Skilled

Trades
Certification
Essentials
Skilled Trades Certification is
commonly referred to as mandatory
or compulsory trades across Canada.
Under Skilled Trades Certification,
uncertified workers in selected trades
will have a one-year transition period
to get registered as an apprentice or
become a certified journeyperson.

What’s inside
Why Skilled Trades Certification?......................................................1

When and how will it be implemented?.............................................2

Are you impacted?................................................................................3

Why become a Level Challenger?.......................................................4

Are you an experienced worker?.........................................................6

Are you an employer?...........................................................................8

New supports for Skilled Trades Certification................................10

Questions?...........................................................................................12
Why Skilled
Trades Certification?
With more than 85,000 job openings expected in the next decade,
there has never been a better time to join the skilled trades. We know
British Columbia’s future economy depends on having more skilled
trades people, from diverse backgrounds, building the province
of tomorrow.
While British Columbia has a strong and effective trades training
system that offers multiple pathways for individuals to achieve
certification, it has not had a mandatory trades certification system
for two decades. Skilled Trades Certification will formally recognize
the skills of current and future trades workers, boost prestige for the
trades and help to draw more people to trades careers, keeping them
working as the industry’s needs shift over time.
It’s part of SkilledTradesBC’s responsibility for trades training, as
set out in the Skilled Trades BC Act, and applies to the following
ten trades:

PHASE 1 PHASE 2

Electrical Mechanical Automotive

• Construction • Refrigeration & • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician  
Electrician Air Conditioning Mechanic   • Automotive Service Technician  
• Industrial Electrician • Gasfitter A & B • Auto Body and Collision Technician  
• Powerline Technician   • Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Sheet Metal Worker  

Three additional automotive trades will be

Uncertified trade workers in these seven trades will be required
introduced as Skilled Trades Certification trades
to either register as an apprentice, or have applied for, written, or
in 2024 and will also have one year to transition
passed a certification exam before December 1, 2023.
once announced.

• These trades were chosen because they are in high demand, contain relatively low numbers of uncertified workers, and are
regulated by other regulators for safety and workmanship. This will allow for the least disruption to workers and employers
while we transition to a Skilled Trades Certification system.

SkilledTradesBC.ca 1
When and how will it be implemented?
Implementation is currently underway, starting with electrical and mechanical trades—construction electrician, industrial
electrician, powerline technician, refrigeration & air conditioning mechanic, gasfitter A & B, steamfitter/pipefitter and sheet
metal worker. Each trade has a one-year transition period starting December 1, 2022, which will allow uncertified workers to
register as an apprentice or become certified by challengeing a certification exam.
Employers can begin to prepare for implementation by ensuring workers are registered apprentices or certified
journeypeople and making any adjustments necessary to ensure their successful transition to Skilled Trades Certification.

Electrical + Mechanical Trades

TIMING • December 1, 2022: Transition period starts
• Effective December 1, 2023: Trade workers and employers
must meet all requirements

REQUIREMENTS Uncertified worker

• Register as an apprentice, or
• Challenge a level exam and register for the most
appropriate apprenticeship level, or
If you are a worker
• Challenge a certification exam to become certified
or employer in one
Apprentice of the Skilled Trades
Continue to work towards certification, no further action required Certification trades,
contact our customer
Certified worker
service team to see
No action required
whether you’re already
Employer on track or to get
• Ensure workers are either registered apprentices or on the pathway to
certified journeypeople certification today.
• Meet the supervision ratio of 2 apprentices to 1 journeyperson See page 12 for
• Keep employee qualification records contact information.
MUST BE
COMPLETED December 1, 2023
BEFORE

2 Skilled Trades Certification

Are you impacted?
YOU ARE IMPACT

A registered apprentice or a certified There will be no impact to you.

journeyperson in one of the Skilled Trades If you have questions or need support during your
Certification trades. apprenticeship training, our customer service team and
apprenticeship advisors are here to help.

An uncertified worker in one of the Skilled Trades Visit SkilledTradesBC.ca to find out how you can begin
Certification trades and have: your apprenticeship journey and work towards certification.
• completed less than 1,800 work-based training
hours (approximately 1 year).

An uncertified worker in one of the Skilled Trades You should become a Level Challenger.
Certification trades and have: See the information on page 4 of this booklet or visit
• some practical experience, and SkilledTradesBC.ca for more information.
• completed 1,800-5,400 work-based training
hours (approximately 1-3.5 years) in your trade.

An uncertified worker in one of the Skilled Trades You should become a Trade Qualifier.
Certification trades and have: See the information for experienced workers on page 6 of
• extensive practical experience, and this booklet or visit SkilledTradesBC.ca for more information.
• completed more than 9,000 work-based training If you are planning to get off the tools in the next few years,
hours (approximately 5.5 years) in your trade. there is a pathway for you too!

A registered apprentice or a certified There will be no impact to you.

tradesperson NOT in one of the Skilled Trades
Certification trades.

An employer in one of the Skilled Trades See the information on page 8 of this booklet or
Certification trades. visit SkilledTradesBC.ca to learn why Skilled Trades
Certification is good for your business and what you need
to know as an employer.

SkilledTradesBC.ca 3
Why become a Level Challenger?
Our province’s growing economy creates strong demands for skilled trade workers. By challenging a level exam, you can
enter the most appropriate apprenticeship level and put yourself on the fast track to becoming a certified journeyperson
which can then lead to a successful and rewarding career.

What you need to know

REQUIRED HOURS
A Level Challenger is an uncertified worker in one of the Skilled OF TRAINING
Trades Certification trades who has: The same hours apply for all Skilled
• some experience in their trade, and Trades Certification trades.
• completed 1,800 work-based training hours (approximately
over 1 year) per level for each level they wish to challenge
Level 1 Challengers
1
You can use the self-assessment forms on SkilledTradesBC.ca/ 1,800 hours of work-based
SkilledTradesCertification/Self-Assessment-Forms to determine training (approx. 1 year)
which level exam in the Skilled Trades Certification trades is best
for you to challenge.

Level 2 Challengers
SELF-ASSESSMENT FORMS 2
FOR LEVEL CHALLENGE PROCESS 3,600 hours of work-based
Find your trade, select your level based on the work-based training training (approx. 2.3 years)
hours you have completed and start the self-assessment. Please
refer to the table on this page for more details.

• The forms allow you to assess your knowledge of each of the Level 3 Challengers
areas of competencies taught in the particular level of technical 3
5,400 hours of work-based
training. The questions are also weighted similarly to the exam
training (approx. 3.5 years)
written at the end of each technical training level.
• After assessing the level of competencies, the form will highlight
areas of strength and areas you may need further knowledge or
practical experience.
• If you score 65% or above, you may be ready for the selected level
exam. If you score 64% or below, you should seek further training
For more info, visit
SkilledTradesBC.ca
or support, or re-take the self-assessment at a lower level.

4 Skilled Trades Certification

 Level Challenger
requirements checklist
• Based on your work-based training
hours you have completed, use the
online self-assessment forms to find
out which level exam is suitable for you.

• Complete the self-assessment

form with a score of 65% or higher.
Download and save the PDF version
of your results.

• Submit your completed level placement

exam application form with all
required documents. After reviewing
your application, SkilledTradesBC will
schedule an exam if approved.

• Prepare and write your exam.

Support is available (see page 10).

• After passing your level exam, you

can register as an apprentice at the
most appropriate level, work with an
employer sponsor and continue your
journey to certification.

SkilledTradesBC.ca 5
Are you an experienced worker?
Increasingly in demand across many skilled trades, a journeyperson certification validates to employers, clients, and
the public that you have credible and recognized knowledge and competence to perform your job well.
The challenge certification process provides an opportunity to have your applicable trades-related work experience,
skills and knowledge assessed against the standards for certification, allowing you to become certified without having
completed or started an apprenticeship. This is a great way to have your hard work and skills recognized.
If you are a trade worker who wants to become certified by challenging a certification exam, you are a Trade Qualifier.

