Red Seal Painter Decorator Challenge

A Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate is a nationally recognized credential that confirms you have the knowledge and experience to work as a skilled Painter Decorator anywhere in Canada. As interest grows among members in achieving this designation, DC17 is proud to support eligible Union members through the Red Seal Challenge process.

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While it is DC17’s strong recommendation that all tradespeople complete the traditional apprenticeship pathway (consisting of three 8-week levels of in-class technical training and 1,300 on-the-job hours per level) we also recognize that, historically, apprenticeship training was not widely promoted within our Union. This created a gap for many experienced workers who never had the opportunity to pursue certification through conventional means.

 

To address this, DC17 offers support to members who qualify for the Red Seal Challenge through their provincial apprenticeship authority. This pathway is designed for experienced tradespeople who meet specific criteria and wish to challenge the Red Seal exam based on work experience.

 

How DC17 Supports You

If you are eligible to challenge the Red Seal exam in your province, DC17 will:

• Assist with understanding and completing the provincial application process

• Provide access to study materials

• Reimburse the Red Seal application fee upon successful completion of the exam

Please note: fees for prep courses, study guides, rewrite exams, and other additional expenses are not covered.

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Ultimately, members are responsible for submitting required documents, communicating with their provincial apprenticeship authority, and meeting the application and testing deadlines.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To receive support from DC17, applicants must:

• Be a member in good standing with a DC17 Local

• Meet all provincial Red Seal Challenge application requirements

• Have 15,000 verifiable on-the-job hours in the Painter Decorator trade (supported by ROEs or employer letters)

• Have completed 1,000 hours in the last 12 months with a DC17 signatory contractor

• Commit to working 1,000 hours in the 12 months following certification with a DC17 signatory contractor

 

Interested in Challenging the Red Seal?

Before applying, review the eligibility and application guidelines available through your provincial apprenticeship authority. Once you're familiar with the requirements and believe you meet them, contact us to get started.