Whether you’re an apprentice or a trade qualifier, you must pass the certification exam for your trade to become a journeyperson. A certification exam tests your knowledge of the scope of work for your trade.

Apprentices

When you have met the trade’s apprenticeship requirements, including all levels of technical training, you will write a certification exam. Depending on your trade, this will be a Red Seal exam (also called an interprovincial exam) or a provincial certification exam.

For apprentices, certification exams are often written in your classroom on the last day of your last level of technical training. If you need accommodations or need to reschedule, exams can also be written at designated locations across Manitoba.

Your certification exam will cover content from all levels in your apprenticeship, as described in the particular trade’s occupational standard or occupational analysis. In addition, some trades require a practical exam to be completed as part of the certification process. If your trade does require a practical exam, you will book a time with your technical training provider to complete the exam. Use the exam supports provided below to prepare for your exam.

Trade Qualifiers

Once you have received written confirmation that you are approved as a trade qualifier, you will be sent an exam application form. You will have one year to write your certification exam and, if applicable, your practical exam. Use the exam supports provided below to prepare for your exam.

Exam Format

The certification exam:

• has a time limit of four hours
• is made up of multiple-choice questions
• requires a passing grade of 70 per cent

Passing your certification exam will give you a Certificate of Qualification and make you a journeyperson.

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Who Applies to Write Exams?

While most apprentices will take the certification exam at the end of their final technical training session, some apprentices may need to register to take their exam at another time. All trades qualification applicants need to register for their exam.

You must register for a certification exam if the following situations apply to you:

Register for Your Exam

When you are ready to take your certification exam, complete the Exam Application form to register for your exam. In the form, you can select your preferred exam time, date and place.

Certification exams are held at four locations in Manitoba:

• 111 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg
• 340 9th Street, Brandon
• 118-3 Station Road, Thompson
• 305 4th Street West, The Pas

Trades Qualification Fees

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Study For Your Exam

Study Tips and Resources

There are a variety of study aids available to help you study for your certification exam.

• Trade Profile – In your trade profile, you’ll find:
  • Regulations for your trade
  • Book lists of textbooks (for some trades)
  • Exam guides
  • Sample exams
  • Training standards for all levels

• Learning Supports Guide – Find tips for writing multiple-choice exams, study guidelines, a checklist, and more.
  • Download your guide: Trades Qualification Learning Supports Guide
• Vocabulary – Make sure you are up to date on technical terms. A broad vocabulary is essential to passing your certification exam. As you study, create a definition list. For example, see vocabulary cards for Hairstylist and Esthetician.
• Review Technical Training Course Material – Keep and review all notes and textbooks from technical training.
• Ask Questions - Make notes about the things you learn on the job and ask your instructor or journeyperson questions if there are things you do not understand.
• Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM) – visit one of their 10 centres and learn about essential skills training.
• Vocabulary – If English is not your strongest language, make a vocabulary list of unfamiliar words you can study.
• Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) – If you need to upgrade your English skills, take the assessment and qualify for language training.

Cheating – Cheating in any form or by any means is not allowed. Cheating on your exams may result in removal from the program. Learn more: Apprenticeship Manitoba’s Examination Cheating Policy

Exam Preparation Resources

Studying and preparing for your certification exam is important, and there are lots of resources to help you begin.

If you work in a Red Seal trade, you will be writing the Red Seal certification exam. If you work in a trade that is certified through the Province of Manitoba, you will write a provincial certification exam. Red Seal trades are marked in the Explore Trade section of the website.

Red Seal Certification Exams

There is information and tools to give you practical insights on what goes into Red Seal exams, and how you can best prepare yourself to do well.

• Learn about the distribution of questions based on the content you have covered and the breakdown of exam question type (knowledge and recall, procedure and application or critical thinking).
• Take a self-assessment test to see where you did well and where you may need to study more.

The Red Seal website is a great place to start:

• Red Seal Exam Preparation Guide - learn about the exam format and tips for studying.
• Red Seal Sample Exam Questions – visit Explore Trades and find sample exam questions for your trade.

Provincial Certification Exams

• Provincial Certification Exam Guide

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Passing Your Certification Exam

The passing grade for the certification exam is 70 per cent. When you pass, you will receive your Certificate of Qualification and become a journeyperson in your trade. Congratulations!

If you do not get a passing grade, you can retake your certification exam. You will be provided with your exam results and trade exam report that outlines how you did in each section.

Make sure you use additional supports that can help you pass your exam:

• Review the study tips, resources and guides.
• Consider if you would benefit from an accommodation.
• As an apprentice you can:
  • seek out supports from your technical training provide and ask your instructors for help.
  • contact your Apprenticeship Training Co-ordinator for approved courses to upgrade your training.
• Trades qualifiers can email TradesQ@gov.mb.ca for additional help.

Retake the Certification Exam

If you are going to retake your certification exam, here is some information about your next steps.

Second Attempt:

• You can review your results and trade exam report from your previous attempt to determine what areas you need to study.
• You may consider whether you need a special accommodation.
• You will need to complete another Exam Application form and pay your re-examination fee. (TQ only. There is no exam fee for Apprentices.)

Third or Fourth Attempt:

• You will need to complete another Exam Application form and pay your re-examination fee. (TQ only. There is no exam fee for Apprentices.)
• You may be required to upgrade your skills before making another attempt, which is determined on a case-by-case basis.
• If you are a trade qualifier, you may decide to challenge a level test and enter the apprenticeship program as your pathway to certification.

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Exam Accommodations

A diverse and inclusive workforce is needed to meet the province’s skilled trades labour demands. Learning challenges are unique and there may be things limiting your ability to show your knowledge on an exam. If you have dyslexia, exam anxiety, if English is not your first language or if you have other conditions affecting your exam, you may be able to have an exam accommodation. An accommodation could be a longer writing time, a private room, translation support, large fonts or other things to help reduce barriers to success.

How to Qualify for Accommodation

1. Reason for accommodation: Based on your situation or disability, a qualified professional must provide documentation in the form of a letter or note. They should include a recommendation for the type of accommodation that you need. Examples of types of professionals include:
   • Medical doctor
   • Psychologist
   • International centre representative
2. Request Form: You must complete and submit the Exam Accommodation Request Form at least one month before your exam. Include your accommodation documents at this time.

Types of Accommodations

An accommodation is a change to the standard way a written exam is taken. It is for individuals with a specific disability or where English is an additional language (EAL). The accommodation gives the individual a fair chance to show their knowledge in a written exam.

Exam accommodation options include:

Apply for an Accommodation

To apply:

1. Complete Form:

   • Complete the Exam Accommodation Request form.
   • Check the box beside the type of accommodation that you need.
   • If you need an accommodation that is not listed on the application form, you can specify the accommodation you require under “other”.

2. Provide Documentation:

   • Provide a letter (or supporting document) from a qualified professional.
   • It must clearly say what type of accommodation is recommended for your certification exam.

3. Find and Schedule Your Interpreter or Reader:

   • If you need an interpreter or reader, you will need to find that person and schedule them.
   • Have them complete the Interpreter/Reader Declaration section of the Exam Accommodation Request Form.

4. Costs:

   • You will not be reimbursed for costs associated with an exam accommodation.

5. Timing:

   • Make sure your accommodation form and all documents are received at least one month before your exam.

NOTE: Your exam accommodation request will not be approved without a letter or supporting document.

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