In Canada each province and territory decides which trades are compulsory (you need a certificate, or must be a registered apprentice, to work in the trade) and which are voluntary (a certificate is recognized but not required by law). This tool covers the 54 Red Seal trades, using the Red Seal program's Ellis Chart, checked on October 20, 2026, and each province's official certifying authority.
This trade in every province and territory
| Province or territory | Local trade name | Certification | Red Seal | Training hours |
|---|
| Trade | Local trade name | Red Seal |
|---|
What the result means
- Compulsory: it is illegal to work in the trade in that province unless you hold the provincial certificate (or a recognized one) or are a registered apprentice. Employers there must check this.
- Voluntary: you may work without the certificate, but it is the recognized proof of skill; many employers and unions ask for it, and it can count for immigration (see below).
- Partly compulsory: the chart marks the trade as compulsory for part of its scope and voluntary for the rest; ask the provincial authority which work needs the certificate.
- No program: the province or territory has no apprenticeship or certification program for that trade.
- Red Seal: a certificate with the Red Seal endorsement is recognized in every province and territory that offers the trade.
Why it matters for immigration
For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian province or territory can take the place of a qualifying job offer. In a compulsory trade, you also need the certificate (or a route to it) before you can legally start working, whatever your permit says. Check the skilled trades certification guide for the steps.