Job requirements Carpenter in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a carpenter in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Carpenters (NOC 7271).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.
  • Completion of a three- to four-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in carpentry is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
  • Trade certification for carpenters is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories.
  • Trade certification for framers is available, but voluntary, in Saskatchewan.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified carpenters upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office, Government of Alberta
British Columbia Carpenter Regulated Industry Training Authority British Columbia
Residential Framing Technician Regulated Industry Training Authority British Columbia
Manitoba Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship Manitoba
New Brunswick Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification, Government of New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, Department of Advanced Education and Skills of Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship and Trades, Government of the Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia Carpenter Regulated Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Nunavut Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification, Government of Nunavut
Ontario General Carpenter Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Wooden Boat Rebuilder Regulated Ontario College of Trades
Prince Edward Island Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship Training and Skilled Trade Certification, Government of Prince Edward Island
Québec Carpenter-joiner Regulated Commission de la Construction du Québec
Saskatchewan Carpenter Regulated Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Carpentry Framer Regulated Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Carpentry Scaffolder Regulated Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Yukon Carpenter Regulated Apprenticeship and Tradesperson Qualifications, Yukon Education

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey
Date modified: