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How Do I Become a Painter and Decorator

Painter and decorator is an Inter-provincially recognized Red Seal trade. With a Red Seal, you can work in this trade anywhere in Canada.


Completion of Grade 10 is the minimum education requirement. However, completion of secondary school is preferred.

Trade certification is not mandatory but it will likely increase your job opportunities. You can become certified by completing a three to four year apprenticeship program through BC’s Industry Training Authority (ITA).

Once you complete the apprenticeship program and successfully pass the Interprovincial Red Seal exam (the final exam for this trade), you become certified as a painter and decorator. You also automatically receive the Red Seal endorsement.

Challenge Certification/Recognition of Prior Experience:

If you have significant work experience as a painter and decorator but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. This includes completing 8,100 hours of work in the trade and successfully writing the Interprovincial Red Seal exam.