Journeyperson vs. Red Seal: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter in Skilled Trades Hiring?

At Dawn Staffing, we specialize in recruiting for skilled trades and engineering roles, we frequently encounter questions about the distinctions between a Journeyperson license and a Red Seal endorsement in Canada.

Let’s clear up the confusion!

Journeyperson Certification

A Journeyperson license (also called a Certificate of Qualification or Trade Certification, depending on the province) means a person has successfully completed an apprenticeship program or met the trade’s criteria and passed the provincial certification exam.
It confirms the person is fully qualified to work in their trade in the issuing province or territory.
However, a journeyperson’s credentials may not automatically be recognized if they move to another province — this is where the Red Seal comes in.

Red Seal Endorsement

The Red Seal Program is a national standard that allows certified tradespeople to work across Canada without further examination.
To earn a Red Seal, a journeyperson must pass the interprovincial Red Seal exam in their trade.
A Red Seal endorsement signifies advanced knowledge, high skill standards, and mobility across provinces.

Why Does This Matter for Employers and Candidates?

For Employers: A Red Seal tradesperson can work nationwide, which is crucial for companies operating across multiple provinces. It’s also a mark of quality, indicating the candidate meets Canada-wide standards.
For Candidates: Holding a Red Seal can open more job opportunities, higher earning potential, and career mobility. It’s an investment in your professional future.

At Dawn Staffing, we carefully assess candidates’ certifications to match skilled trades talent with employers’ specific needs — whether the role requires a provincial Journeyperson license or a Red Seal.