How to Become a Plumber in Alberta
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Plumber is a compulsory trade in Alberta. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Compulsory Certification”
From tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/006, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 4 steps, listed one-time fees $150
- Licensed in another province: 1 step
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 4 done
- Listed one-time fees: $150
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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Before enrolling in classroom instruction you must meet the entrance requirements, which include specific high school courses or alternatives such as an entrance exam.
- Entrance exam fee: $150
Source
“There is a $150 fee for writing an entrance exam.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/apprentice-services/prepare-for-an-exam/ent...
Source
“Before you enroll in classes as a registered apprentice, you'll need to meet the entrance requirements.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/get-started/become-an-apprentice/eligibilit... - Entrance exam fee: $150
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A theory exam is required in every period of the apprenticeship program.
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After completing all program requirements you receive an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate as a plumber.
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $150
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Other | $150 | 100% |
| One-time total | $150 | 100% |
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 1 done
- 1 step without a listed fee
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You submit a copy of a trade certificate from outside Alberta that is recognized.
Source
“Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/006
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Education
Entrance requirements for classroom instruction include specific high school courses that you must have passed.
Source
“Entrance requirements include specific high school courses that you must have passed.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/get-started/become-an-apprentice/eligibilit...
Experience
Applicants to the Trades Qualifier Work Experience Program must complete 72 months and 9360 hours of verifiable plumber work experience.
Source
“Complete 72 months and 9360 hours of verifiable Plumber work experience.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/006
Already licensed in another province?
Extra steps
Plumbers from other provinces can work in Alberta if they hold a recognized certificate, and under the Recognized Credentials Program they must submit their certificate and pass a theory exam. Source
“Plumbers from other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by Alberta.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/plumber
Submit recognized certificate
Source
“Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/006
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Exams
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Theory exam
-
Entrance exam
Source
“There is a $150 fee for writing an entrance exam.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/apprentice-services/prepare-for-an-exam/ent... -
Red Seal Exam
Source
“You may take the Red Seal Exam upon the completion of your apprenticeship in this trade.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/006
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $20.00 | $30.00 | $43.00 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $21.00 | $34.00 | $46.00 | — |
Plumbers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Certification required
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Ontario Certification required
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Certification required
- Nova Scotia Certification required
- Prince Edward Island Certification required
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Sources checked
- Tradesecrets - Plumber tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/006 · fetched October 10, 2026
- Tradesecrets - Meet Requirements tradesecrets.alberta.ca/get-started/become-an-apprentice/eligibilit... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Tradesecrets - Entrance Exams tradesecrets.alberta.ca/apprentice-services/prepare-for-an-exam/ent... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Plumber: Certifications in Alberta - alis alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/plumber · fetched October 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a plumber in Alberta?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Alberta. Certification is managed by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Which exams are required?
Theory exam, Entrance exam, Red Seal Exam.
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