An electrician who holds a TQ of IP Certificate of Qualification in BC is considered a certified electrician and may work for any contractor or employer as an employee without restriction to the scope of work. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the electrician hired is qualified and trained for the scope of work to be performed.
In BC, it is not mandatory to have TQ or IP credential to be able to do electrical work. However, with a ITA issued credential an electrician is allowed to work without supervision and may supervise unqualified individuals without a TQ or IP qualification in certain type of installations.
The TQ or IP Certificate of Qualification can be obtained after successfully completed a prescribed apprenticeship program to gain working experience and electrical technical knowledge.
Classes of Electrician
1. Industrial Electrician – Individuals who are trained for fundamental and specialized knowledge and skills related to the installation and maintenance of electrical devices and components in industrial settings (e.g. marine electricians, maintenance electricians or plant electricians)
2. Construction Electrician – Individuals who work in assembling, installing, testing, commissioning, servicing and operating electrical systems and equipment. An electrician is considered a construction electrician with the Inter-provincial Red Seal (IP) endorsement.
Trades Qualification(TQ)
An apprentice who has completed all required technical training in accordance with the Industry Training Program Profile may write a BC Certificate of Qualification examination.
An individual who is able to prove eligible number of hours work experience in accordance with the Industry Training Program Profile or pass a Competency-based assessment if available, may challenge the BC Certificate of Qualification examination for ”Recognized Training Program”.
(see subject areas for construction electrician examination below)
Interprovincial Qualification(IP)
The Red-Seal qualification follows national standards, including in-school and employment-based training. Successful completion of an Accredited Industry Training Program will result a Certificate of Qualification with an Inter-Provincial Red-Seal endorsement. The Red-Seal Program was established to provide greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers. Tradesperson are able to obtain a Res Seal endorsement on their provincial/territorial certificate (TQ) by successfully completing an IP examination.
Construction Electrician – Subject Areas for Examination
The Red-Seal exam is based on the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) for the trade.
The following subject areas provide a guideline for study.
|
Subject Area |
% IP |
% TQ |
|
A – Occupational skills |
12 |
12 |
|
B – Systems, distribution and services |
25 |
24 |
|
C – Branch circuit wiring |
26 |
24 |
|
D – Motors and control systems |
20 |
19 |
|
E – Signaling and communication systems |
9 |
10 |
|
F – Upgrading, maintenance, and repair |
8 |
11 |
|
Total % |
100 |
100 |
|
Examination time allowed |
4 hours |
3 hours |
|
Pass Mark |
70% |
70% |
Note: % of questions for provincial TQ examination is similar to % of IP questions.
Total number of questions is 100-120.
Construction Electrician Foundation Program
This entry program is also known as “Pre-Apprenticeship” Program. The program consists of Level 1 technical training in addition to practical and essential skills related to the Construction Electricians apprenticeship program. Individuals who complete the Foundation Program will receive Level 1 training credit and 350 work-based hours credit toward completion of the Construction Electrician Level 1 apprenticeship program..
Level 1 technical training content:
Essential Skills
Safe Work Practices
Tools and Equipment
Circuit Concepts
Test Equipment
Drawing and Manuals
CEC Regulations and Standards
Low Voltage Distribution Systems
Control Circuit
Opportunities for Immigrants and Internationally Trained WorkerThis ITA Immigrants in Trades training initiative is designed to help immigrants to overcome specific financial, cultural and other challenges they may experience in in establishing a trades career.
Depending on individual needs, you may receive tuition funding, free work gear such as clothes, tools and equipment, and funding for childcare and transportation costs. You may be enrolling in English and safety courses as needed (visit your local ITA office for more information).