What you need to know MINIMUM REQUIRED

WORK-BASED TRAINING HOURS
A Trade Qualifier is an uncertified worker in one of the
Skilled Trades Certification trades who has: Electrical
• extensive practical experience in their trade, and Construction Electrician 9,000 hrs
• more than 9,000 work-based training hours (approximately Industrial Electrician 9,000 hrs
5.5 years) that can be verified by previous employers
Powerline Technician 10,080 hrs
GET CERTIFIED BY CHALLENGING
A CERTIFICATION EXAM Mechanical

Before you apply to challenge, please ensure you have met the Refrigeration & Air 9,315 hrs
Conditioning Mechanic
following criteria:
• You have satisfied the minimum required work-based training Gasfitter Class A 4,500 hrs
hours in the Skilled Trades Certification trade you are applying Gasfitter Class B 4,500 hrs
for (i.e. 1.5 times the work-based training hours required for Steamfitter/Pipefitter 9,450 hrs
completion of the apprenticeship program of your trade).
Sheet Metal Worker 9,360 hrs
Please refer to the table on this page or the program page of
your trade at SkilledTradesBC.ca for more details. Automotive
• You have experience performing at least 70% of the job
Heavy Duty 9,540 hrs
tasks listed in the employer/statutory declaration form of Equipment Technician
your trade.
Automotive 9,540 hrs
• The references listed on your application can be contacted via Service Technician
phone to verify your work experience. References that cannot
Auto Body and 9,675 hrs
be contacted can result in your application being denied. Collision Technician

6 Skilled Trades Certification

 Trade Qualifier
requirements checklist
• Ensure you have the minimum work-
based training hours required.

• Visit SkilledTradesBC.ca to download

the required application form and
declarations from the Trades Program
page of your trade and find more
information on how to apply to
challenge a certification exam.

• Submit your completed application

form and declarations. Once we receive
APPLYING FOR TEMPORARY
your application, we will review your AUTHORIZATIONS
work history, talk to your employers, If you are planning to get off the tools in the
and determine if you have the necessary next few years, there is a pathway for you too.
experience to challenge the trade.
If you are a trade worker who plans to get off the tools
before December 1, 2028 and want to continue working
• Prepare and write your exam.
until then, you can apply for a temporary authorization
Support is available (see page 10). if you can demonstrate the competencies and at least
36,000 hours of work experience (approximately 23 years)
• Once you have written the exam
in your trade. This will allow you to continue providing
and passed, you will receive your valuable experience as a trade worker in the system,
your credential. setting you up to transition to your future plans.
A process to support Temporary Authorizations
will be available to qualified workers who require
additional time starting December 1, 2023. Please
visit SkilledTradesBC.ca/SkilledTradesCertification to
complete a contact form to receive updates about how
to apply for a temporary authorization.

SkilledTradesBC.ca 7
Are you an employer?
Skilled Trades Certification is good for your business as it will formally recognize the skills of trades workers and boost
credibility and prestige of the trades, attracting more people to join the skilled trades. This will help build a strong labour
force to fill your hiring needs as your business grows.
By requiring trade workers to be either a certified journeyperson or a registered apprentice, Skilled Trades Certification
helps ensure you have a highly skilled workforce to set your business up for success. It can help promote your business as
an employer of choice and attract top talent by showing your support for certification and learning.

What you need to know

WORKING IN SKILLED TRADES • The following are NOT included for the purpose of
CERTIFICATION TRADES calculating a supervision ratio of persons employed in
• If your employees carry out work described in the scope Skilled Trades Certification trades:
of work of Skilled Trades Certification trades, then they – a level 4 apprentice (a registered apprentice who has
must be one of the following: completed all level 3 requirements)
– a registered apprentice – a Trade Qualifier who works under a
– a certified journeyperson temporary authorization
• You need to maintain records of your employees’ – a person who is participating in an industry
qualifications to work in Skilled Trades Certification training program that includes a work experience
trades and be able to produce them on request. component, such as youth trade programs and
trade foundation programs
SUPERVISION RATIO • The following MAY be included as a journeyperson for
the purpose of calculating a supervision ratio:
• The supervision ratio of apprentice to journeyperson
– an employer who is a journeyperson
is 2:1 for electrical and mechanical Skilled Trades
– an experienced tradesperson who works under
Certification trades.
temporary authorization
• A 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson supervision ratio
• If you feel you may have difficulty in meeting this
helps ensure that apprentices get the right level of
requirement, please contact customer service via call or
training and experience they need to become qualified
email and our Skilled Trades Certification Advisors will
workers, who in turn can support your business and the
reach out to help you meet the requirements.
needs of British Columbians.

