MOBILITY FOR WORKERS

The Equivalency Program

You may have a recognized certificate but want a document that proves you can work in Alberta.

That's the purpose of the Equivalency Program. Under the Equivalency Program, a person who holds a credential recognized by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board can obtain an Alberta document that indicates the holder:

holds an identified credential and is permitted to work in a particular trade, or branch of a trade, or
holds a specific credential that is recognized as equivalent to an occupational certificate in a named occupation.

What is an Alberta equivalency document?

An Alberta equivalency document is not a trade certificate. It is a document that indicates a person holds a trade certificate from another jurisdiction and confirms that the person is permitted or authorized to work in a specific trade. Newer documents are in the form of a wallet-sized card that reference the holder’s original certificate number. Older documents were called ‘Journeyman Equivalency”.

Who can obtain an equivalency document?

A person who holds a recognized credential that is:

valid and not expired, and
does not have an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal.

may apply for an equivalency document.

Why is an equivalency document not available to a person who holds a credential with a Red Seal endorsement?

Recognized certificates without a Red Seal are not well known and some employers may not be familiar with them. These certificates include, for example, certificates of qualification from outside Alberta, gasfitter certificates/licenses and recognized certificates issued to regular force members by the Department of National Defence (Canada).

The Red Seal endorsement, on the other hand, is widely recognized and respected by industry.

Is an equivalency document required to work in Alberta?

No. A person who holds a recognized certificate does not require an Alberta equivalency document to work in Alberta.

How can I obtain an equivalency document?

To qualify for an equivalency document you must:

hold a recognized certificate;
download and print an Equivalency Application or contact any of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Offices for an application;
complete the application and deliver it in person to one of our offices. Government issued photo identification is required; and
pay the non-refundable application fee