Overview
The Red Seal Program sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. It is a partnership between the federal government and provinces and territories, which are responsible for apprenticeship training and trade certification in their jurisdictions.
The Red Seal, when affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in that trade.
New Brunswick is committed to recognize certifications of other jurisdictional apprenticeship authorities as an equivalent to New Brunswick certification. To obtain a New Brunswick issued certification, contact a reginal office.
- Credential Verification Information for all Canadian provinces and jurisdictions can be found on the Red Seal Website.
- Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA)
- Québec/New Brunswick Labour Mobility Agreement for the Construction Sector
- Transfer Guide (PDF 1.4 MB)
- BC/NB Memorandum of Understanding
- Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Q & A (PDF 125 KB)
- Guidelines – Apprentice Mobility (PDF 139 KB)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Upon entering in an apprenticeship program in the province, an apprentice with previous technical training may be eligible to receive theory credits. To do so, after completing and signing the apprenticeship agreement with all parties, they may apply by providing:
- official transcript of marks issued by the training institution
- copies of curriculum content (if available)
- the official name, address, contact name and phone number for the training institution
Forward this information to the apprenticeship office in your region to determine if there is a match between your completed training and New Brunswick's curriculum. If a match exists, you could either receive full credit for the examination level or challenge the corresponding examination.
Newcomer apprenticeship and occupational certification program
Start by getting a job in your trade and gaining local experience then, contact Skilled Trades NB to see if you can challenge the certification exam or if the apprenticeship program is the better path for your success. In most cases, apprenticeship is the best option to bridge gaps and work toward certification. Other steps include:
Assessment of your experience: Your international education and work experience are reviewed to identify credit toward NB certification.
Personalized learning plan: Develop and complete a plan is created with Skilled Trades NB and your employer to address differences in language, terminology and safety and trade practices and standards.
Training and certification exam: Attend training or challenge the exam when ready.
You can find out which occupation most closely aligns with your experience and education by reviewing the task, activities and functions for designated occupations. For select construction trades, you can complete a more in-depth Fast NB self- assessment to see how closely it matches your experience and education match closely with New Brunswick Standards.