We have developed a six module course specifically designed to give working carpenters with enough hours in the trade, the info and skills they need to pass the IP Red Seal Exam. This course will allow you to develop your own personal strategy to pass the test.

Integrated Carpentry Tutorials

What we have done, is develop a program that will focus only on the most important things you will need to know to pass the test.

We also have a series of tips and techniques for managing your study time; what material to focus on; stress management before and during the test; and a strategy to manage your time on the test.

You will learn how to find the key words in the questions and disregard the information you don’t need, to answer the question correctly.

We also realize that most guys don’t have any idea about how to even apply to the ITA to start the process of challenging the exam.

So, we have a link to download the ITA Application Form and the ITA Instructions, and we will work with you to guide you through the process.

In order to minimize the time between taking this course and writing the test, we strongly advise candidates to work with us to get your application in to the ITA before you begin to brush up on your skills.

Course Content

We have 3 former Community College Carpentry Instructors (and current working carpenters…) that have put together a comprehensive refresher program to help working Carpenters and Apprentices gain the skills they need to challenge the I.T.A. Exam and get their Red Seal Certification.

We cover the 6 Modules required by the ITA IP Exam:

  1. Common Occupational Skills
  2. Planning & Layout
  3. Concrete
  4. Framing
  5. Exterior Finish
  6. Interior Finish
  7. Renovations
We Are Visual Not Verbal Animals

And carpenters are no different than the rest of the population when it comes to writing tests.  Most of us choke under that kind of pressure.

Well, we can take care of that too, and show you how to:

  1. Relax, because after this course, you are going to have developed a more comprehensive grasp of the material, and a more competent problem-solving skill set
  2. Focus; learn how to begin to see the answer which is invariably framed with the question itself.
  3. Concentrate; We are all working carpenters, and we speak your language. We will put the solution to even the most intricate problems into a context that everybody can understand with no mumbo jumbo.
  4. Perform; Never mind how they tried to jam the Math down your throat in High School! We will present the math skills you need in a way that you can understand and you can put them to use on the job the very next day.
Peer Mentoring

We also strongly recommend that where possible, you take the course with a friend.  Not only with this help you to stay motivated to challenge the exam, there is a real bonus studying material with a partner.  The peer-mentoring aspect that invariably happens when you study with a friend leads to a quicker grasp of the material for both candidates.

The benefits of having your Red Seal Certification

  • More money per hour, an immediate bump of about 15%.
  • Federal Income Tax Grant of $2,000.00 (*view more info)
  • Union members may be eligible for reimbursement from their local.
  • The Construction Industry is responding to market forces, and there is increasing pressure within the industry to be Certified in order to remain competitive; No Ticket=No Job.
  • New HPO and CMHA rules for new home Construction Warranties,
  • A Red Seal is now a requirement for new home builders.
  • The increased demand for commercial carpenters in BC & Yukon, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, given the rise in resource-based construction projects ( LNG and Hydro Electric Dam mega-projects)
  • The absolute need to have your Red Seal ticket if you want to move into Supervisory or Management positions; Foreman, Superintendent, or Project Manager)
  • And Last But Not Least: the feeling of satisfaction you get from just having overcome this hurdle and being recognized as a true craftsman after some painful years learning our trade.

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Red Seal Graduates

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Check out recent Red Seal graduates with Integrated Carpentry Tutorials as well as graduates all the way back to 2015!

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Testimonials

Testimonial: Andrew Smart, Qualicum, BC

The Integrated Carpentry Tutorials class that Richard put on is absolutely top notch. There is no messing around with non relevant exam subjects and is straight to the point. After 7 years since last writing the challenging and confusing IP exam, I needed a refresher...

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Testimonial: Anasia Campbell, Vancouver, BC

I'm happy I had the structure of Richard's course. It was educational and provided everything I needed for the test. I had a lot of support from Richard and others in the course. If you've had hurdles in the past and you want this next try to be a pass give him a...

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Testimonial: Justin Boothroyd, Victoria, BC

Richards course exceeded my expectations and did an amazing job in prepping me for my exam, which I passed with flying colours. The confidence I gained in Code and Math, as well as the Strategy Richard implemented in writing the test was a lifesaver. I couldn’t...

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Testimonial: Sharon Zeeman, SRK Designs & Renovations

I am so grateful to have taken Richard’s class. I had written the IP a couple times before and was unsuccessful for a number of reasons. I was feeling pretty discouraged as I had completed all 4 Levels with top marks and I have been successful in my trade. Richard's...

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Testimonial: L.M. Squamish, BC

Richard, I absolutely loved your course. Not just because you helped me get my Red Seal, but because I am a much better carpenter because of it. I now know how to utilize my building code effectively, have all of my formulas embedded in my memory, and a crew of...

