Experienced Workers
in STC Trades
Experienced workers bring years of valuable knowledge and in-demand skills to the table, which is why we have created clear pathways for experienced workers in Skilled Trades Certification trades, also known as compulsory trades, to meet regulatory requirements.
If you have over five years of practical experience in a Skilled Trades Certification trade but are not certified, you have two options:
Apply for Temporary Authorization to continue working in your trade as a Trade Qualifier while preparing to get certified by writing and passing the certification exam.
Apply for Temporary Authorization to continue working in your trade as an Uncertified Experienced Worker until December 2028, while planning to get off the tools.
Who are Trade Qualifiers?
Trade Qualifiers are uncertified tradespeople who have extensive experience (five or more years) who are looking to get certified without having to complete an apprenticeship program, by challenging the certification exam. See the application process below.
Before you apply, please ensure:
You have the required hours and scope of hands-on work experience in the trade.
Your references can be contacted by phone to verify your work experience. If references cannot be contacted, it may result in your application being denied.
You can schedule and pass your certification exam within 24 months of your application approval.
Upon approval, you will be automatically issued a Temporary Authorization, allowing you to continue working in your trade while you are preparing to write and pass the certification exam.
Steps to Challenge a Certification Exam for Skilled Trades Certification Trades
The following steps only apply for those challenging a designated Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trade. To challenge a certification exam for other trades, visit the Challenge a Certification Exam page.
Search for your trade using Find Your Trade.
Review the Employer Declaration or Statutory Declaration form (near the bottom of your trade page), where you can find the hours of work experience, percentage of job task experience and any prerequisite credentials required.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, create a SkilledTradesBC Portal account by selecting “I want to become certified/I want to be a Trade Qualifier/I want to become an Uncertified Experienced Worker” to start your application.
Complete your application by following the prompts on the Portal. Follow this step-by-step guide for detailed instructions on what to expect during the application process. All documents submitted must be in English.
For each period of work experience listed on your application, you must submit an Employer or Statutory Declaration (near the bottom of your trade page). For detailed information on how to fill out these forms, visit the Declaration Forms page.
Pay the $120 application fee through the Portal and submit your application and declaration form(s).
SkilledTradesBC will review your application package, verify your work experience with the employer(s)/references you provide and determine whether you have the necessary experience to challenge the certification exam.
The typical processing time is approximately six to eight weeks, or longer if you have work experience outside of Canada. You may continue working in your trade during this time.
If approved:
- You will receive an email notification with next steps to challenge the certification exam.
- You will also receive a Temporary Authorization, which allows you to continue working in your trade for 24 months while you prepare and write your exam.
If denied:
- You will receive an email notification outlining the reasons for denial and possible steps to meet any outstanding challenge requirements for your trade.
Once approved, you must schedule and pass your certification exam within 24 months of approval. Visit the Exam Study and Support section for resources to help you succeed.
When you are ready to book your exam, sign into the Portal and navigate to the Exam Booking section. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to book your exam.
You have a maximum of four attempts to achieve the required 70 per cent passing score on your certification exam. For more information on exam rewrites, see the Exam Rewrites page.
If you do not pass the exam after four attempts and wish to continue working in the trade, you will need to register as an apprentice at least 30 days before your Temporary Authorization expires. You will be automatically placed into Level 4 of your trade and receive full credit for the required work-based training hours. You will then need to register for the program at a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider, attend in-class technical training and pass the final exam in order to receive certification.
Once you have met all of the completion requirements, a certificate will be mail to the address we have on file.
You are now a certified journeyperson and meet the requirements of Skilled Trades Certification!
Who are Uncertified Experienced Workers?
Uncertified Experienced Workers are uncertified tradespeople who have extensive experience (20 years or more) who are planning to get off the tools in the next few years and want to continue working until December 1, 2028.
Before you apply, please ensure:
You have at least 36,000 hours and the required scope of hands-on work experience in the trade
Upon approval, you will be issued a one-time Temporary Authorization, allowing you to continue working in your trade until December 1, 2028 as you transition to your future plans.
Note that only those who are currently living and working in B.C. and familiar with provincial regulations may apply as Uncertified Experienced Workers. Workers applying to challenge their trade must go through the Trade Qualifier pathway.
Steps to apply for Temporary Authorization
as an Uncertified Experienced Worker
Search for your trade using Find Your Trade.
Review the Program Profile (often near the middle of the trade page) to confirm you have at least 36,000 hours of work experience that meet the competencies in your trade.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, create a SkilledTradesBC Portal account by selecting “I want to become certified/I want to be a Trade Qualifier/I want to become an Uncertified Experienced Worker” to start your application.
Complete your application by following the prompts on the Portal. Follow this step-by-step guide for detailed instructions on what to expect during the application process. All documents submitted must be in English.
For each period of work experience listed on your application, you must submit an Employer or Statutory Declaration (near the bottom of your trade page). For detailed information on how to fill out these forms, visit the Declaration Forms page.
SkilledTradesBC will review your application package, verify your work experience with the employer(s)/references you provide and determine whether you have the necessary experience to qualify for Temporary Authorization.
The typical processing time is approximately six to eight weeks, or longer if you have work experience outside of Canada. You may continue working in your trade during this time.
If approved:
- You will receive an email notification granting you a one-time Temporary Authorization, which allows you to continue working in your trade until December 1, 2028.
If denied:
- You will receive an email notification outlining the reasons for denial and possible steps.
Need
Support?
In addition to the provincial and federal supports available to registered employers and apprentices, we have also enhanced our supports to customers in the Skilled Trades Certification trades.
We're Here
to Help
Contact your local Advisor to get the support you need in meeting the requirements.