Alberta · designated trade
Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher
2-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory CertificationRed Seal
Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 2-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Auto body technicians in the auto body refinisher branch of the trade (auto body refinishers) conduct damage appraisals, surface preparation, minor damage repairs, masking, colour matching, priming and top coating.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Certificate
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 2 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1620 hours work experience per period
- 6 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 6 weeks in all periods
- Offered at NAIT and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2, Math 10-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1620 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
- Red Seal exam option in final period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 36 months and 4860 hours of verifiable Auto Body Refinisher work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Provide an Employer Declaration Letter (EDL). Employer Declaration Letter (EDL)
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Auto Body Technician - Auto Body Refinisher journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 55%
- Period 2: 70%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.
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