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Testimonial: Jason Conrad, Victoria, BC

The man knows what he is doing and his approach is not intimidating, he encourages an environment that creates an open dialogue which makes it easy to participate and have you feeling grateful to be a part of it. It’s clear he is passionate, he will more than match your commitment and he will continue to provide that support during, as well as after, you have succeeded (which, without a doubt you will).

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Testimonial: Lucas Kelsch, Kelowna, BC 

Passed on the first write! Thanks a million Richard! Your course was definitely worth every penny my man! And to boot, I got a job offer letter the next day to run a framing crew but I needed to get my ticket to sign off hours, so I've got a lot riding on this. Your...

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Testimonial: Jeromy Biron, Salmon Arm, BC

Richard gets 5 ***** Stars and an A+. Richard and his course are life changing. I never had the confidence or thought I could pass the Red Seal carpenter exam. I was a carpenter for most of my life, but never had the schooling. After finding Richard’s course and...

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Testimonial: Darren Henderson, New Brunswick

Looking for that added push or need to dial your Code and Math skills in? Well this is what you will get plus more! Richard’s method and pace is exactly what I needed to put me over that last hurdle. I pushed it off for years and being 44 this year, I decided I had to...

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Testimonial: David Simard, Victoria, BC

I took Richard’s Integrated Carpentry Tutorials in 2020 and came out a winner. He taught the math and theory I needed to know in a straight forward simple way. He informed and helped me focus on what I needed to study with a strategy that gave me confidence to...

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Testimonial: Colby Fredrickson, Nanaimo, BC

I attended Richard Dickenson’s Integrated Carpentry Tutorials course in May 2021. His knowledge, guidance and personal strategy helped me gain my confidence in order to pass the Red Seal exam. I would highly recommend this course as Richard breaks it down and makes it...

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Testimonial: Rochelle Relyea (ZOOM)

Richard is my “CODE Yoda”. He made the Construction Math simple and easy to understand. If you’re looking for an Instructor who will take you to the Red Seal finish line, Richard is the Real Deal. Attending via ZOOM was a breeze. Thanks again, Richard. Rochelle...

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Testimonial: Florian Hohenbichler (ZOOM)

WOW, this course was a life saver. I have never had an instructor like Richard who was so engaged and committed to help his students pass the IP exam. Richard is a profound instructor and a treasure chest of carpentry knowledge for the Red Seal. He brought really...

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Testimonial: Nick Lee (ZOOM)

I took Richard’s Carpentry course in November 2020 to help prepare to write my Inter Provincial exam. He has a personal strategy method for students taking the exam and it was a life saver. I have always froze during tests and his strategy really helped my confidence!...

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Testimonial: Steve Rowsell

Hi Richard I got my marks back today. I finally completed what was on the back of my mind for over 20 years. Thank you for all the help and allowing me to do the course again. From one professional to another thanks. It means a lot to me. Steve Rowsell. Maple Ridge,...

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Testimonial: Liam Gaffney

It had been 10 years since I had taken any schooling. I took the Integrated Carpentry Tutorials Red Seal Prep with Richard Dickenson and within one week I was ready to write my test. He took extra time to make sure that everything that could come at me was covered. He...

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Testimonial: Nathan White (ZOOM)

My name is Nathan White, and I’m a small construction business owner and I came to Richard in need of my Red Seal. I was on my 3rd attempt and had got 68% and 69% previously and was extremely frustrated over the whole process. I had spent 100’s, if not 1000’s of hours...

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Testimonial: James MacDonald (ZOOM)

Richard's course was a great help to me in passing the interprovincial carpentry exam. I took the three weekend course, before starting I thought, this sucks I'm going to be wasting 3 weekends. But I was wrong the classes were very engaging and frankly entertaining....

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Testimonial: Simon Stockklauser

Hello to all Carpenters out there. I grew up in the construction world in a family business, but with no Certification. Me, my brother-in-law Mark and my brother all decided to challenge the Red Seal Carpentry exam, and got in touch with Richard Dickenson. This proved...

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Testimonial: William Daly (ZOOM)

Richard Dickenson has gone above and beyond to help me pass my Red Seal Carpentry exam. The preparation, layout, and strategy makes the course easy to navigate. Richard teaches the course in such a way that is easy to follow and understand. He cares about his students...

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Testimonial: Logan Ronhovde

To Whom It May Concern: During the Fall of 2019, Richard Dickenson of Integrated Carpentry Tutorials invited participation in his course from the local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Having recently assumed the role of Project Manager for our rapidly growing...

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Testimonial: Thomas Powell

Without Richard’s support I would not have been successful win achieving my Red Seal in Carpentry. Richard’s knowledge of the subject is incredible, therefore no superfluous content was taught, only what was needed. Which was a LOT. In addition Richard’s style of...

