How to Become a Welder in Alberta
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Welder 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/012, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 4 steps
- Licensed in another province: 2 steps, listed one-time fees $160
- Trained outside Canada: no separate route
- 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
- 4 steps without a listed fee
-
If you are new to the trade, register as an apprentice to begin learning and working toward your Journeyperson Certificate.
Source
“If you are new to the trade, register as an apprentice to begin learning and working toward your Journeyperson Certificate.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/about-designated-trades -
Complete 8 weeks of classroom instruction in each period of the program.
Source
“8 weeks classroom instruction per period”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012 -
Pass the theory exam required in each period of the program.
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 2 done
- Listed one-time fees: $160
- 1 step without a listed fee
-
Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
Source
“1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012 -
Pass a practical exam that costs $160.00.
- Practical exam: $160
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $160
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | $160 | 100% |
| One-time total | $160 | 100% |
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
No separate route for this group. Source
“1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- 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...
Requirements
Education
To enroll in classroom instruction, apprentices must have passed English 10-2 and Math 10-3, or a GED/CAEC, or pass an entrance exam.
Source
“Entrance requirements: - English 10-2 and Math 10-3 - or GED/CAEC - or Entrance Exam”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012
Experience
Applicants to the Work Experience Program must complete 54 months and 7020 hours of verifiable Welder work experience.
Source
“1. Complete 54 months and 7020 hours of verifiable Welder work experience.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012
Already licensed in another province?
Extra steps
Welders from other provinces and territories can work in Alberta if they hold a certificate or license recognized by Alberta, and the Recognized Credentials Program requires them to pass a theory exam and a practical exam. Source
“Welders 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/welder
Submit recognized trade certificate
Source
“1. Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012Pass the practical exam
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
-
Theory exam
-
Practical exam
-
Red Seal exam
Source
“Trades Qualifier candidates generally need to pass the Red Seal exam to be certified, after meeting all other program requirements.”
tradesecrets.alberta.ca/apprentice-services/prepare-for-an-exam/typ...
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 | $25.00 | $38.00 | $52.18 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $30.00 | $47.00 | — |
Welders in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Certification required
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Sources checked
- Tradesecrets - Welder tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/profiles/012 · fetched October 10, 2026
- Tradesecrets - About Designated Trades tradesecrets.alberta.ca/trades-in-alberta/about-designated-trades · fetched October 9, 2026
- Tradesecrets - Entrance Exams tradesecrets.alberta.ca/apprentice-services/prepare-for-an-exam/ent... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Tradesecrets - Types of Exams tradesecrets.alberta.ca/apprentice-services/prepare-for-an-exam/typ... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Welder: Certifications in Alberta - alis alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/welder · fetched October 8, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a welder 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, Practical exam, Red Seal exam.
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.