The Red Seal program is a recognized interprovincial standard of excellence for skilled trades in Canada. It is a certification that validates the skills, knowledge, and experience of tradespeople who have successfully completed their apprenticeship training and achieved a high level of competency in their respective trades.
The Red Seal endorsement is available in over 50 trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, hairstyling, automotive service, and many others. It signifies that the individual has met the national standards of their trade and is qualified to work across Canada without the need for further examinations or certifications.
The Red Seal exam is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a designated authority in each province or territory. It evaluates the candidate’s theoretical knowledge and practical skills in their trade. Successful completion of the Red Seal exam leads to the awarding of the Red Seal endorsement, which enhances a tradesperson’s employability and professional credibility.
| Trade | Exam Topics (by percentage of exam) |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Electrical Theory (20%), Code and Regulations (25%), Installation and Maintenance (40%), Safety (15%) |
| Plumber | Plumbing Systems (30%), Fixtures and Appliances (20%), Code and Regulations (20%), Safety and Tools (15%), Installation and Maintenance (15%) |
| Carpenter | Building Materials (15%), Framing (25%), Finishing (20%), Blueprints and Specifications (15%), Safety (15%), Tools and Equipment (10%) |
| Chef | Food Preparation (25%), Baking and Pastry (20%), Sanitation and Safety (20%), Nutrition (10%), Menu Planning (15%), Management (10%) |
| Automotive Service Technician | Engine Systems (20%), Electrical Systems (25%), Drive Train Systems (15%), Brakes and Safety Systems (20%), Maintenance and Repair (20%) |
| Welder | Welding Processes (30%), Cutting Processes (20%), Fabrication and Assembly (20%), Welding Inspection and Testing (15%), Safety and Metallurgy (15%) |
| Heavy Equipment Technician | Engine Systems (20%), Electrical Systems (20%), Hydraulics (20%), Power Trains (15%), Brakes and Safety Systems (15%), Preventative Maintenance (10%) |
| Millwright | Machinery Installation and Alignment (25%), Power Transmission Systems (20%), Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems (20%), Maintenance and Repair (25%), Safety (10%) |
| HVAC Technician | Heating Systems (25%), Ventilation Systems (20%), Air Conditioning Systems (20%), Refrigeration Systems (20%), Safety and Regulations (15%) |
| Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) | Installation, Alignment, and Dismantling (30%), Maintenance and Repair (30%), Machining (20%), Hydraulics and Pneumatics (10%), Safety (10%) |
Exam Structure
- Format: Multiple-choice questions.
- Content: Based on the NOA for each trade, covering essential skills, safety protocols, and trade-specific knowledge.
- Duration: Varies by trade, typically around 4 hours.
- Passing Score: Generally, a score of 70% is required to pass.
Trades
- Agricultural Equipment Technician Appliance Service Technician Auto Body and Collision Technician Automotive Refinishing Technician Automotive Service Technician Baker Boilermaker Bricklayer Cabinetmaker Carpenter Concrete Finisher Construction Craft Worker Construction Electrician Cook Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Floorcovering Installer Gasfitter — Class A Gasfitter — Class B Glazier
- Hairstylist Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer) Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator) Heavy Equipment Operator Industrial Electrician Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Instrumentation and Control Technician Insulator (Heat and Frost) Ironworker (Generalist) Ironworker (Reinforcing) Ironworker (Structural/Ornamental) Landscape Horticulturist Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic) Machinist Metal Fabricator (Fitter) Mobile Crane Operator Motorcycle Technician Oil Heat System Technician
- Painter and Decorator Parts Technician Plumber Powerline Technician Recreation Vehicle Service Technician Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Roofer Sheet Metal Worker Sprinkler Fitter Steamfitter/Pipefitter Tilesetter Tool and Die Maker Tower Crane Operator Transport Trailer Technician Truck and Transport Mechanic Welder
Our Bundle Practice Pack covers the common tests you are going to face in the Alberta assessment:
- Basic Math Numerical Reasoning & Series
- Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Mechanical Reasoning
- Electrical tests
Start practice today and improve your hiring chances
Tip
Practice with sample questions and mock exams: Solve practice questions and take mock exams to assess your knowledge and familiarize yourself with the exam format. This will also help you identify areas where you need further improvement.
