Alberta · Apprentice services
Challenge Exams for Registered Apprentices
This page keeps the requirements and topics named on the public Tradesecrets page. It is not the official site, and it does not replace a form, an exam booking, or a decision by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Checked 4 October 2026. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
- Source
- Tradesecrets page
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
- Apprentices can challenge an exam to move to the next period without attending classroom instruction .
- You might want to take a challenge exam if you think you have the skills and knowledge required for the period:
- without attending classroom instruction, or
- after failing a period of classroom instruction.
How to Request an Exam Challenge
- To request a challenge exam, you'll need to show you're ready. How to do this depends on if you have a sponsor.
- If AIT approves your request, you will be contacted to pay a $150 fee and schedule your exam.
- Ask your sponsor if they believe you have the skills and knowledge to challenge the exam.
- If they agree, ask them to provide you with a signed Sponsor Recommends Exam Challenge letter. Sponsor Recommends Exam Challenge
- Upload the letter to your MyTradesecrets account to request the exam. Upload · MyTradesecrets
- Submit a Record Book (blue book) showing that you completed the required work experience (months and hours) for your period of apprenticeship, with a valid previous sponsor. Record Book
- Contact an AIT Office to request an exam challenge.
- If your trade requires a practical exam, you will also pay that exam fee (fee varies by trade). practical exam · fee varies by trade
Passing or Failing
- A mark of 70% or higher is required to pass an apprenticeship challenge exam.
- Pass: You will progress to your next period of apprenticeship without being required to attend classroom instruction. classroom instruction.
- First fail: You may request a second attempt through the same processes outlined above.
- Second fail: You may request a third attempt if:
- you received a mark of 60% or higher on your first or second attempt, AND
- you complete an AIT Training Plan. AIT Training Plan
- Third fail: You will be required to attend and pass classroom instruction for the period of apprenticeship; no further exam challenges will be approved. classroom instruction
- This also applies if you receive a mark below 60% on your first two attempts, or your AIT training plan is not approved.
Minimum Classroom Instruction Requirement
- You must attend at least one period of classroom instruction to complete your apprenticeship and get certified.
- This means that you cannot challenge every exam--you'll have to attend classes for at least one period.
- Not a registered apprentice? You might want to apply for one of these:
- This applies to programs that are listed as ‘Temporarily Unavailable’ in the Class Catalogue. Class Catalogue
- This does not apply to programs where classes are being offered but are currently full.
- If classroom instruction is re-established in the program, this exemption will be rescinded.
- Prior Learning Assessment: Challenge an exam for advanced credit once you register as an apprentice. Prior Learning Assessment
- Trades Qualifier Program: Challenge the exam for journeyperson certification. Trades Qualifier Program
Third (Final) Exam Challenge Request
Preparing to rewrite a Trades Qualifier Exam?
- If you were unsuccessful in your Trades Qualifier exam attempt (s), you may be e ligible for an exam rewrite.
- See below for steps on rewriting a Trades Qualifier exam.