Red Seal
InterprovincialInterprovincial Standards Red Seal Certification
Issued by Red Seal Program
Valid for Does not expire (provincial licence may vary)
What is Red Seal?
The Red Seal Program is Canada's interprovincial standard of excellence for skilled trades. A Red Seal endorsement on a provincial/territorial trade certificate means the holder has demonstrated a national standard of competency in their trade. With over 50 designated trades — including electrician, plumber, carpenter, welder, heavy equipment operator, and many more — the Red Seal is recognized across all Canadian provinces and territories, allowing tradespeople to work anywhere in Canada without additional certification.
Any journeyperson in a designated Red Seal trade who wants interprovincial mobility should pursue Red Seal certification. While a provincial journeyperson certificate allows you to work within your province, the Red Seal endorsement removes barriers to working in other provinces and territories. It is especially valuable for construction workers who travel between provinces for projects and for employers who recruit nationally.
Why Expiration Tracking Matters
The Red Seal endorsement itself does not expire — once earned, it remains valid. However, the underlying provincial trade certificate may have requirements for continuing education or licence renewal depending on the province and trade. Additionally, some trades require ongoing compliance with updated codes (e.g., electrical code updates). Keeping your Red Seal credentials organized and accessible is crucial when moving between provinces or starting on a new job site where you need to prove your qualifications quickly.
Provincial Requirements & Regulations
The Red Seal exam is administered through provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities. To be eligible, a tradesperson typically needs to complete an apprenticeship program or have sufficient work experience (trade qualifier pathway). Each province manages its own apprenticeship system — for example, Ontario's Skilled Trades Ontario, Alberta's Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, BC's Skilled Trades BC, and Quebec's Emploi-Québec. The Red Seal exam itself is standardized nationally, but eligibility pathways vary by province.
Renewal Process
The Red Seal endorsement does not require renewal. However, tradespeople should ensure their provincial trade certificate remains in good standing. Some provinces require continuing education credits or licence renewal fees. Workers should also stay current with any code updates relevant to their trade (electrical, plumbing, gas fitting, etc.).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the Red Seal alone replaces the need for provincial trade registration — you still need to register in each province you work in
- Not keeping a copy of the Red Seal certificate accessible — new employers and site supervisors will ask to see it
- Ignoring provincial licence renewal requirements that may apply alongside the Red Seal
- Not pursuing the Red Seal exam after completing an apprenticeship — it significantly increases employability and earning potential
How WorkSitePass Helps You Manage Red Seal
WorkSitePass stores your Red Seal certificate and provincial trade licence digitally. While the Red Seal itself doesn't expire, your provincial licence or related credentials might. WorkSitePass tracks all your trade documents in one place and ensures you can present proof of qualification instantly when you arrive at a new site or province.
Issuing Authority
Red Seal Program
red-seal.caContact
Contact pagePhone
647-847-3000Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Red Seal endorsement itself does not expire. However, the underlying provincial or territorial trade certificate may have renewal requirements depending on your province and trade.
Yes, the Red Seal endorsement is recognized across all Canadian provinces and territories. It demonstrates you meet the national standard for your trade, allowing interprovincial mobility without additional testing.
You must pass the Red Seal interprovincial exam for your trade. Eligibility typically requires completing a recognized apprenticeship program or qualifying through work experience. The exam is administered through your provincial apprenticeship authority.
Even though the Red Seal doesn't expire, you need to present it regularly on new job sites and when working in different provinces. WorkSitePass keeps a digital copy always accessible and helps you track related credentials like provincial licences that may have renewal dates.
Start Tracking Your Red Seal Certificate Today
Upload your certificate, set the expiry date, and let WorkSitePass handle the rest. Never miss a renewal deadline again.