How to Become a Painter and Decorator in Newfoundland and Labrador
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Painter and decorator is a voluntary trade in Newfoundland and Labrador. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“DESIGNATED TRADE Red Seal Trade Provincial Trade Training and Certification Certification Only (no training available) ... Painter and Decorator”
From gov.nl.ca/atcd/designated-trades/list-of-designated-trades, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Licensed in another province: 1 step
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Licensed in another province
0 of 1 done
- 1 step without a listed fee
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If you hold a Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian province or territory, you complete an application form.
Source
“If you have a Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian province or territory, complete an application form.”
gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons/cq
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Experience
To become a trade qualifier, you need at least one and a half times the on-the-job work experience of an apprenticeship term in your trade.
Source
“At least one and a half (1.5) times the on-the-job work experience of an apprenticeship term in your trade.”
gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons-and-skilled-workers/trade-qualifiers
Other
You need verified documentation of your work skills, verified by a certified journeyperson in your trade.
Source
“Verified documentation of your work skills, verified by a certified journeyperson in your trade.”
gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons-and-skilled-workers/trade-qualifiersYou need documented verification of time and hours worked.
Source
“Documented verification of time and hours worked.”
gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons-and-skilled-workers/trade-qualifiers
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages say applicants with a Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian jurisdiction complete an application form and the division verifies their information, but they do not state whether an entry-to-practice exam or competence assessment is required. Source
“If you have a Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian province or territory, complete an application form. The Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division will verify your information and provide an equivalency letter if you require one for your employer or a regulatory body.”
gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons/cq
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Exams
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certification exam
Source
“A trade qualifier is someone who meets the requirements to write the certification exam for a specific trade.”
gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons-and-skilled-workers/trade-qualifiers
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $18.00 | $25.00 | $38.00 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $20.00 | $28.00 | $40.99 | — |
Wages by region and job outlook in Newfoundland and Labrador
Painters and decorators in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Sources checked
- List of Designated Trades - Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division gov.nl.ca/atcd/designated-trades/list-of-designated-trades · fetched October 9, 2026
- Certificate of Qualification - Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons/cq · fetched October 10, 2026
- Trade Qualifiers - Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division gov.nl.ca/atcd/journeypersons-and-skilled-workers/trade-qualifiers · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a painter and decorator in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Newfoundland and Labrador. Certification is managed by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division.
Which exams are required?
certification exam.
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