currently attending you program:
    • inquire with your instructor whether your can apply for this program while attending class. 
    • Pay the required prior learning assessment non-refundable fee.

If you are not sure your program is recognized, contact the nearest Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training office.

Previous Training in the Trade (Non-accredited)

Attempt a Previous Training in the Trade (non-accredited) PLA exam if you have successfully completed training that covers the same learning objectives as the apprenticeship education program. 

  • Refer to the Curriculum Guide in the Trade Profile for the relevant trade to review the learning objectives. 
  • Contact an AIT office to determine your eligibility.
  • Submit proof that you have the required work experience or training.
  • Pay the required prior learning assessment non-refundable fee.

Previous Work Experience in the Trade

Attempt a Previous Work Experience in the Trade PLA exam if you:

  • meet the educational requirements or have passed the required entrance exam, and
  • have a minimum of 1 year of work experience in the trade. 

Contact an AIT office to determine your eligibility.

  • You do not have to be employed in the trade.
  • Submit proof that you have the required work experience or training.
  • Pay the required prior learning assessment non-refundable fee.

If you have enough previous work experience to be eligible to attempt a PLA exam for more than one period, you will be required to pay the prior learning assessment fee(s) for each period exam that you attempt.

To receive an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, you must complete at least 12 months in an apprenticeship program. This includes:

  • completing one period of classroom instruction,
  • accumulating the minimum number of on-the-job training hours, and
  • passing all required exams.

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

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.