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Testimonial: Tyler MacLachlan (ZOOM)

Hey Richard, I would just like to say I am thoroughly impressed with the structure of Integrated Carpentry Tutorials. It was a comfortable, fun and efficient way to attain the knowledge to properly prepare for the IP Red Seal Exam. I will say the nerves and anxiety...

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Testimonial: Sheldon MacKay (ZOOM)

The Integrated Carpentry Tutorials program was a huge help preparing to challenge the Inter-provincial Red Seal exam. I was supplied with great study and reference material and solid direction to get a study routine started. The online sessions were easy to access and...

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Testimonial: Stefan Schmaling

I am very grateful for Richard Dickenson and his Integrated Carpentry Tutorials which helped me successfully pass the Red Seal Carpentry Exam. He was able to channel my anxiety and eagerness to pass into a logical strategy which I could follow. Because of his...

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Testimonial: Ryan McLaren (ZOOM)

After failing my first attempt at the Red Seal Carpentry Exam by just a few points, I was back at studying but unsure where to start. The Carpentry Program Coordinator suggested I give Richard Dickenson a call and see if he could help me with my rewrite preparation....

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Testimonial: Matt Muir (ZOOM)

Here I go - Richard’s course is incredible, his unique and out of the box teaching style is incredibly refreshing. He truly makes you engage with the content! He’s you’re favourite teacher back in high school. No nonsense and straight to the point. He genuinely wants...

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Testimonial: Derek Kyles (Scots) (ZOOM)

As ye ken imagine coming fae Scotland trying tae sit the Red Real wisnae gonna be easy. Then I had a gab with this big Canadian named Richard aboot how I was gonna dae it. Whit can I say about this man, well I can tell ye if ye put in 100% he’ll put in 110%. Using...

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Testimonial: Derek Kyles (English) (ZOOM)

I can honestly say without Richard there is no way I would have passed the Red Seal exam. Coming from Scotland I struggled to grasp the contents and terminology of the exam. Then I saw this Red Seal Refresher course online and signed up. This was the best decision...

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Testimonial: Curtis Cooke (ZOOM)

Heard about this course from my friend Tim who took it. Figured why not . I honestly believe I wouldn’t have passed without Richard’s course. He’s upfront, no BS and was there whenever I had a question. I took the course twice, once in person and once over ZOOM. If...

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Testimonial: Clayton Brown (ZOOM)

I was fortunate enough to enrol in the refresher course to challenge my RedSeal with Richard Dickenson. The ZOOM classes are great, and I passed first attempt. If you’re serious about your career and want to get it right the first time, go to this course! - Clayton...

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Testimonial: Bobby Ridley (ZOOM)

So just wanted to start with saying taking this course was the best decision I could have made to challenge and pass my Red Seal exam. Richard made things very simple through learning how to master the code book, understand the exam's criteria as well as had no...

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Testimonial: Logan Ronhovde

During the Fall of 2019, Richard Dickenson of Integrated Carpentry Tutorials invited participation in his course from the local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate. Having recently assumed the role of Project Manager for our rapidly growing affordable housing portfolio, I...

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Testimonial: Tanner Holtman (ZOOM)

I recently took Richard’s Red Seal Prep course online and I’m very thankful I did. I had the site experience but knew that I would fall short if I walked into the Exam blind. He was able to go through what would be covered on the Exam, simplify it, then work through...

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Testimonial: Benjamin (Jayme) Hoxie (ZOOM)

At 33 years old, I felt the passion to be more than a skilled labourer. I believed in the ‘TRADES’ and their potential for higher Income levels. My biggest ‘PROBLEM’ became – No Red Seal Certification. Noticing my income level was significantly less because of it,...

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Testimonial: Zackery Castellarin (ZOOM)

Richard's course has helped me accomplish a dream and goal I had for myself for a very long time. He’s a master carpenter and a very respected teacher who is passionate about the trade and helping people with their careers in the trade. His webinars make the class so...

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Testimonial: Shayd Margan (#50) Vancouver, BC (ZOOM)

After moving from New Zealand to Vancouver 3 years ago, I fell short on points when I applied for my Permanent Residency. I found that if I sat my Red Seal Exam (and Passed) my points would put me 4 Levels above where I was and make me more eligible. I sat the Exam...

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Testimonial: Mike Marinus, BC (ZOOM)

Richard was an awesome instructor. His years of experience in the trade and teaching definitely show. He was very knowledgeable and helpful in focusing my studies. I found taking the course through ZOOM to be convenient, as I was able to study and participate from the...

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Testimonial: Pat Toronto, Toronto, ON (ZOOM)

I struggled with the test on my first try so I reached out to Richard for help. I jumped into a couple of group lessons he had going on and quickly got caught up. He is knowledgable and able to teach what he knows effectively. After a couple of ZOOM sessions with...

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