Red Seal Certification
Are you a qualified and experienced tradesperson looking for opportunity abroad? If so, you may want to consider Canada, as it has an entire immigration program dedicated specifically to tradespersons!
The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) was designed to make the immigration process smoother for skilled trade workers looking to move to Canada. The FSTP not only gives trade workers the chance to apply for permanent residency but has excellent processing times of six to eight months, as it is managed by the ever-popular Express Entry System.
Another great benefit of the FSTP is that you don’t need a job offer in Canada to qualify if you have a certificate of qualification from a provincial, territorial, or federal governing body. This is also known as a red seal certification.
What Are Red Seal Trades?
Canada has specific trades that are governed by regulations under the Provincial and Territorial Apprenticeship Acts. The red seal certification was introduced by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA). The CCDA is a voluntary intergovernmental partnership among Canadian provinces and territories consisting of 15 members (13 provincial and territorial members and two federal members from the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada). CCDA members are responsible for apprenticeship training and trade certification within their jurisdiction.
The Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) ensures that certain national standards are upheld within the industry. Tradespersons will need to take a Red Seal examination to become red-seal endorsed. These are usually administered in the province or territory you intend to live and work in.
Below is a list of trades currently governed by the Red Seal Program:
| List of Designated Red Seal Trades | ||
|---|---|---|
| NOC | Trade Occupation | Province/Territory Requiring RSE |
| 7312 | Agricultural equipment technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, SK |
| 7332 | Appliance service technician | AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE |
| 7322 | Autobody & collision technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 7322 | Automotive refinishing technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 7321 | Automotive service technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 6332 | Baker | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, YT |
| 7234 | Boilermaker | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7281 | Bricklayer | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7272 | Cabinetmaker | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7271 | Carpenter | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7282 | Concrete finisher | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC |
| 7611 | Construction craft worker | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7241 | Construction electrician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 6322 | Cook | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7284 | Drywall finisher and plasterer | NL, NS, ON, PE, QC |
| 7295 | Floor covering installer | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, YT |
| 7253 | Gasfitter – Class A | AB, BC, MB, NL, NS, NT, NU, PE, QC, YT |
| 7253 | Gasfitter – Class B | AB, MB, NL, NS, NT, NU, PE, QC, YT |
| 7292 | Glazier | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 6341 | Hairstylist | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7312 | Heavy duty equipment technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7521 | Heavy equipment operator (Dozer) | NL, NS, ON, PE, QC |
| 7521 | Heavy equipment operator (Excavator) | NL, NS, ON, PE, QC |
| 7521 | Heavy equipment operator (Tractor-loader-backhoe) | NL, NS, ON, PE, QC |
| 7242 | Industrial electrician | BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, YT |
| 7311 | Industrial mechanic (MIllwright) | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 2243 | Instrumentation and Control technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 7293 | Insulators (heat and frost) | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7236 | Ironworkers (generalists) | BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE |
| 7236 | Ironworkers (reinforcing) | AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7236 | Ironworkers (structural/ornamental) | AB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 2225 | Landscape horticulturists | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7284 | Lather (Interior systems mechanic) | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7231 | Machinist | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YK |
| 7235 | Metal fabricator (Fitter) | AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7371 | Mobile Crane Operator | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7334 | Motorcycle technician | AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE/td> |
| 7331 | Oil heat system technician | BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, PE, YT |
| 7294 | Painter and decorator | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 1522 | Parts technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 7251 | Plumber | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7244 | Powerline technician | AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 7384 | Recreation vehicle service technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7313 | Refrigeration and air conditioning technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7291 | Roofer | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7233 | Sheet metal worker | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7252 | Sprinkler fitter | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7252 | Steamfitter (Pipefitter) | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
| 7283 | Tile setter | BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7232 | Tool and die maker | BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC |
| 7371 | Tower crane operator | AB, BC, MB, NL, NS, ON, PE, QC, SK |
| 7321 | Transport trailer technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, ON, PE, YT |
| 7321 | Truck and transport technician | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT |
| 7237 | Welder | AB, BC, MB, NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT |
How to Get a Red Seal Certified
To get red seal certified you will need to take a red seal examination. To register, follow these three simple steps below:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
It’s always a good idea to check if you qualify before registering or applying for any immigration program or certification, and the same goes for the red seal examination. Make sure that you meet the requirements for the examination in your chosen province or territory as they can not only differ from place to place by also by trade and by the type of tradesperson. You can do this by visiting the official apprenticeship and certification website of the province or territory you intend to work in.
Step 2: Complete your application
Now that you know that you’re eligible, it’s time to start the application process. You can contact the applicable provincial or territorial apprenticeship office for your application form or for any additional information required. It’s important to check or confirm the following before completing and submitting your application for the exam:
- Check what language your exam language will be administered in (English/French);
- Confirm that your exam will be in the language of your choice. You can do this by contacting your chosen provincial or territorial office.
- If you have special needs, ask about accommodations you may be entitled to when writing the exam well in advance.
Step 3: Pay your fees
The cost of your exam will vary from province to province. It’s best to check this before registering for your exam.
