FAQs

The Red Seal Cook exam is the interprovincial certification exam for cooks in Canada. Passing it earns a Red Seal endorsement on your provincial or territorial certificate, which is recognized across the country.

The exam is based on the Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) for Cook, which describes the tasks and knowledge expected of a fully qualified cook.

The Cook exam has 150 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options. You have four hours to complete it, and the pass mark is 70%.

Read our full guide to the exam format for more detail.

There are two main routes. Apprentices write the exam after completing their required technical training and work hours. Experienced cooks who never did a formal apprenticeship can often challenge the exam as a trade qualifier by proving enough documented work experience.

Exact requirements are set by each province and territory, so check with your local apprenticeship authority.

In many provinces, yes. Internationally trained cooks can usually apply as trade qualifiers if they can document enough relevant work experience. You will usually need your authority's employer verification or declaration form, completed by employers, listing your duties and hours.

See our guide on how to challenge the Red Seal Cook exam.

You apply through your provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority. For example, Skilled Trades Ontario, SkilledTradesBC, or Alberta's apprenticeship and industry training office. They confirm your eligibility and tell you how to book a sitting.

Most jurisdictions let you rewrite the exam, usually after a waiting period and sometimes with an additional fee. Your results letter typically shows how you did in each area of the exam, which tells you where to focus. Rewrite rules vary, so check with your apprenticeship authority.

13 study modules aligned to the Red Seal Occupational Standard for Cook, a full 150-question practice exam that matches the length of the real exam, and a complete answer key.

See the workbook in our store.

Both. The PDF is an instant download that works on any device. If you prefer paper, the same workbook is available as a paperback printed and shipped by Lulu.

Payments are processed securely by Payhip. As soon as your payment goes through, you'll get a download link on screen and by email. If you can't find it, check your spam folder or contact us.

No. Our workbook and online course are not offered to residents of Quebec. A course purchase made with a Quebec billing address is refunded automatically.

No. Red Seal Ready is an independent study resource. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Red Seal Program, the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship, or any provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority.

Yes. Culinary programs, employers, and settlement organizations can contact us about bulk pricing.