The Canadian Red Seal Roadmap: Your Path to Certification

START HERE: Preparation & Entrance Exam (STAR Test)

The Goal: Demonstrate your math, reading, and problem-solving skills to prove you are ready for the trade.

Action: Study for and pass the Skilled Trades Assessment Readiness (STAR) test or provincial equivalent.

Outcome: You are qualified to get hired and registered as an apprentice.

STAGE 1: Apprenticeship Registration

The Goal: Make it official.

Action: Find an employer willing to sponsor you. Sign a Registered Training Agreement (contract) with your employer and your Provincial/Territorial apprenticeship authority.

Outcome: Your hours now count toward certification.

THE APPRENTICESHIP CYCLE (Repeat for Levels 1–4)

Apprenticeship is a mix of two types of learning that happen in a cycle:

A) Work Experience (On-the-Job):

You earn while you learn.

You must log a specific number of hours (e.g., 5,000–9,000+ total depending on the trade) under the mentorship of a certified Journeyperson.

B) In-School Technical Training:

You attend “block release” training (e.g., 6–8 weeks per year) at a college or union training centre.

You must pass the exams for each Level (1, 2, 3, etc.) to advance.

STAGE 4: Apprenticeship Completion

The Goal: Verify you have finished all requirements.

Action: Submit your logbook and transcripts. The apprenticeship authority verifies you have completed all technical levels and required work hours.

Outcome: You are approved to write the final certification exam.

STAGE 5: The Interprovincial (Red Seal) Exam

The Goal: Prove you meet the national standard.

Action: Write the comprehensive multiple-choice examination that covers every aspect of your trade.

Outcome: A passing grade (usually 70%) awards you the Red Seal.

FINISH: Certified Journeyperson + Red Seal Endorsement

The Reward: You receive your Certificate of Qualification with the Red Seal endorsement.

Benefits:
National mobility (work anywhere in Canada).

Higher wages.

Ability to train future apprentices.

Career advancement opportunities (Foreman, Superintendent, Business Owner).