How to Become a Concrete Finisher in Manitoba
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Concrete finisher is a voluntary trade in Manitoba. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
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- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Some trades in Manitoba require you to be certified; these are known as compulsory certification trades. Other trades are voluntary.”
From gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier...., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Licensed in another province: 4 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 4 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
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
-
Apprenticeship Manitoba sends you the Apprenticeship Agreement by email, and you and your employer must both sign it.
Source
“Apprenticeship Manitoba sends an email to you with the Apprenticeship Agreement”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... -
You submit your education records, documentation of related work or educational experience, and the signed Apprenticeship Agreement to Apprenticeship Manitoba to register it.
Source
“Provide documentation and register your Apprenticeship Agreement with Apprenticeship Manitoba”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... -
You work on the job to learn the knowledge and skills of the trade from a certified journeyperson and complete the required on-the-job training hours for each level.
Source
“You will spend about 80 per cent of your apprenticeship working on the job. Here you will learn the knowledge and skills for your trade from a certified journeyperson. Each trade has a minimum number of on-the-job training hours required for each level.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice... -
Once you have completed the required on-the-job hours, you register for and pass technical training delivered by a recognized training provider before progressing to the next level.
Source
“Once you have completed the required number of on-the-job hours, you can register for technical training delivered by a recognized technical training provider. You need to complete and pass the technical training before progressing to the next level.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice... -
After completing all levels and apprenticeship requirements, you must pass the certification exam with a minimum grade of 70 per cent to earn your Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“Once you’ve completed all levels and apprenticeship requirements for your program, you must pass the certification (final) exam. The minimum passing grade is 70 per cent.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
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
- Listed time: 1.4 months (only 1 of 4 steps state a time)
-
You review the work experience form for your trade on the Apprenticeship Manitoba website to determine whether you have the required work experience, training, knowledge and skills to write the qualification exam.
Source
“Determine if you have the work experience, training, knowledge and skills required to be eligible to write the qualification exam by reviewing the work experience form for your trade on the Apprenticeship Manitoba website.”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations -
If you meet all requirements, you submit your trades qualification application to Apprenticeship Manitoba along with your completed work experience form, employer letters and copies of previous trades certification.
Source
“Submit to Apprenticeship Manitoba your trades qualification application (along with your completed work experience form, employer letter(s) and copies of previous trades certification) only if you meet all requirements to write the qualification exam in your trade.”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations -
You wait for a reply from Apprenticeship Manitoba, and approval of your application means you are eligible to write the exam.
Time: 6 weeksTime source
“application review typically takes about six weeks”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupationsSource
“Wait for a reply from Apprenticeship Manitoba (application review typically takes about six weeks). Approval of your application means you are eligible to write the exam.”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations -
As a trade qualifier you challenge the certification exam for your trade to earn your Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“Trade qualifiers challenge the certification exam for their trade to earn their Certificate of Qualification.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 4 done
- 4 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 1.4 months (only 1 of 4 steps state a time)
-
You review the work experience form for your trade on the Apprenticeship Manitoba website to determine whether you have the required work experience, training, knowledge and skills to write the qualification exam.
Source
“Determine if you have the work experience, training, knowledge and skills required to be eligible to write the qualification exam by reviewing the work experience form for your trade on the Apprenticeship Manitoba website.”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations -
If you meet all requirements, you submit your trades qualification application to Apprenticeship Manitoba along with your completed work experience form, employer letters and copies of previous trades certification.
Source
“Submit to Apprenticeship Manitoba your trades qualification application (along with your completed work experience form, employer letter(s) and copies of previous trades certification) only if you meet all requirements to write the qualification exam in your trade.”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations -
You wait for a reply from Apprenticeship Manitoba, and approval of your application means you are eligible to write the exam.
Time: 6 weeksTime source
“application review typically takes about six weeks”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupationsSource
“Wait for a reply from Apprenticeship Manitoba (application review typically takes about six weeks). Approval of your application means you are eligible to write the exam.”
immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations -
As a trade qualifier you challenge the certification exam for your trade to earn your Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“Trade qualifiers challenge the certification exam for their trade to earn their Certificate of Qualification.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Level Placement Exam: $200
Source
“Level Placement Exam $200”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - NSF Cheque Service Fee: $20
Source
“NSF Cheque Service Fee $20”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - Technical Training: $425 (starting at)
Source
“Technical Training (click link for full fee breakdown) Starting at $425”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - Book and materials fees: $800 (varies by program and technical training provider)
Source
“Book and materials fees vary by program and technical training provider and range from $800 to $1,500.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - Book and materials fees: $1,500 (varies by program and technical training provider)
Source
“Book and materials fees vary by program and technical training provider and range from $800 to $1,500.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... - Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 4 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $464
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 4 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $425
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 5 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $464
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 5 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $450
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 6 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $464
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 6 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $475
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 7 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $464
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 7 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $500
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 8 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $464
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 8 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $525
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 9 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $522
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 9 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $550
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 10 weeks (before August 1, 2026): $580
- Technical Training Personal Contribution Fee: 10 weeks (August 1, 2026 and after): $575
Requirements
Education
When registering your Apprenticeship Agreement you must submit a copy of your education records, or state in your application if you do not have Grade 12 or equivalent education.
Source
“a copy of your education records (post-secondary transcript, or high school diploma, and/or Grade 12 transcripts, GED certificate/ Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), or equivalent). NOTE: If you do not have Grade 12 or equivalent education, state this in your application.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr...
Experience
To qualify as a trade qualifier you need three years of experience totalling 5,400 hours in the trade.
Source
“Challenging the Exam - Trades Qualification: 3 Years of Experience 5,400 Hours Required”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/concretefini...
Residency
You must be a Manitoba resident to apply as a trade qualifier.
Source
“You must be a Manitoba resident to apply as a trade qualifier.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/concretefini...You must reside in Manitoba when you apply, whether as an apprentice or as a trade qualifier challenging the certification exam.
Source
“Whether you plan to be an apprentice, or plan to challenge the certification exam as a trade qualifier, you must reside in Manitoba when you apply.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/newcomers.html
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
If you have received Red Seal certification for a trade, it will continue to be recognized in Manitoba. Source
“If you have received Red Seal certification for any trade (voluntary or compulsory certification), it will continue to be recognized in Manitoba.”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier....
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Exams
-
Red Seal Exam
Source
“Red Seal Exam Information”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/concretefini... -
Level Placement Exam
Source
“Level Placement Exam $200”
gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Apprenticeship Manitoba
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | $22.00 | $30.00 | $36.46 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $24.50 | $34.00 | $43.47 | — |
Concrete finishers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/experienced-tradespersons/trade-qualifier.... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/discover-apprentice... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/apply-for-your-appr... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Regulated Occupations | Manitoba Immigration immigratemanitoba.com/life/regulated-occupations · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/trade-profiles/concretefini... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/explore-trades/newcomers.html · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprenticeship Manitoba | Province of Manitoba gov.mb.ca/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-program/manage-your-apprent... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a concrete finisher in Manitoba?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Manitoba. Certification is managed by Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Which exams are required?
Red Seal Exam, Level Placement Exam.
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