Who are Level Challengers?
Level Challengers are uncertified tradespeople who have some practical experience in their trade (between one to four years), who are looking to challenge a level exam to enter the apprenticeship program at the appropriate level. See the application process below.
How To Assess Your Level
First, determine your level based on the work-based training hours you have completed. The required hours for each level are the same for all trades under Skilled Trades Certification.
Level 1: 1,800 hours (approx. 1 year)
Level 2: 3,600 hours (approx. 2-3 years)
Level 3: 5,400 hours (approx. 3-5 years)
Next, fill out the self-assessment form* for your trade. These forms allow you to assess your knowledge of each of the areas of competencies taught in the particular level of technical training. The questions are also weighted similarly to the exam written at the end of each technical training level.
Your results will highlight areas of strength and areas where you may need further knowledge or practical experience.
If you score 65% or above, you may be ready for the selected level exam.
If you score 64% or below, you should seek further training or support, or re-take the self-assessment at a lower level.
* Challenging the level exam for Powerline Technician is not available. Powerline Technician workers will need to either register as an apprentice and work towards certification or challenge the certification exam to become certified.
Steps to Challenge a Level Exam for Skilled Trades Certification trades
The following steps only apply for those challenging a designated Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trade. To challenge a level exam for other trades, visit the Challenge a Level Exam page.
To start, you will need to meet the following minimum work-based training hour requirements to be eligible to challenge each level exam:
Level 1: 1,800 hours (approximately 1 year)
Level 2*: 3,600 hours (approximately 2-3 years)
Level 3*: 5,400 hours (approximately 3-5 years)
*You must pass each level exam in sequence to ensure you have the foundational knowledge needed for advanced training.
Complete the self-assessment for your trade and level based on your work-based training hours to assess your knowledge of each of the areas of competencies taught in technical training. You can challenge higher levels directly if you meet the minimum required work-based training hour requirements and pass the self-assessment form for that level.
Your results will highlight areas of strength and where you may need further knowledge or practical experience.
If you score 65 per cent or above, you may be ready for the selected level exam.
If you score 64 per cent or below, you should seek further training or support, or re-take the self-assessment at a lower level.
Download and save a PDF copy of your results.
Before submitting your application, you must first register as an apprentice by creating a SkilledTradesBC Portal account.
Complete and submit the level placement exam application form with a copy of your self-assessment results to customerservice@skilledtradesbc.ca. The application form must be signed by your sponsor/employer or a certified journeyperson to endorse your level of experience and knowledge of the trade. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to you.
There is no fee for level exams.
SkilledTradesBC will review your application to determine whether you meet the requirements to challenge the level exam. The typical processing time is approximately 10 to 15 business days.
If approved:
SkilledTradesBC will schedule the level exam and you will receive an email notification confirming the details.
If the exam date requested is unavailable, we will schedule you for the next available date at your chosen location.
If denied:
You will receive an email notification with further instructions on next steps.
Visit the Exam Study and Support section for resources to help you succeed
You have a maximum of two attempts to achieve the required 70 per cent passing score on your level exam. For more information on exam rewrites, see the Exam Rewrites page.
After passing your level exam, your profile on the Portal will show your apprenticeship journey and reflect the level you have achieved, including credit for the relevant technical training and work-based training hours. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider.
Your trade program may be available at a school in your community or you may have to travel to relocate for a couple of weeks each year. Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC provide helpful search tools to find where your trade program is being offered across the province.
We recommend scheduling your in-class technical training once a year throughout your apprenticeship to get a balance of theory and on-the-job practical experience. It’s important to communicate with your employer about the best time to be away from work for in-class technical training.
You are now on your apprenticeship journey to certification!
New
Supports
In addition to provincial and federal support available to registered employers and apprentices, we have enhanced our support for Skilled Trades Certification.
Self-Assessment
Forms
Assess your knowledge and level for Skilled Trades Certification.