British Columbia training and certification guide

Drywall Finisher and Plasterer

Prepares, finishes, repairs and restores drywall, plaster, wall and ceiling surfaces. Work includes beads and trim, taping, filling, sanding, texturing, repairs and decorative plaster/moulding restoration.

Construction / FinishingBC apprenticeshipTraining levelsChallenge pathway
01

At a glance

Drywall Finisher and Plasterer training pathway

Use these summary cards for a quick overview, then open the organized sections below for full details.

Typical duration

Approximately three years.

Technical training

Two levels of 180 hours each.

Work-based training

5,040 hours of work-based training.

Passing standard

Level 2 requires at least 70% in school before the Red Seal exam.

Challenge experience

At least 7,560 directly related hours.

02

Detailed guide

Training, examinations and certification

Select a section to open it. The first section is open by default so users immediately see the main pathway.

01Apprenticeship pathway and certification requirementsProgram length, technical training, workplace hours and certification conditions.
  • Approximately three years.
  • Two levels of 180 hours each.
  • 5,040 hours of work-based training.
  • Employer sponsorship, competency records and Recommendation for Certification.
  • Grade 10 English, mathematics and science recommended; Grade 12 preferred.
02Technical-training levelsWhat is generally covered at each stage of training.
Level 1

Safety, tools, filling drywall, installing beads and tape, and core finishing methods.

Level 2

Advanced finishing, mechanical tools, repairs, plaster, moulding restoration and problem solving.

03Examinations, grading and passing requirementsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Both levels use 25% theory and 75% practical in-school weighting.
  • Level 1 final grade: 80% in-school and 20% standardized exam.
  • Level 2 requires at least 70% in school before the Red Seal exam.
  • Red Seal passing mark: 70%.
04Challenging individual training levelsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • Level 1 may be challenged by eligible apprentices.
05Experienced-worker certification challengeSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
  • At least 7,560 directly related hours.
  • Experience must cover the scope of the occupation.
  • Pass the Red Seal exam with at least 70%.
  • Challenge route does not award a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
03

Exam preparation

Topics to review

These study areas support exam preparation. Users should also review official occupational standards, code requirements and training-provider materials.

  • Safety, tools, access equipment, and surface preparation
  • Drywall compounds, beads, tapes, plaster, and materials
  • Taping, coating, sanding, textures, and finishing levels
  • Plaster systems, repair, restoration, and patching
  • Quality control, defects, troubleshooting, and cleanup
04

Practice options

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05

Complete preparation library

Explore every Drywall Finisher and Plasterer exam resource

Open separate pages for mock tests, apprenticeship levels, study planning, certification and passing-score guidance.

06

Common questions

Drywall Finisher and Plasterer FAQ

Can I try questions for free?

Yes. Use the free quiz link on this page to try sample Red Seal-style questions for Drywall Finisher and Plasterer.

Where should I confirm current BC requirements?

Confirm current hours, examinations, credits, fees and training availability directly with SkilledTradesBC, Technical Safety BC where applicable, and the selected training provider.

Are these official exam questions?

No. Red Seal Practice is an independent exam-preparation website. The questions are Red Seal-style study questions and are not official government exam questions.

Important: Program requirements can change. This page organizes the supplied British Columbia information for convenient reference and should not replace current official guidance.