How to Become a Carpenter in Manitoba
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Carpenter 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
“Equivalent Trades - Voluntary Military Trade Manitoba Designated Trade Construction Technician Carpenter”
From gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier...., checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 4 steps
- Licensed in another province: 5 steps (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 5 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 emails you the Apprenticeship Agreement, which you sign on paper or electronically, and your employer must also sign Part C.
Source
“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, any related work or educational experience documentation, and the signed Apprenticeship Agreement to Apprenticeship Manitoba to register it.
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”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... -
You complete the required on-the-job hours working under a certified journeyperson and pass the classroom technical training before progressing to the next level.
Source
“You will participate in technical training in a classroom setting for about 20 per cent of your apprenticeship. This learning helps to reinforce and expand on what is learned on the job. Once you have completed the required number of on-the-job hours, you can register for technical training delivered by a recognized technical training provider. You need to complete and pass the technical training before progressing to the next level.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice... -
After completing all apprenticeship 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 5 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
-
You complete the Trades Qualification Application form and follow its instructions.
Source
“Trades Qualification Application Form Complete and follow instructions.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You submit as many 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 made payable to Apprenticeship Manitoba to have your application assessed.
- Application fee: $200 (non-refundable, to assess your application)
Source
“Application fee - Include a $200 payment (non-refundable). Make cheque payable to: Apprenticeship Manitoba.”
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)
-
Once approved, you study using the supports and sample exams and then take the certification exam, which for carpenter also includes an additional practical exam.
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.
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 5 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 4 steps without a listed fee
-
You complete the Trades Qualification Application form and follow its instructions.
Source
“Trades Qualification Application Form Complete and follow instructions.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-... -
You submit as many 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 made payable to Apprenticeship Manitoba to have your application assessed.
- Application fee: $200 (non-refundable, to assess your application)
Source
“Application fee - Include a $200 payment (non-refundable). Make cheque payable to: Apprenticeship Manitoba.”
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)
-
Once approved, you study using the supports and sample exams and then take the certification exam, which for carpenter also includes an additional practical exam.
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.
4 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 $425)
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, ranging from $800 to $1,500)
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
When registering your Apprenticeship Agreement you must submit education records such as a post-secondary transcript, high school diploma, Grade 12 transcripts, GED or CAEC, or state in your application if you do not have Grade 12 or equivalent.
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
Your trade qualification application must show a minimum number of years and hours working in the trade and experience in at least 70 per cent of the trade's scope.
Source
“You must have: a minimum number of years working in the trade a minimum number of hours working in the trade 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 when you apply, whether as an apprentice or as a trade qualifier challenging the certification exam.
Source
“Whether you plan to be an apprentice, or plan to challenge the certification exam as a trade qualifier, you must reside in Manitoba when you apply.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/newcomers.htmlYou must be a Manitoba resident to apply as a trade qualifier for carpenter.
Source
“You must be a Manitoba resident to apply as a trade qualifier.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/carpenter.html
Other
You must provide a letter from an employer or reference confirming they witnessed your work and that your experience matches your application.
Source
“As part of your application, you must provide a letter from an employer or reference as a form of proof that you meet the experience requirements for your trade. Your employer must have witnessed your work and confirmed your experience as shown in your application.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/apply-to-become-...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
Because carpenter is a voluntary certification trade in Manitoba, the CFTA certification recognition process does not apply and you are legally allowed to work in the trade without certification. Source
“If your trade is categorized as voluntary, the CFTA certification process does not apply because you can work in Manitoba without mandatory credentials. You are legally allowed to work in the trade without certification.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/labour-mobility.html
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Exams
-
practical exam
Source
“Yes Additional Practical Exam Required”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/carpenter.html -
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 | $20.00 | $27.00 | $38.99 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $32.12 | $44.23 | — |
Carpenters in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- 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/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier.... · 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/apply-to-become-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/newcomers.html · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/carpenter.html · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/labour-mobility.html · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a carpenter 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?
practical exam, Level Placement Exam.
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