CERTIFICATION FOR WORK EXPERIENCE

Prove your skills – the Qualification Certificate Program

Working without your trade certificate?

No matter what experience you have in your trade or occupation, the simple fact of life is that without certification that is recognized in Alberta, you just aren't as employable as you could be. In the case of some Alberta-designated trades, without certification you just aren't employable. Qualification Certificate

That's why the Qualification Certificate Program was developed.

The idea is to give experienced workers a way of proving that their skills and experience meet the standards set for certification in Alberta. If you can demonstrate industry-established competencies in an Alberta-designated trade or occupation, you can receive an Alberta Qualification Certificate.

This program is designed for people who have the necessary skills and experience, but either have no certification in their trade or occupation or have a certificate from a non-Canadian apprenticeship authority.

Requirements for certification

To receive an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, you must:

download and print the Qualification Certificate - Work Experience Application, or contact any Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office for an application
complete the application and submit it to one of our offices
pay the non-refundable fees
demonstrate that you have the required hands-on experience in your trade or occupation
score 70% or better on all required exams

The fees and hours of work experience required are listed under the 'Qualification Program' heading of each trade or occupation. (see Trades & Occupations)

Proving your work experience

The hours of work experience required for each trade or occupation are listed in the table of Work Experience Requirements and Fees for Certification. You'll be expected to provide confirmation of work experience from your current and previous employers, as Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training staff must verify your experience.

This confirmation should include:

any document that keeps track of work experience
original letters, written by your current and previous employers, that include dates when you worked in the trade, hours of work in the trade, and the type of work performed

If you're short on hours, contact an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office and ask about becoming a registered apprentice – your prior experience may reduce the time required to complete an Alberta apprenticeship program.

Theory and practical examinations

In all trades or occupations, you must score at least 70% on the written theory examination. Interpreters or readers may be allowed – check with an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office. (see also Examination Interpreter/Reader Restrictions) You'll be notified of your exam date after your work experience has been verified.

Some trades require you to pass a practical exam. Practical exam fees vary with the cost of materials. (see Trades & Occupations)