Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$3,000 to CA$8,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 4 to 5 years
Issued by Red Seal Program (provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities)
Required in some provinces: Certification is compulsory to work in the trade in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta; elsewhere it is voluntary or not offered.
About
Plumbers install, repair and maintain the pipes and fixtures that bring water into buildings and take waste away. They also work on drains, vents, water heaters and fixtures such as sinks, toilets and showers. The trade is a skilled one, and most people learn it through an apprenticeship.
The Red Seal Program is run with the provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities. Each province and territory issues its own certificate of qualification. A plumber who passes the interprovincial Red Seal exam gets a Red Seal endorsement on that certificate. The endorsement is recognised in every province and territory, so it makes it easier to move and work anywhere in Canada.
How to get it
Find an employer
Most people start by finding an employer who will hire and train them as an apprentice. Some people take a pre-apprenticeship or trades program first to improve their chances.
Register as an apprentice
Sign up with the apprenticeship authority in your province or territory. They will explain the rules for your region and keep track of your progress.
Work and learn on the job
Most of your training happens at work, under a certified plumber. You log your hours and build your skills over several years.
Attend technical training
You also go to school for blocks of classroom and shop training. You learn codes, pipe systems, safety and theory.
Pass the certification exam
When your hours and training are complete, you write the exam for your certificate of qualification. In most places, passing the interprovincial exam also earns you the Red Seal endorsement.
Keep your certificate in good standing
Follow your province or territory's rules to keep your certificate valid. This may include paying a renewal fee.
The exam
The Red Seal exam is a written, multiple-choice test. It covers the whole trade, including codes, safety, drainage, venting, water supply and fixtures. You usually write it after finishing your on-the-job hours and technical training. Your apprenticeship authority can tell you how to book it and what to study.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Compulsory in: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta. Rules differ by province and territory. In Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, you must be certified to work as a plumber. In other places, certification is voluntary or not offered. Even where it is voluntary, many employers prefer or expect it. The Red Seal endorsement is recognised everywhere, so it helps if you plan to work in more than one region.
Keeping it
Renewal depends on where you work. Some provinces and territories ask you to renew your certificate on a regular schedule and pay a fee. Some also ask for proof of continuing education. Check with your local apprenticeship authority to learn the rules and deadlines that apply to you.