Challenging the Exams - Trades Qualification

If you are experienced in a designated trade but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification in Manitoba, you can become a fully qualified and certified journeyperson through a trades qualification examination.

• Eligibility
• Pre-Arrival Information for Internationally Trained Workers
• How to Apply
• Exam Preparation Resources
• What Happens Next?

 Elgibility

1. Eligible candidates include:

• Canadian citizen/permanent residents, landed immigrant or international trades professionals experiences in countries outside of Canada.
• Applicants entering Manitoba who have a provincial/territorial Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian jurisdiction that does not have a high level of commonality in the scope of the trade as outlined in the Manitoba regulation for Trade*.

* See section on Certificate of Qualification Recognition (AIT) for applicants entering Manitoba with a Provincial/Territorial Certificate of Qualification.

2. Experience in a designated trade. There are a minimum number of years and hours over a specified length of time, that is required in order to apply for Trades Qualification (TQ).
Refer to the work experience requirement chart

Note:
- If you not do meet the necessary requirements for TQ, but have some experience in a trade, you may apply for regular apprenticeship training. Your previous work experience and skills will be assessed through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and your experience will be credited accordingly. This may reduce the overall length of your apprenticeship program.

3. Strong essential skills are recommended prior to application for Trades Qualification.

Cross Trade Credits: In related trades such as Agricultural Equipment Technician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Truck & Transport Mechanic, Automotive Service Technician, Transport Trailer Technician etc. time in trade credits may count towards certification in another trade through the Trade Qualification process. Include official transcript of courses with the Trades Qualification Application.

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Pre-Arrival Information for Internationally Experienced Workers

If you are an Internationally Experienced Worker and would like to apply for Trades Qualification outside of Canada, please follow the following steps;

1. Contact and apply for immigration to Manitoba, Canada
   For more information, visit Manitoba Immigration
2. Measure your trade skills against the Canadian Standard at www.tradesinfo.ca
   This website will help to determine the trade name in which you will challenge the exam, as well as any skill areas that may need to improve.
3. Confirm your eligibility and apply for Trades Qualification in your trade
4. Receive an Approval/Denial letter from Apprenticeship Manitoba
   Once approved, ensure that you work on your English skills, Essential Skills and trade related skills which may include working in your trade in Canada*.
   

*In order to work in compulsory trades in Manitoba, you must be registered as an apprentice.

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How to Apply

1. Confirm that you have fulfilled the necessary requirements for TQ.

2. Complete and submit each of the following;

• Trade Qualification Application and application fee
• Work Experience Form – This form identifies and assesses your acquired knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for a successful certification exam.
  If you are applying for Trades Qualification as a Hairstylist, Esthetician or Electrologist you may apply for a Temporary Permit while you are awaiting your TQ application approval. Please complete the Temporary Permit section of the Authorization to Practise form. This section is found in the middle of the form.
• Employer letter(s) documenting exact dates of employment, total hours worked, a brief description of duties performed, the employer signature and any trade related certificates. If your employer is no longer in business or if you were self-employed during this time for which you are applying please submit a Self Declaration Form instead of the Employer Letter.
  
  See section on Exam Preparation Resources for information about learning supports, essential skills etc.

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Exam Preparation Resources

Study Booklists
This section provides a list of books and resources that will help in preparation for the trade exam.

Trades Qualification Learning Supports    (français) 
A document outlining strategies for studying, writing certification exams, preparing a learning plan and accessing resources.

Vocabulary Cards
Understand trade specific terminology to assist in exam preparation

Hairstylist
Esthetician

Essential Skills Drop-In Centre for Trades
"Essential Skills” are skills that help you to perform the tasks required by your trade and other activities of daily life. They provide the foundation for learning other skills, and make it easier for you to adapt to workplace change.
"Essential Skills” include:

1. Reading text
   
2. Document Use
   
3. Writing
   
4. Numeracy (math)
   
5. Oral communication
   
6. Thinking
   
7. Working with others
   
8. Computer Use
   
9. Continuous learning
   

If you need assistance in this your Essential Skills, be sure to visit the drop-in centre and up-grade your skills.

Special Accommodations
Apprenticeship Manitoba will consider special accommodations for administering examinations to candidates with disabilities or language barriers. If, for example, English is not your first language, you may obtain permission to use a translator, a reader or language dictionary. You may also request more time to write the examination. Documentation from a qualified professional are required (i.e. medical doctor, educational psychologist, International Centre representative etc.) Contact Apprenticeship Manitoba for an application at least one month prior to examination.

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What Happens Next?

• After submission of your Trades Qualification Application (including the supporting Work Experience form, Employer Letter or similar and copies of any trade related certificated), it will be processed and you will be notified regarding exam approval or denial.
  
  
• If approved, you will receive an Exam Application along with your Exam Approval Letter. Note: You are given one year from the date of your Exam Approval Letter to write your exam.
  
• Review the Exam Schedule listing to select the time and location you prefer.
• Complete the Exam Application with your preferred time and location you selected from reviewing the Exam Schedule, and submit the appropriate fees.
• Prepare for your exam. See Exam Preparation Resources for more information
• You have four hours to complete a multiple-choice theory examination. You must score 70 per cent or higher on your examination and successfully complete the practical exam (where applicable) to receive a Certificate of Qualification. For a list of trades which include a practical exam, refer to the work experience requirement chart.
  
  
• If you do not pass the exam, Apprenticeship Manitoba will give you a summary of your results to show which areas require improvement and you may apply to re-write the exam. If you are not successful after the second attempt, you must take Apprenticeship Manitoba approved upgrading before attempting the exam again. If the exam is not challenged within one year, applicants must re-apply and pay the appropriate fees.

Exam exemption for compulsory trades: When an existing trade regulation is amended to include "compulsory" apprenticeship training or a new trade is designated as compulsory, trades professionals have a limited time frame (usually one year) in which to apply and qualify for certification through trades qualification without examination ("grandparenting clause").

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