Thursday, May 7, 2026

Challenging the CofQ Exam? What Manitoba CLAC Members Need to Know

Experienced tradespersons play an important role in Manitoba’s workforce. If you have worked in a trade for several years, you may be able to become certified without completing a full apprenticeship. This process is called trades qualification.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you become a trade qualifier and challenge the certification exam.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
You may be eligible if you have extensive experience in a trade. This includes individuals who have moved to Manitoba, worked in the trade for many years, received military training, or want their experience formally recognized.

To qualify, you must:

Have a minimum number of years and hours in your trade

Show skills in at least 70% of the trade’s scope

Be a resident of Manitoba

Step 2: Review Trade Requirements
Each trade has specific requirements. Visit the Apprenticeship Manitoba website and review your trade under the Explore Trades section. This will confirm if you meet the criteria before applying.

Step 3: Complete Your Application
You must submit the following:

Trades Qualification application form

Declaration form

Proof of education and training

Application fee

You must also include a letter from an employer or reference who has directly observed your work and can confirm your experience.

Digital copies of these forms can be found through Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Step 4: Application Review and Verification
After submission, your application will be reviewed. This process can take up to eight weeks. Apprenticeship Manitoba may request additional documents, such as:

T4 slips

Records of employment

Invoices or tax documents

You may also be asked to attend an interview to explain your work experience in more detail.

Step 5: Approval and Exam Preparation
If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation by email. You will then be eligible to challenge the certification exam. Take time to prepare by using study materials and sample exams.

Step 6: Write the Certification Exam
The CofQ exam must be written in Manitoba. If you pass, you will receive your Certificate of Qualification and become a journeyperson in your trade.

If You Are Not Approved
If your application is not approved, you may still pursue certification through an apprenticeship program. Your previous experience may reduce the time required.

If you believe your application was not assessed correctly, you may appeal the decision through the Apprenticeship and Certification Appeal Board.

For more information, contact Apprenticeship Manitoba at tradesQ@gov.mb.ca. In addition, if you are a Trade Qualifier in Manitoba and are struggling with passing your CofQ exam, be sure to sign up for the Forge Your Future program at www.clac.ca/forgeyourfuture.

Challenging the CofQ Exam? What Manitoba CLAC Members Need to Know

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