Approximately three years.
At a glance
Welder training pathway
Use these summary cards for a quick overview, then open the organized sections below for full details.
Three technical levels totalling 780 hours: 240, 240 and 300 hours.
4,620 hours of work-based training.
Minimum 70%.
At least 6,930 directly related hours covering broad welding duties.
Detailed guide
Training, examinations and certification
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01Apprenticeship pathway and certification requirementsProgram length, technical training, workplace hours and certification conditions.
- Approximately three years.
- Three technical levels totalling 780 hours: 240, 240 and 300 hours.
- 4,620 hours of work-based training.
- Welder logbook competencies.
- Level 1 and 2 exams, Red Seal exam and sponsor recommendation.
- Minimum 70%.
02Technical-training levelsWhat is generally covered at each stage of training.
240 hours — Safety, setup, cutting, blueprint reading, symbols, material preparation and basic processes.
240 hours — Advanced positions, wire-feed processes, GTAW, fabrication, distortion control, defects and inspection.
300 hours — Advanced trade competencies and Red Seal preparation; about 3,000 workplace hours are recommended before entry.
03Examinations, grading and passing requirementsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
- Levels 1 and 2 include standardized written exams.
- Level 3 culminates in the Red Seal exam.
- For the full certification challenge, the written Red Seal exam must be passed before the standardized practical assessment.
- Minimum 70% required.
04Foundation or entry-training pathwaySelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
- Approximately 840 hours or 28 weeks.
- Standardized exam and minimum 70%.
- Credit for Levels 1 and 2 plus 300 work-based hours.
05Challenging individual training levelsSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
- Levels 1 and 2 may be challenged; Level 3 is not listed.
06Experienced-worker certification challengeSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
- At least 6,930 directly related hours covering broad welding duties.
- Supporting evidence may include employer letters, employment records, job descriptions, tickets and training certificates.
- Pass the Red Seal written exam with at least 70%, then complete the practical assessment and be declared competent.
07Additional notesSelect to view the supplied requirements and notes.
- Certified Red Seal welders may pursue the Multi-Process Alloy Welding endorsement: regular route includes 150 technical hours and 900 work hours; challenge route requires an eligible credential, 1,350 related hours, written exam and practical assessment.
Exam preparation
Topics to review
These study areas support exam preparation. Users should also review official occupational standards, code requirements and training-provider materials.
- Welding safety, PPE, gases, tools, and equipment setup
- Drawings, symbols, measurements, joint design, and fit-up
- SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, and thermal processes
- Metallurgy basics, distortion, defects, and inspection
- Fabrication, repair, troubleshooting, and quality control
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Common questions
Welder FAQ
Can I try questions for free?
Yes. Use the free quiz link on this page to try sample Red Seal-style questions for Welder.
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.
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