Experienced Tradespersons

If you have extensive work experience in your trade, you may be able to challenge the certification exam in order to gain certification and open many doors in your career. Those approved to challenge the final exam are not required to go through the entire apprenticeship program. Rather, they are able to become certified by writing and passing the final examination.

Manitoba has nine compulsory trades, trades that require certification to be practiced, and if you are looking to join the Manitoba workforce from a different province or from the Canadian Military, it is important to know what is required for working in those trades (see Understanding Trades).

If you are currently a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, landed immigrant, or have work experience from a country outside Canada and are residing in Manitoba, you are eligible to challenge the exam.

Apply to Challenge the Certification Exam:

Before you apply to challenge the certification exam, make sure you have the following documents compiled to submit with your application:

  1. Your prior work experience. You are required to prove:
    1. A demonstrated minimum number of years working in the trade.
    2. A demonstrated minimum number of hours working in the trade.
    3. A demonstrated experience in at least 70 percent scope of the trade.
  2. Work experience forms: This form is a self-assessment tool that defines the tasks of the trade as determined by Canadian standards. This information can be found in the specific trade profile.
  • Employer letter: This is to provide additional information that documents written proof of practical skills in order to ensure competency. The letter must include:
    1. The exact dates of employment
    2. Total hours worked
    3. A detailed list of tasks and duties performed
    4. The employer’s signature in ink
  1. If a letter from an employer is not available due to self-employment, business closure, or other applicable reason, you are able to submit a letter of self-declaration in lieu of an employer letter. It should be signed and dated, and include the same details of your experience as an employer letter.

Approved to Challenge:

If you qualify to challenge the exam, you will receive a letter of approval in the mail, along with learning supports and an exam application. Following the approval granted to you, you have one year to complete the exam, otherwise you are required to reapply and undergo the entire process again. When you feel prepared, download the exam schedule and choose a time and location that works for you, keeping in mind that exams are on a first come, first serve basis. To accommodate for this, select two dates when scheduling your exam.

When preparing to write the exam, there are many resources available to help you succeed, including:

  1. Trades Qualification Learning Supports Guide
    1. Developed to help experienced tradespersons prepare to write the interprovincial or provincial certification exam in your practicing trade.
    2. Contains relevant and meaningful information that can be used when preparing for the exam, such as strategies for multiple choice exams, learning resources, a comprehensive study guide, trade qualifier upgrading courses, and developing a learning plan.
  2. Lists of recommended supplementary reading material, attached to each trade profile
  3. Vocabulary cards: A broad vocabulary is essential to succeeding on the exam. The technical word vocabulary cards include a corresponding image, phonetic English to aid in pronunciation, the definition of the word, context, and related works and expressions. The sets of vocabulary cards are specified to each individual trade, and are available on the trade profile.
  4. Essential Skills Drop-In Centre for Trades