How Do I Become a Plasterer, Drywall Installer & Finisher
In British Columbia, trade certification for drywall finishers & plasterers is available but not mandatory
You can find employment as a plaster & drywall finisher without formal training. However, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed a four-year apprenticeship program and gained certification through BC’s Industry Training Authority.
Apprenticeship involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified tradesperson, called a journeyperson.
To obtain a Certificate of Qualification as a drywall finisher, you write the Interprovincial Exam to qualify for the Interprovincial Standards’ Red Seal. With a Red Seal, you can work in this trade anywhere in Canada.
If you have significant work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Being approved to challenge means that if you meet the criteria for your trade, you will not be required to go through the full program. Instead, you are allowed to become certified by writing and passing the final exam(s).
For more information about apprenticeship programs and certification see: