Civilian Credentials for Military Trades - Get the Credit You Deserve!

Have you earned your QL5 in the Canadian Forces in one of the following military trades? You could get recognition to challenge the Red Seal to earn a civilian credential!

Civilian Credentials for Military Trades
Military Trade Similar Civilian Red Seal Trade (s)
  • Marine Engineering Technician
  • Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
  • Machinist (for Naval Machinists)
  • Marine Technician – Mechanical
  • Marine Systems Mechanical Technician
  • Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
  • Electrical Technician / Marine Electrician
  • Industrial Electrician
  • Marine Technician – Electrical
  • Marine Systems Electrical Technician
  • Industrial Electrician
  • Vehicle Technician
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
  • Truck and Transport Mechanic
  • Material Technician
  • Welder
  • Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Electrical Distribution Technician
  • Construction Electrician
  • Plumbing and Heating Technician
  • Plumber
  • Oil Heat System Technician
  • Construction Technician
  • Carpenter
  • Cook
  • Cook

The Red Seal Program and the Canadian Armed Forces have identified select civilian and military trades that are very similar. Provincial and territorial certifying authorities can recognize the skills you have acquired and applied in the Forces for advanced standing towards civilian certification.

Red Seals are issued on provincial or territorial certificates upon successful completion of a Red Seal examination, based on standards and skills identified for the trade across Canada. Red Seals have been issued in the skilled trades for over fifty years in Canada and are the primary tool for mobility across Canada. The Red Seal is recognized by Canadian industry as the standard of excellence for the skilled trades and demonstrates that you have met the standard for the trade in Canada. A trade certificate with a Red Seal endorsement is valid for your entire career.

Contact your provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority to guide you through the process of achieving a Red Seal. Be sure to show a copy of your CF Member's Personnel Record Resume (MPRR) indicating your QL5 achievement.

Apprenticeship Contact Information

The Red Seal Program is administered in each province and territory by their apprenticeship authorities under the guidance of the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA).

The Red Seal Program is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the provinces and the territories.