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.
Important Update: Effective August 1, 2026, Level Challengers in Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades must challenge each trade in sequence and self-assessment forms will be discontinued. This update will align with the current Level Challenger process for all other trades and will improve trade workers’ readiness for the certification exams. For more information, read this news post. |
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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)
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 to [email protected]. 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.
