How to Become a Pressure Welder in British Columbia
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Pressure welder is a compulsory trade in British Columbia. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- pressure welder
Show the source
“You must obtain a pressure welder certificate of qualification, and pass any relevant performance qualification tests, in order to perform pressure welding work in BC.”
From technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Licensed in another province: 4 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 8 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Technical Safety BC
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 0.1 months (only 1 of 5 steps state a time)
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You must apply for your certificate through your Online Services account before you can book your exam.
Source
“You must apply for your certificate before you can book your exam.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
Once your application has been received and eligibility reviewed, you will be invited to book your exam through your Online Services account.
Source
“Once we receive your application and a review of eligibility is completed, you will be invited to book your exam through your Online Services account.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
You must pass a 4.5-hour practical exam completed through an accepted host location under the supervision of a Technical Safety BC boiler safety officer.
Time: 4.5 daysTime source
“This practical exam is 4.5 hours long and must be completed through an accepted host location (recognized test administrator), under the supervision of a Technical Safety BC boiler safety officer.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...Source
“This practical exam is 4.5 hours long and must be completed through an accepted host location (recognized test administrator), under the supervision of a Technical Safety BC boiler safety officer.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
After receiving your certificate you must ensure you have obtained a Welder's Log Book, and you may request a replacement from Skilled Trades BC if you have not.
Source
“You must ensure that you have obtained a Welder’s Log Book. If you have not obtained one, you may request a replacement from Skilled Trades BC.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
You must complete performance qualification tests, which follow a registered Welding Procedure Specification, before engaging in pressure welding work on regulated equipment.
Source
“Your Class A certificate allows you to take performance qualification tests, which you must complete before engaging in pressure welding work on regulated equipment. Performance qualification tests follow a registered Welding Procedure Specification.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Technical Safety BC
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 4 done
- 4 steps without a listed fee
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You apply by logging in to your Online Services account and following the steps, or by requesting a paper form by mail.
Source
“To apply, log in to your Online Services account and follow the steps. Don't have an account? Sign up now.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
Once your application is received and an eligibility review is completed, you will be notified of the result by email.
Source
“Once we receive your application and a review of eligibility is completed, you will be notified of your result by email.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
After successfully obtaining the Class A certificate, you need to obtain a welder logbook from SkilledTradesBC before beginning performance qualification testing.
Source
“Once you have successfully obtained the Class A Pressure Welder certificate, you will need to obtain a welder logbook from SkilledTradesBC before you begin performance qualification testing for welding procedures registered in BC.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
Performance qualification testing must be administered by a recognized test administrator.
Source
“Performance qualification testing must be administered by a recognized test administrator.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Technical Safety BC
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 8 done
- 8 steps without a listed fee
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For long-term work as an experienced pressure welder from outside Canada, you must register with SkilledTradesBC and challenge the Red Seal for Welding.
Source
“If you are an experienced pressure welder from outside of Canada and would like to work in BC long-term, you must register with SkilledTradesBC and challenge the Red Seal for Welding.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
Once you have obtained your Red Seal for Welding, you can apply for your Class A Pressure Welder certificate.
Source
“Once you have obtained your Red Seal for Welding, you can apply for your Class A Pressure Welder certificate.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
After obtaining the Red Seal for Welding, you apply for the Class A Pressure Welder certificate.
Source
“Once you have obtained your Red Seal for Welding, you can apply for your Class A Pressure Welder certificate.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
If you would like to work as a pressure welder in BC temporarily, you can apply for the Class R Pressure Welder certificate, which has a lifespan of up to six months and cannot be renewed.
Source
“If you would like to work as a pressure welder in BC temporarily, you can apply for our Class R Pressure Welder certificate. This certificate has a lifespan of up to six months and cannot be renewed.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
For the Class R certificate, you must complete relevant performance qualification tests administered by a recognized test administrator and keep a record of your successful completion to include in your application.
Source
“You must also complete any relevant performance qualification tests, administered by a recognized test administrator, which follow your contractor’s registered Welding Procedure Specification. You must keep a record of your successful completion to include in your application.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
You apply for the Class R certificate by logging in to your Online Services account and following the steps, or by requesting a paper form by mail.
Source
“To apply, log in to your Online Services account and follow the steps. Don't have an account? Sign up now.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
If you do not have much pressure welding experience and want a Class IT certificate, you must register with SkilledTradesBC and become a welding apprentice.
