Alberta · Trades in Alberta
About Designated Trades
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
- Designated trades are professions that are regulated by the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act.
- Alberta hasmore than 50 designated trades, spanning many industries including mechanical, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, building, and service. more than 50 designated trades
Certification Standards
- Designated trades have province-wide standards for journeyperson certification.
- Once a trade is designated, the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades sets standards for journeyperson certification.
- One or more of four possible streams may be established as pathways to journeyperson certification :
- These standards are created with help from industry experts to make sure they match the needs of employers.
- Apprenticeship Education Program
- If you are new to the trade, register as an apprentice to begin learning and working toward your Journeyperson Certificate.
- Trades Qualifier - Work Experience Program
- If you have previous experience in the trade (in or outside of Alberta), get your hours verified and take exams to qualify for your Journeyperson Certificate.
- Trades Qualifier - Recognized Credential Program
- If you have a non-Alberta recognized trade credential, take exams to qualify for your Journeyperson Certificate.
- Trades Qualifier - Recognized Training
- For designated trades that do not have an apprenticeship program, the board sets requirements such as successful completion of recognized education or training, minimum work experience, or examinations to qualify your Journeyperson Certificate.
Restricted Activities
- Schedule 2 of the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation restricted activities for each trade. Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation
Authorization to Work
- Schedule 2 of the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation classes of individuals authorized to perform restricted activities for each trade.
Benefits of trade designation:
- Employers can trust that anyone with an Alberta a journeyperson certificate has a high level of skill and knowledge in the field.
- Albertans have clear pathways to gaining trade skills and knowledge and establishing rewarding careers as certified journeypersons.
- Workers' safety is protected: Only those with training or supervision can perform potentially dangerous tasks that require technical knowledge and expertise.
- Public and consumer safety is protected: Albertans can be assured that work within a designated trade has been performed by competent and qualified individuals.