Prior Learning Assessments

Become an Apprentice

• Before you register as an apprentice, you can take a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) exam to check what you already know.

Why take a PLA exam?

• Taking a PLA exam before you register as apprentice shows you already have the skills, so you can get started sooner or jump ahead in your apprenticeship.
• Already an apprentice? Find out how to challenge a period exam.

• PLA entrance exam: If you pass, you can start apprenticeship classes without the required high school courses when you register as an apprentice. |Learn More Learn More
• Other PLA exams: If you pass, you'll receive credit toward the relevant period of your apprenticeship classroom instruction when you register as an apprentice.

PLA - Entrance Exam

• Take this if you don't meet the educational requirements, to show you're ready to attend apprenticeship classes.
• Learn more about Entrance Exams

• There isa $150 fee for this application.

PLA - High School Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Programs

• Finished a CTS apprenticeship pathway in high school? Take this PLA to get credit toward your apprenticeship.

• Complete therequired coursesin an Alberta Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Program. Alberta Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Program
• Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade. entrance requirements
• We'll confirm your CTS courses through Alberta Education.
• There is no fee for this exam.

PLA - Pre-employment Programs

• Completed or enroll in an accredited pre‑employment program.
• Meet theentrance requirementsfor the apprenticeship program in your trade. entrance requirements
• Confirm that your program is approved (Not sure?Contact us.) Contact us
• Program finished: upload a photo/scan of your certificate or diploma.
• Currently enrolled: enter the program reference number (ask your instructor).
• Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee (see below).

PLA - Previous Training in the Trade (Non-accredited)

• Have non‑accredited training that matches the apprenticeship program? Try this PLA.

• Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade. entrance requirements
• Refer to the Curriculum Guide in the Trade Profile for your trade to see if your training covers the same topics. Trade Profile
• Contact us to confirm whether your training is eligible. Contact us
• Upload proof of your training (certificates, transcripts, course outlines).
• Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee(see below).

PLA - Previous Work Experience in the Trade

• Worked in the trade for at least one year? Use this PLA for period credit.
• If you have enough work experience (fees apply for each), you can apply for a PLA for all but one period of the apprenticeship program.

• Have 1 year or more of work experience in the trade (you don’t have to be working in the trade now.)
• Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade. entrance requirements
• Contact an AIT office to confirm you are eligible
• Upload proof of work experience
• Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee for each period exam you apply for (see below)
• To get your journeyperson certificate, you must attend at least one period of classroom instruction without going the PLA route.

PLA - Technician and Technology Programs

• Complete or enroll in an accredited technician/technology program.
• Meet the entrance requirements for the apprenticeship program in your trade. entrance requirements
• Confirm that your program is approved (Not sure?Contact us.) Contact us
• Graduates: upload a photo/scan of your diploma or certificate.
• Current students: enter the program reference number (ask your instructor).
• Pay the non‑refundable PLA fee(see below)

How to apply for a PLA exam

• If your application is approved, we'll contact you to schedule the exam.

• Click Apply Now.
• Sign in or create an account.
• Click the green Apply for Services button.
• Click Start Application.
• Select your trade.
• Select the Prior Learning Assessment option.
• Choose which exam you want to take.
• Follow the on-screen steps to complete your application.

Cancellation of an Application

• Your PLA exam application is cancelled if you:

• do not have the requirements to qualify;
• do not attempt an exam within 12 months of the application being approved;
• do not attempt an exam within 12 months of a previously failed exam attempt;
• fail the examination twice;
• do not show up for a scheduled exam twice;
• ask for a scheduled exam to be rescheduled more than two times; and
• do not pay the reattempt or practical examination fee(s) if required within 30 days from the date of notification; or do not attempt the scheduled examination(s) and do not notify Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Fees

• Subject to AIT approval and payment of applicable fee(s) by the applicant, the PLA exam application permits the applicant ONE attempt at the theory exam.
• In trades where a practical exam is required, there is an additional fee(s) for each attempt.
• NAIT pre-employ. In-class practical $75.
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Transport Refrigeration Technician

• Any re-attempt of the theory exam or attempt of the practical exam (if applicable) is also subject to AIT approval and payment of each exam’s fees by the applicant.
• If the application is cancelled, contact an AIT office to discuss the options available.
• This fee(s) covers the cost of the exam, materials and markers.
• The fee for the practical exam varies from trade to trade and period to period because of the difference in cost of materials.
• Fees are subject to change without notice.
• Contact an Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training office for more information.

Alberta · Trade profiles