For more info, visit

SkilledTradesBC.ca

8 Skilled Trades Certification

 Employer requirements checklist
• Make sure all employees who carry out • Maintain their records of
work described in the scope of work of qualifications to work
Skilled Trades Certification trades are
• Meet the supervision ratio of
one of the following:
2 apprentices to 1 journeyperson
• A registered apprentice
• Become an employer sponsor to your
• A certified journeyperson uncertified workers as they register
as apprentices

SkilledTradesBC.ca 9
New supports for Skilled Trades Certification
In addition to the provincial and federal supports available to registered employers and apprentices, we have also enhanced
our supports to customers in the Skilled Trades Certification trades. For more information or to access these supports, please
contact our customer service team.

INDUSTRY-WIDE SUPPORTS EXAMINATION SUPPORTS

• Increased apprenticeship training seats and • All Skilled Trades Certification trades exam
certification support through additional fees will be waived until the enforcement date
funding over the next three years. to encourage workers to get on the pathway
• Expanded Apprenticeship Advisors team to certification.
with increased regional representation and • There will be exam preparation information
an enhanced focus on removing barriers and webinar sessions available to cover best
and providing customized support for practices and strategies to help you succeed on
individual apprentices. the exams.
• Set up a new dedicated team of Skilled Trades • Accommodation requests based on
Certification Advisors across the province to individual needs such as using a translator,
enhance worker and employer supports and translation dictionary, reader or requesting
help with a seamless transition. additional exam time can be submitted
through the SkilledTradesBC Portal or exam
accommodation request form while scheduling
an exam.

For more info, visit

SkilledTradesBC.ca

10 Skilled Trades Certification

 Learning supports
and accommodations
for Trade Qualifiers
in need
Here are the supports available to Trade Qualifiers
(Experienced workers who have more than 9,000
verifiable work-based training hours and plan to
challenge certification exams):

• Interprovincial Exam refresher courses for Skilled

Trades Certification trades will be delivered by
training providers, subsidized by SkilledTradesBC.
• Trade Qualifiers who have learning difficulties may
be eligible to work with a Learning Strategist through
the Virtual Learning Strategist online learning
platform to develop customized learning plans and
study strategies tailored to individual learning styles.
• Learning support assessment will be available
for those who do not have access to a professional
assessment so accommodations can be identified
and provided.
• In the event Trade Qualifiers need multiple attempts
to complete an exam, the following upgrading
supports are available:
– Refresher courses referrals
– Technical and essential skills tutoring
– One-on-one support
– Accommodations arrangements

SkilledTradesBC.ca 11
Questions?
Got a question? Want to explore options? Skilled Trades Certification Advisors are located throughout the province and are
on hand to help businesses and uncertified workers transition to Skilled Trades Certification. If you are an uncertified worker
or an employer in one of the Skilled Trades Certification trades and want to start your journey to Skilled Trades Certification
now, we’d love to talk.
Contact our customer support to see whether you’re already on track or to get on the pathway to certification today.

CONTACT US

PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE

T: 778-328-8700 CustomerService@ SkilledTradesBC.ca/
SkilledTradesBC.ca SkilledTradesCertification
Toll Free in BC:
1-866-660-6011

12 Skilled Trades Certification

SkilledTradesBC.ca 13
Last updated May 2023

SkilledTradesBC is the organization that advances British SkilledTradesBC.ca

Columbia’s trades training system. We are building the
most diverse and sustainable workforce in Canada by
supporting equitable access to skilled trades and helping
British Columbians unlock their potential—creating a
world-class workforce, one career journey at a time. @SkilledTradesBC