Upcoming Policy Changes Affecting Level Challengers and Trade Qualifiers
Upcoming Policy Changes Affecting Level Challengers and Trade Qualifiers
Policy changes affecting Level Challengers and Trade Qualifiers are coming into effect on August 1, 2026.
Policy changes affecting Level Challengers and Trade Qualifiers are coming into effect on August 1, 2026.
These updates strengthen our commitment to trade workers’ long-term success and the highest standards of training by ensuring they have the foundational knowledge needed to progress towards certification.
What is Changing?
The following key changes will come into effect beginning August 1, 2026.
Level Challenger Policy
Current: Level Challengers in the Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades are required to complete a self-assessment to determine the recommended entry level and exam to challenge. For other trades where level challenge is available, level challengers are required to write the level exams in sequence and pass each level before progressing to the next level. | From August 1, 2026: Level Challengers in the Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades must write the level exams in sequence as outlined in Program Profile and pass each level before progressing to the next level. The self-assessment form will be discontinued. *Applicable to trades where level challenge is available. Powerline Technician program continues to require trade workers to register as apprentices and complete all levels, as level challenge is not available. Requirements for other trades remain unchanged. |
Current: Level Challengers in the non-Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades can:
| From August 1, 2026: Level Challengers in the non-Skilled Trades Certification (compulsory) trades must register as an apprentice and have the sponsor declare their work experience and sign the application form. Declaration from a certified journeyperson is no longer accepted.
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Trade Qualifier Policy
Current: Trade Qualifiers with four (4) unsuccessful certification exam attempts who wish to register as apprentices will be placed at the final level of the applicable program, receive full hours credit, and must complete the required technical training before being eligible to write the certification exam.
| From August 1, 2026: Trade Qualifiers with four (4) unsuccessful certification exam attempts will no longer be placed at the final level of the applicable trade program.
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Skilled Trades Certification trades, also known as compulsory trades, include Construction Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Powerline Technician, Pipefitter/Steamfitter, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, and Gasfitter Class A and B.
Who is Affected?
The changes in Level Challenger Policy apply to:
Tradespeople who have some practical experience in their trade (between 1-5 years), who are looking to challenge a level exam to enter the apprenticeship program at the appropriate level.
The changes in Trade Qualifier Policy apply to:
Tradespeople who have extensive experience (5+ years) who are looking to get certified without having to complete an apprenticeship program, by challenging the certification exam.
Why are We Making These Changes?
By requiring Level Challengers to write level exams in sequence and Trade Qualifiers to return to entry level or complete earlier level exams after repeated attempts, we ensure trade workers have the foundational knowledge needed to progress successfully towards certification.
These changes are made to create a clear, fair and consistent progression pathway for Level Challengers in all trades and improve trade workers’ readiness for the certification exams.
Ultimately, our goal is to support long-term success for trade workers and maintain the highest trades training standards across our province.
Next Steps
SkilledTradesBC is committed to supporting our customers navigating these changes as they work towards certification. We have directly notified Trade Qualifiers with two or more unsuccessful attempts about the upcoming policy changes.
To help trade workers prepare for their upcoming exams, we have created an Exam Preparation Video series and links to helpful resources.
Need Support?
Contact Customer Service or Apprenticeship Advisors by finding their contact information on the Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The current version of the Level Placement Exam application form will only be accepted on or before July 31, 2026. Please ensure your application is submitted in full before the deadline, as incomplete submission will need to be resubmitted using the updated form and new requirements.
From August 1, 2026, all applications must be submitted using the updated Level Challenge Exam form and will be assessed under the new Level Challenger policy requirements.
If the Trade Qualifier has had four (4) unsuccessful exam attempts, they must be immediately registered as an apprentice through the Portal in order to continue working in their trade. This can be initiated either by the apprentice or their sponsor.
They can then either apply to take their technical training or apply to become a Level Challenger.
If maintaining the required 2 apprentices to 1 journeyperson supervision ratio becomes a concern, please contact your Certification Advisor for support and the next steps.
You must first register with SkilledTradesBC as an apprentice through the SkilledTradesBC Portal, then submit a Level Challenger application.
Not all skilled trades have a level challenge pathway. Search for your trade on the Find Your Trade page, then review the Program Profile to confirm eligibility.