Alberta · designated trade
Instrumentation and Control Technician
4-Period Apprenticeship ProgramOptional CertificationRed Seal
Instrumentation and Control Technician is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 4-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Optional 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.
Instrumentation and control technicians install, maintain and repair the measuring and control devices used in industrial and commercial processing. Instrumentation and control technicians work with a wide variety of pneumatic, electronic and microcomputer devices used to measure and control pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force, and chemical composition.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
- Red Seal Endorsement (optional)
Program Requirements
- 4 periods (levels)
- Period 1 and 2:
- 1560 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Period 3 and 4:
- 1500 hours work experience per period
- 10 weeks classroom instruction per period
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in period 1 and 2
- 10 weeks in period 3 and 4
- Offered at NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Red Deer Polytechnic, and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 20-2, Math 30-3, Physics 30, and Chemistry 30
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1560 hours in period 1 and 2
- 1500 hours in period 3 and 4
- 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)
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 72 months and 9180 hours of verifiable Instrumentation and Control Technician 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.
- Restricted Activities List - Instrumentation and Control Technician
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice, or
- working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
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 Instrumentation and Control Technician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 55%
- Period 2: 65%
- Period 3: 75%
- Period 4: 85%
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.
Other public references
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