Alberta Red Seal Exam 2026: Apply, Book and Rewrite Rules

How do you apply for the Alberta Red Seal exam?

Sign in to MyTradesecrets and choose Apply for Services, then Start Application.
Pick your trade and the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program option.
Complete the application, pay the fee and submit it.
If you're approved, AIT schedules your exam at your nearest AIT office. The date, time and place show up in your account.

Booking, rescheduling and rewrites

When an exam is ready to book, you get an email asking you to log in to MyTradesecrets. You can reschedule online twice, up to 12 hours before the exam, and one change within 24 hours of first booking doesn't count. After that, call the AIT Information Line at 1-800-248-4823.

If you don't pass, your application is cancelled and you apply again. Alberta's rule for people who have tried two or more times is on our rewrite page.

Rewrite rules →

Challenging without an Alberta apprenticeship

Experienced workers apply through Trades Qualifier - Work Experience, and people with a recognized certificate from elsewhere use Trades Qualifier - Recognized Credential. AIT offers Red Seal exams in English and French.

How to challenge the Red Seal exam →Red Seal exam fees →

Blue Seal vs Red Seal

They aren't alternatives. The Red Seal is the national trade endorsement you get by passing the exam. Alberta's Blue Seal, the Achievement in Business Competencies certificate, recognizes business education taken on top of a trade: at least 150 hours of approved study, plus an Alberta journeyperson or occupational certificate or a credential recognized in Alberta. The application fee is $150, non-refundable.

Sources: Alberta AIT and 3 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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