TRADES RESOURCE LIBRARY
Information resources to help you through your career.
Embedded Files
🔖 Training & Red Seal Info – apprenticeship length, schooling, credentials
🛠️ Common Tools – visuals and names you’ll hear on job sites
🗣️ Pronunciations – how to say the key terms confidently
👷Job Site Roles – who’s who on site
🤝 Tips for New Entrants – real-world advice from tradesmen
Explore By Trade
Explore By Trade
🔖 Training & Red Seal 🛠️ Tools 🗣️ Pronunciations 👷Job Site Roles 🤝 Tips
💡 How to Use
💡 How to Use
Click a trade name to open or download its PDF.
Each file is printable, beginner-friendly, and Red Seal-aligned.
MOST IN DEMAND TRADES IN BC
Who are Trade Qualifiers?
Trade Qualifiers are uncertified tradespeople who have extensive experience (five or more years) who are looking to get certified without having to complete an apprenticeship program, by challenging the certification exam. See the application process below.
Steps to Challenge
Steps to Challenge
Becoming a trade qualifier
Becoming a trade qualifier
The following steps only apply for those challenging a designated Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trade. To challenge a certification exam for other trades, visit the Challenge a Certification Exam page.
1 Check the program information and your eligibility.
Search for your trade using Find Your Trade.
Review the Employer Declaration or Statutory Declaration form (near the bottom of your trade page), where you can find the hours of work experience, percentage of job task experience and any prerequisite credentials required.
3 Submit your application and declaration form(s).
Complete your application by following the prompts on the Portal. Follow this step-by-step guide for detailed instructions on what to expect during the application process. All documents submitted must be in English.
For each period of work experience listed on your application, you must submit an Employer or Statutory Declaration (near the bottom of your trade page). For detailed information on how to fill out these forms, visit the Declaration Forms page.
Pay the $120 application fee through the Portal and submit your application and declaration form(s).
5 Schedule and write your certification exam.
Once approved, you must schedule and pass your certification exam within 24 months of approval. Visit the Exam Study and Support section for resources to help you succeed.
When you are ready to book your exam, sign into the Portal and navigate to the Exam Booking section. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to book your exam.
You have a maximum of four attempts to achieve the required 70 per cent passing score on your certification exam. For more information on exam rewrites, see the Skilled Trades BC Exam Rewrites page.
If you do not pass the exam after four attempts and wish to continue working in the trade, you will need to register as an apprentice at least 30 days before your Temporary Authorization expires. You will be automatically placed into Level 4 of your trade and receive full credit for the required work-based training hours. You will then need to register for the program at a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider, attend in-class technical training and pass the final exam in order to receive certification.
2 Create an account on the SkilledTradesBC Portal.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, create a SkilledTradesBC Portal account by selecting “I want to become certified/I want to be a Trade Qualifier/I want to become an Uncertified Experienced Worker” to start your application.
4 Notified of your result.
SkilledTradesBC will review your application package, verify your work experience with the employer(s)/references you provide and determine whether you have the necessary experience to challenge the certification exam.
The typical processing time is approximately six to eight weeks, or longer if you have work experience outside of Canada. You may continue working in your trade during this time.
If approved:
You will receive an email notification with next steps to challenge the certification exam.
You will also receive a Temporary Authorization, which allows you to continue working in your trade for 24 months while you prepare and write your exam.
If denied:
You will receive an email notification outlining the reasons for denial and possible steps to meet any outstanding challenge requirements for your trade.
6 Obtain your certification.
Once you have met all of the completion requirements, a certificate will be mail to the address we have on file.
You are now a certified journeyperson and meet the requirements of Skilled Trades Certification!
Helpful Guides
The Guide to BC Trade Definitions (physical copy at resource centre)
The Guide to BC Trade Definitions (“the Guide”) is a foundational resource developed by the BC Construction Association (BCCA) and its BC Trade Definitions Committee. It outlines detailed trade scopes and inclusions/exclusions to support industry in understanding and coordinating construction work across the province. Rooted in BC’s construction practices, this Guide promotes clarity, consistency, and collaboration within the industry
Essential Skills Workbook for the Trades with Answer Guide (physical copy at resource centre)
This workbook will help you practice your reading, writing, numeracy and document use skills though a variety of exercises to help you in the trades. An answer guide is included to help you understand how to reach the right answer.
Vocabulary Building Workbook (physical copy available at resource centre)
This workbook is designed to help you improve your vocabulary. It includes 24 lessons with a variety of exercises to help you learn new words commonly used in the Canadian workplace.
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