Recognizing Prior Learning

Apprentices and Tradespeople

As an apprentice or certified tradesperson, you have several options for receiving credit for your work or training experiences, whether obtained in Alberta or a different jurisdiction:

Obtain advanced standing through a Prior Learning Assessment

You can apply to have your previous training or work experience assessed for entry to, or advanced standing in, an apprenticeship program through the Prior Learning Assessment option.

Continue with your apprenticeship program from another Canadian province/territory

As a registered apprentice in your home province or territory, you can transfer your apprenticeship training program to Alberta. This includes your

  • on-the-job training hours
  • technical training
  • exams

Once you are employed in Alberta you can start your Alberta apprenticeship program at the point where you left off.

As a transferring apprentice, you should bring official copies of all transcripts and employment records from your home jurisdiction to present at the time of registration. Alberta officials will confirm the details of your training status with your home province or territory. 

Work with your Alberta Journeyman Certificate in another Canadian province/territory

As a certified tradesperson, you can build upon your Alberta Journeyman Certificate with the Red Seal Program. This is a partnership among Canada’s provincial, territorial and federal governments that allows you to work anywhere in Canada where your trade or occupation is designated.

Apply for Alberta Qualification Certificate Based on Canadian Credentials

For tradespeople with a non-recognized Canadian trade credential
If you have a valid trade credential issued by another Canadian province or territory or the Department of National Defense that is not recognized as being equivalent to a certificate issued by Alberta, you may be eligible to apply for an Alberta Qualification Certificate Based on Canadian Credentials.

You will need to successfully complete one or more examinations to qualify.

Apply for Alberta Qualification Certificate Based on Work Experience

For experienced tradespeople working without a recognized trade credential
If you can demonstrate your skills and experience to meet industry competencies in a trade or occupation designated in Alberta, you may be eligible to apply for an Alberta Qualification Certificate Based on Work Experience.

You will need to successfully complete one or more examinations to qualify.

Apply for an Alberta Equivalency Document

For tradespeople with a recognized Canadian trade credential
The Equivalency Program allows a person who holds a certificate recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board to obtain a wallet-sized card that indicates the holder has a trade certificate from another jurisdiction and is permitted to work in Alberta.

The Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA)

The TILMA is an agreement between the governments of Alberta and British Columbia that eases the movement of goods, services, investment and workers between the two provinces. It requires individuals who are qualified or certified in an occupation in one province to be recognized by the other province as qualified to practice that occupation in that province without significant additional training, experience, examination or assessment of qualifications.