Source
“If you do not have much pressure welding experience and would like to get a Class IT Pressure Welder certificate, you must register with SkilledTradesBC and become a welding apprentice.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
After you have completed Level 2 of your training, you may apply for your Class IT Pressure Welder certificate.
Source
“After you have completed Level 2 of your training, you may apply for your Class IT Pressure Welder certificate.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Technical Safety BC
8 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Education
To be eligible for the Class A certificate you must have a BC welder certificate issued by Skilled Trades BC and endorsed with a Red Seal credential, a BC welder level A or B certificate issued by Skilled Trades BC, or a welder trade qualification endorsed with or without a Red Seal credential by an apprenticeship authority in another jurisdiction of Canada.
Source
“To be eligible for this certificate, you must have one of the following: - a BC welder certificate issued by Skilled Trades BC and endorsed with a Red Seal credential; - a BC welder level A or B certificate issued by Skilled Trades BC; or - a welder trade qualification, endorsed with or without a Red Seal credential, by an apprenticeship authority in another jurisdiction of Canada.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...To transfer from another province or territory you must have a Canadian credential authorizing you to perform pressure welding in another Canadian jurisdiction, equivalent to the regulated work of a pressure welder certificate under the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation.
Source
“Canadian credential authorizing you to perform pressure welding in another Canadian jurisdiction, equivalent to the regulated work of a pressure welder certificate authorized to perform under the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety Regulation.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...To be eligible for the Class IT certificate you must be a registered welding apprentice, or hold a Welder C Level certificate of qualification issued by SkilledTradesBC, and have a welder logbook from SkilledTradesBC.
Source
“To be eligible for this certificate, you must be a registered welding apprentice, or hold a Welder C Level certificate of qualification issued by the SkilledTradesBC. You must also complete a performance qualification test in accordance with the Class IT Pressure Welder certificate syllabus and have a welder logbook from SkilledTradesBC.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...If you are a registered welding apprentice with the CCDA harmonized welding training program, you must complete a Level 2 training course as part of your welder training program.
Source
“If you are a registered welding apprentice with the Canadian Council of the Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) harmonized welding training program, you must complete a Level 2 training course as part of your welder training program.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...If you are a registered welding apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, you must complete your Foundation training course or a Level 2 training course as part of your welder training program.
Source
“If you are a registered welding apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, you must complete your Foundation training course or a Level 2 training course as part of your welder training program.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Other
In addition, you must also have a current performance qualification for SMAW F3/F4 or GTAW/SMAW F6/F4, as administered by your jurisdiction.
Source
“In addition to the above, you must also have a current performance qualification for SMAW F3/F4 or GTAW/SMAW F6/F4, as administered by your jurisdiction.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...To be eligible for the Class R certificate you must have evidence of your qualification and experience as a pressure welder from your Canadian jurisdiction or the country of qualification.
Source
“Have evidence of your qualification and experience as a pressure welder from your Canadian jurisdiction or the country of qualification”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...To be eligible for the Class R certificate you must be employed by a licensed boiler contractor who holds a current ASME Certificate of Authorization or a current National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors “R” Certificate of Authorization.
Source
“Be employed by a licensed boiler contractor, who holds one of the following: - Current ASME Certificate of Authorization - Current National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors “R” Certificate of Authorization”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
If you have a certification from outside of BC, you may be eligible to transfer and obtain the Class A without further testing. Source
“If you have a certification from outside of BC, you may be eligible to transfer and obtain the Class A without further testing.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Technical Safety BC
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Technical Safety BC
Exams
-
performance qualification test
Source
“You must also complete a performance qualification test in accordance with the Class IT Pressure Welder certificate syllabus and have a welder logbook from SkilledTradesBC.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... -
performance qualification tests
Source
“You must also complete any relevant performance qualification tests, administered by a recognized test administrator, which follow your contractor’s registered Welding Procedure Specification.”
technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Technical Safety BC
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Technical Safety BC
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Technical Safety BC
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | $23.25 | $35.00 | $51.87 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $30.00 | $47.00 | — |
Pressure welders in other provinces and territories
- Alberta Certification required
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Pressure Welder Certification | TSBC technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Class A Pressure Welder | TSBC technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Pressure Welder - Exam Information | TSBC technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Pressure Welder - Transfer to BC | TSBC technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Class R Pressure Welder | TSBC technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Class IT Pressure Welder | TSBC technicalsafetybc.ca/technologies/boilers-pressure-vessels/pressure... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a pressure welder in British Columbia?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in British Columbia. Certification is managed by Technical Safety BC.
Which exams are required?
performance qualification test, performance qualification tests.
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