NWT Updated Trades Entrance Requirements add New Path to Trades

January 24, 2025

The Government of the Northwest Territories has updated the Northwest Territories Trades Entrance Requirements to create new opportunities for Northerners to pursue a career in the trades.

Under the updated requirements, individuals with a high school diploma are now eligible to enter the trades, establishing a fourth pathway to meet entrance requirements. This change was reviewed and recommended by the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification Board, and reflects the government’s commitment to build a strong economic foundation by growing and enhancing the Northern workforce.

The four options for meeting the Trades Entrance Requirements are now:

1. Passing the trades entrance exam with a mark of 70% or higher; 
2. Meeting the Secondary School course requirements;
3. Passing all five of the High School Equivalency Credentials (General Education Diploma or Canadian Adult Education Credential); or
4. Holding a Northwest Territories Secondary School Graduation Diploma.

The updates also align with the Northwest Territories’ transition to a new curriculum modeled after British Columbia and recognize the new Canadian Adult Education Credential, which replaced the General Education Diploma in 2024. While the General Education Diploma remains valid, the updated requirements now reflect that the Canadian Adult Education Credential is accepted going forward.

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