If I pass the Professional Cook Level 1 exam in B.C., will the resulting certificate count as a CoQ for Express Entry purposes?

[Aalamjot Singh]

Hi everyone,


I’m currently preparing my Express Entry profile under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and working as a cook in British Columbia. I’m considering challenging the Professional Cook Level 1 exam, and I’m trying to confirm something very specific.


According to IRCC, you can get 50 extra CRS points if you have a Certificate of Qualification (CoQ) issued by a provincial authority, which allows you to work in your trade without further training or supervision.


Their exact definition is:

“A certificate issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority that proves a person is qualified to work in a skilled trade in that province or territory.”

I know the Red Seal is often mentioned, but IRCC does not say the Red Seal is required — just a CoQ that proves full qualification.


My question is:
If I pass the Professional Cook Level 1 exam in B.C., will the resulting certificate count as a CoQ for Express Entry purposes?


I reached out to SkilledTradesBC, but they told me to ask IRCC — and IRCC says to check with the province ‍. I’m now stuck between the two.


Has anyone here:

• Successfully claimed the 50 points with just Cook Level 1?
• Gone through a similar process in BC or another province?
• Challenged the exam without going through a full apprenticeship?

Any help, advice, or examples would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.


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Aalamjot Singh