What to Expect
on Exam Day
Watch the Exam Preparation Video Series on YouTube
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.
If you fail to attend your scheduled exam, a rescheduling fee will apply to your next exam booking.
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)
Passport (Canadian or Foreign)
Canadian Permanent Residency Card
Canadian Firearms License
Provincial Identification Card
Combination Driver’s License and BC Services Card
BC Services Card
NEXUS Card
Canadian Certificate of Indian Status
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.
What You Can and Cannot Bring on Exam Day
✅ Allowed Items
What you’re allowed to bring depends on the type of exam you are writing.
Standard Level Exams
You may bring the following items only where applicable:
Code books (for trades where code books are permitted)
Publisher Bound Code books
Must not contain loose papers or additional inserts
Must be original codebooks, electronic codebooks or printed copies are prohibited.
Acceptable markings include:
Clarifications (i.e., notes to define or clarify legal or technical terms)
References/tables to mark sections for reference
Highlights
Page references to locate relevant information quickly
Calculator
Cordless, pocket‑sized calculator
Scientific calculators are permitted. Programmable or trade‑specific calculators are not permitted
Materials Provided at the Exam
Paper‑based exams:
Exam booklet
Pencil
Eraser
Answer sheet
Diagram booklet (if required)
Exam question feedback form
Online exams:
Scrap paper
Pencil
Eraser
Online access code
Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) and Red Seal Interprovincial Exams
Study materials, code book or personal calculators are not permitted in the exam room for these exams. All required materials will be provided, including:
Exam booklet
Pencil
Eraser
Calculator
Answer sheet
Exam question feedback form
Diagram booklet (if required)
Code books (when required)
❌ Items Not Permitted at Your Exam Desk (All Exams)
If you bring the items listed below to the exam location, they must be placed away from the exam desk, typically at the front or side of the exam room. Items cannot be accessed during the exam.
Invigilators will ask candidates to remove any item they believe could compromise exam security.
Electronic and Recording Devices:
Cell phones
Smart watches and watches of any kind (digital, electronic, or analog)
Laptops and tablets
Cameras and smart glasses
Voice recorders or microphones
Fitness trackers
Wi‑Fi devices
Headphones or earpieces
Note: Invigilators will provide time updates during the exam.
Paper and Study Materials:
Paper, notes, binders, or course materials
Personal pens, pencils, erasers, or sharpeners (Writing materials will be provided)
Bags and Storage: Backpacks, purses or handbags, briefcases, belt bags or waist bags
Food and Drink:
Food and beverages are not allowed
Disposable cups, flasks, thermoses, cans, or opaque containers are not allowed
Water is permitted only if it is in a fully transparent container, fully sealable and free of labels or stickers
Personal Items: Wallets, keys, hand sanitizer, lip balm, glasses cases and similar personal belongings. These items must be stored away during your exam.
Important Notes:
Candidates must receive prior written approval from SkilledTradesBC to have any additional items with them during exams. Approval must be arranged a minimum of 30 days before exam day.
Invigilators have final authority on what is permitted in the exam room.
Candidates are strongly encouraged not to bring valuables to the exam location and to bring only the minimum items required for their exam, as items will not be monitored. Lockers will not be available at venues. SkilledTradesBC is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
A full list can be found on the Detailed Certification Exam Instructions and Detailed Standard Level Exam Instructions documents.
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.
