What does ATCD mean in CERTIFICATIONS & DIPLOMAS

The Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD) is part of Alberta Advanced Education. It works to promote, develop, and regulate apprenticeship training, technical training, and trades certification in Alberta. ATCD works with employers, trade organizations, industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government to ensure that there are clear standards for entry into a variety of trades.

The Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division provides services related to apprenticeship training and trades certification in Alberta. They are responsible for setting the standards for entry into the various trades in Alberta; developing regulations for apprenticeships, trade schools, examiners, instructors, employers; conducting examinations; issuing certificates; coordinating field visits; monitoring safety measures; and providing information related to trades education.

To become an apprentice in Alberta you must first obtain sponsor/employer approval by signing an Apprenticeship Agreement with an employer or sponsoring organization. You must then complete any related technical courses offered by an accredited institution or recognized provider as well as related on-the-job training. Finally you must pass a provincial examination before being awarded a Certificate of Qualification in your chosen trade.

To register with ATCD you must first contact your local office where you will be required to fill out registration forms which include information such as name address phone number social insurance number photograph etc after submitting these forms along with payment of required fees your registration will be processed by ATCD

To become certified in a trade under ATCD you must meet certain criteria including completing high school graduation or equivalent having a valid work permit sponsored by an employer holding current membership with industry association if applicable passing all required certifying exams relevant safety courses etc

Once you have successfully passed the provincial examination administered by ATCD you will receive confirmation of passing results via mail You may also be required to participate in an interview depending on your chosen trade Upon successful completion of the interview process and meeting all other requirements you will receive notification of award from ATCD which confirms that you have earned your certificate of qualification.

Yes there is typically a fee associated with taking your provincial examination This fee varies depending on which type of trade certification exam you are taking Fees may vary based on other factors as well such as how many attempts it takes for passing results

Depending on where outside Canada you plan to work additional requirements may be necessary For example if working abroad having international certificates of qualification or endorsements may be required In some cases registering with international organizations accreditation bodies may also be needed It is important that applicants check foreign country laws before applying internationally

Yes safety training is mandatory when applying for certain trades Safety courses are designed to help protect workers from potential workplace hazards Applicants should take any approved safety programs prior to submitting their application documents

Completion timeframes depend on each individual's situation However most programs require apprenticeships to be completed within three years Generally speaking it is recommended that applicants finish their program within two years