What to Expect
on exam day
Arrive Early and Check in
Arrive 30 minutes prior to the exam. An invigilator will ensure you are registered, have the materials you need, and follow the rules.
Bring Mandatory Photo ID
Bring one of the following types of photo identification (ID). Your photo ID must be valid and current on the day you write your exam. Expired ID or ID with no expiry date will not be accepted.
Driver’s License (issued by a Canadian Province or Territory)
Provincial Identification Card
Passport (Canada or foreign)
BC Services Card
Canadian Permanent Residency Card
Canadian Certificate of Indian Status
Nexus Card
All ID documents must be originals, legible and not torn or altered in any way. Copies or certified copies will not be accepted. See samples of acceptable photo identification.
If you can’t show one of these types of identification, you won’t be allowed to write your exam. You will need to reschedule with SkilledTradesBC and pay any rescheduling fees.
Bring the Appropriate Materials
Standard Level Exams
You are required to bring your own code book (if applicable) and calculator for Standard Level Exams.
You may bring a cordless, pocket-sized calculator to the exam. Scientific calculators are permitted; however, programmable or trade-specific calculators, cellular phones, watches, wireless communication devices, personal data assistants, cameras, and all other electrical equipment that can store or transmit data are prohibited.
Code books must not have any additional sheets of paper. Acceptable markings include:
Clarifications; i.e., notes to define or clarify legal or technical terms
References/tables to mark sections for easy reference
Highlighting
Page references to locate relevant information quickly
For paper exams, you’ll receive:
Exam booklet
Pencil
Eraser
Answer sheet
Diagram booklet, if required
Exam question feedback form
For online exams, you’ll receive:
Scrap paper
Pencil
Eraser
Online access code
Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal Interprovincial Exams
You’ll be provided with all the materials you need to write the exam. These include:
Exam booklet
Pencil
Eraser
Calculator
Answer sheet
Exam question feedback form
Diagram and code books will be supplied when required. No outside code books or calculators will be permitted in the exam room.
Prohibited Items
All prohibited items must be stored away from candidates at the side or front of the room during their exam. Candidates must receive prior written approval from SkilledTradesBC to have any additional items with them during exams.
Invigilators have the authority to request that candidates remove items they feel will compromise the security of the exam.
Additional Details
Time Limits
Interprovincial Red Seal - 4 hours
Certificate of Qualification - 3 hours
Standard Level Exam - 3 hours
Foundation and Completion Exams - 3 hours
Exam Feedback
When you write an exam, you’ll have the opportunity to provide feedback on specific questions or answers. Your feedback will not affect your mark, but it will be used to improve the quality of future exams.