How to Become a Cabinetmaker in Manitoba
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Cabinetmaker is a voluntary trade in Manitoba. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“If a trade is voluntary , registering as an apprentice is optional. … Cabinetmaker”
From gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles.html, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 4 steps
- Licensed in another province: 6 steps (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 6 steps (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
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
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Apprenticeship Manitoba sends you the Apprenticeship Agreement by email, and you and your employer both sign it.
Source
“Sign the Apprenticeship Agreement - Apprenticeship Manitoba sends an email to you with the Apprenticeship Agreement - you can print out the agreement and sign it, or electronically sign the agreement - your employer must also sign Part C of the agreement”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... -
You submit your education records, documentation of related work or educational experience, and the signed Apprenticeship Agreement to Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Source
“Provide documentation and register your Apprenticeship Agreement with Apprenticeship Manitoba Follow instructions on your Apprenticeship Agreement to submit: - a copy of your education records (post-secondary transcript, or high school diploma, and/or Grade 12 transcripts, GED certificate/ Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), or equivalent).”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... -
You complete the required on-the-job hours, technical training hours and exams for each level of your apprenticeship.
Source
“complete on-the-job hours, technical training hours and exams according to The Apprenticeship and Certification Act and for your specific trade regulation or by-law.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... -
After completing all levels and requirements, you must pass the certification exam with a minimum grade of 70 per cent to earn your Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“Once you’ve completed all levels and apprenticeship requirements for your program, you must pass the certification (final) exam. The minimum passing grade is 70 per cent.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 6 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 5 steps without a listed fee
-
You complete and follow the instructions on the Trades Qualification Application form.
Source
“Trades Qualification Application Form Complete and follow instructions.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You submit employer or statutory declaration forms as needed to meet the trade's requirements for approval.
Source
“Declaration Form Submit as many declaration forms as needed in order to meet the trade’s requirements for approval.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You provide copies of all trade-related certificates and credentials.
Source
“Proof of Education and Training Provide copies of all trade-related certificates and credentials.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You include a non-refundable $200 payment with your application to have it assessed.
- Application fee: $200 (non-refundable, to assess your application)
Source
“Application fee - Include a $200 payment (non-refundable).”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...
Source
“Application fee - Include a $200 payment (non-refundable). - Make cheque payable to: Apprenticeship Manitoba.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... - Application fee: $200 (non-refundable, to assess your application)
-
If you meet the requirements, Apprenticeship Manitoba notifies you by email that you are approved to challenge the certification exam.
Source
“If you meet the requirements, you will be notified via email that you have been approved to challenge the certification exam and you are accepted as a trade qualifier.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You study for and then write the certification exam, which must be written in Manitoba.
Source
“You will have time to study for your certification exam. Make sure to use the supports and sample exams to help you prepare for your exam.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...
Listed fees for this route
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 6 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 5 steps without a listed fee
-
You complete and follow the instructions on the Trades Qualification Application form.
Source
“Trades Qualification Application Form Complete and follow instructions.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You submit employer or statutory declaration forms as needed to meet the trade's requirements for approval.
Source
“Declaration Form Submit as many declaration forms as needed in order to meet the trade’s requirements for approval.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You provide copies of all trade-related certificates and credentials.
Source
“Proof of Education and Training Provide copies of all trade-related certificates and credentials.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You include a non-refundable $200 payment with your application to have it assessed.
- Application fee: $200 (non-refundable, to assess your application)
Source
“Application fee - Include a $200 payment (non-refundable).”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...
Source
“Application fee - Include a $200 payment (non-refundable). - Make cheque payable to: Apprenticeship Manitoba.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... - Application fee: $200 (non-refundable, to assess your application)
-
If you meet the requirements, Apprenticeship Manitoba notifies you by email that you are approved to challenge the certification exam.
Source
“If you meet the requirements, you will be notified via email that you have been approved to challenge the certification exam and you are accepted as a trade qualifier.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You study for and then write the certification exam, which must be written in Manitoba.
Source
“You will have time to study for your certification exam. Make sure to use the supports and sample exams to help you prepare for your exam.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...
Listed fees for this route
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
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.
- Level Placement Exam: $200
Source
“Level Placement Exam $200”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - NSF Cheque Service Fee: $20
Source
“NSF Cheque Service Fee $20”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - Technical Training: $425 (starting at)
Source
“Technical Training (click link for full fee breakdown) Starting at $425”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - Book and materials fees: $800 (vary by program and technical training provider)
Source
“Book and materials fees vary by program and technical training provider and range from $800 to $1,500.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr...
Requirements
Education
Apprentices must submit a copy of their education records, or state if they do not have Grade 12 or equivalent education.
Source
“a copy of your education records (post-secondary transcript, or high school diploma, and/or Grade 12 transcripts, GED certificate/ Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), or equivalent). NOTE: If you do not have Grade 12 or equivalent education, state this in your application.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr...
Experience
To challenge the exam as a trade qualifier you must have six years of experience and 9,600 hours in the trade.
Source
“Challenging the Exam - Trades Qualification: 6 Years of Experience 9,600 Hours Required”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/cabinetmaker...You must have experience in at least 70 per cent of the scope of the trade.
Source
“experience (skills) in at least 70 per cent scope of the trade”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...
Residency
You must reside in Manitoba to challenge a certification exam as a trade qualifier.
Source
“Important: You must reside in Manitoba to challenge a Red Seal, provincial or practical certification exam.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...You must be a Manitoba resident to apply as a trade qualifier.
Source
“You must be a Manitoba resident to apply as a trade qualifier.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/cabinetmaker...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
If you have received Red Seal certification for a trade, it will continue to be recognized in Manitoba. Source
“If you have received Red Seal certification for any trade (voluntary or compulsory certification), it will continue to be recognized in Manitoba.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier....
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Exams
-
Red Seal Exam
Source
“## Red Seal Exam Information”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/cabinetmaker... -
Level Placement Exam
Source
“Level Placement Exam $200”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $17.00 | $22.50 | $31.84 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $19.00 | $24.00 | $31.00 | — |
Cabinetmakers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Voluntary certification
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- 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
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles.html · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier.... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/cabinetmaker... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a cabinetmaker in Manitoba?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Manitoba. Certification is managed by Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Which exams are required?
Red Seal Exam, Level Placement Exam.
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