For more information, you can consult the various provincial and territorial offices below:
| Provincial / Territorial Red Seal Offices | |
|---|---|
| Province | Contact |
| Alberta | Direct Contact |
| British Columbia | Direct Contact |
| Manitoba | Direct Contact |
| New Brunswick | Direct Contact |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Direct Contact |
| Northwest Territories | Direct Contact |
| Nova Scotia | Direct Contact |
| Nunavut | Direct Contact |
| Ontario | Direct Contact |
| Prince Edward Island | Direct Contact |
| Quebec | Direct Contact |
| Saskatchewan | Direct Contact |
| Yukon | Direct Contact |
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Seal Trades
Is a Red Seal equivalent to a degree?
Sometimes, having a red seal certification can be equivalent to a college certification regarding knowledge and skill in a specific trade. Those who successfully complete a registered apprenticeship training program will receive a:
- Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A); or
- Diploma of Apprenticeship and/or Certificate of Qualification (C of Q); or
- Journeyperson’s designation (JP) in their trade.
If you have extensive knowledge working in your trade yet have not completed a formal apprenticeship program you can still apply to write the red seal exam. If successful you will get a Certificate of Qualification or Journeyperson’s designation.
How long does it take to get a red seal certificate?
Most red seal programs are about three hours long. Most programs work on an earn-as-you-learn model where you will need to attend a six-week block of training every year, however, this could differ from program to program. Once you have written your red seal exam, it can take up to four weeks to get your results.
Does a red seal certification expire?
No. Once you have passed your red seal exam and are certified it does not expire nor will you have to apply for a renewal.
How many questions are in the red seal exam?
There are between 100 to 150 multiple choice questions in the red seal exam. They are all of equal value and will have four possible choices. You will have four hours to complete the exam and will need a minimum pass mark of 70 percent.
What is the difference between a red seal and a blue seal?
A red seal certificate shows that a tradesperson has sufficient knowledge of and the ability to apply said knowledge in a specific trade that meets the national standard in Canada. A blue seal shows that a tradesperson has business competencies that meet the industry standards and have demonstrated the ability to take on managerial, supervisory, entrepreneurial, or other leadership roles.
Ready to start your trades career in Canada and need help with your application?
Immigration FAQ’s
Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:
- Provincial Nomination;
- Offer of employment;
- Core capital factors;
- Your common-law partner or spouse;
- Skill transferability;
- Previous Canadian study experience;
- Siblings in Canada; and
- French and English Ability
Provincial Nomination (600 Points)
600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Job Offers (50-600 Points)
A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.
Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)
These take into account your level of education, for example:
- Certificate;
- Diploma; or
- Degree
If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.
Language (150 Points)
Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.
Work Experience
The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.
You must:
- Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class
You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:
- You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
- You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program
You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:
- Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
- Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205
If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.
There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:
- Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
- Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The following factors affect your eligibility:
Work Experience
You must:
- Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
- Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
- Have received payment for your work;
- Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
- Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
- Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language Ability
You must:
- Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
- Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
- You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
- Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
- Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
- Have completed foreign credentials; or
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC
Proof of Funds
You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
- You are working in Canada; or
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
Additional Factors to Be Considered
- Age;
- Valid job offers; and
- Adaptability
This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
- Meet the language requirements for English and French;
- Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
- Have work experience within the past 5 years;
- Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
- Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
- A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
| Group Number | Job Description |
|---|---|
| 72 | Industrial, construction or electrical trades |
| 73 | Equipment operation and maintenance |
| 82 | Technical and supervisors in:
|
| 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators |
| 632 | Cooks and chefs |
| 633 | Bakers and butchers |
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
- Foreign qualifications;
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
- A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
- Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
- The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
- Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements
You must:
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.
| Job Description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:
- Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
- Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
- Have completed foreign credentials
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.
| Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed | Job Level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.
- Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
- Have the required language skills needed for your job;
- Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
- Have language levels need for your job; and
- Have plans to live outside of Quebec
Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.
Skilled Work Experience
Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.
| Job description | Skill Type |
|---|---|
| Technical jobs | B |
| Skilled trades | B |
| Professional jobs | A |
| Managerial jobs | 0 |
Education
You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:
- have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
- have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
- completed foreign credentials
Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.
Language Ability
To qualify you must score well in:
- the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
- the language tests
| Canadian Language Benchmark score needed | Job level (NOC) |
|---|---|
| 7 | 0 |
| 7 | A |
| 5 | B |
The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:
- Read;
- Speak;
- Listen; and
- Write
Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.
Principal Applicant
When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.
Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.
Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.
Inadmissibility
You may be inadmissible if you are:
- Considered a security risk;
- Lied about information in your application or interview;
- Have ties to organised crime;
- Can’t support yourself financially;
- Have terrible financial health;
- Committed a crime outside of Canada;
- Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
- Have a family member that is not allowed in the country
Choosing Where To Live
Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.
These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points
- Age (max 110 points);
- Education (max 150 points);
- Language proficiency (max 160 points);
- Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
- Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
- Additional Factors (max 600 points)
A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:
- A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
- A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
- A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.
If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.
