In an Express Entry profile, what do you mean by the “date the applicant first became qualified to practise this occupation?

If you’re listing a skilled trade as your primary occupation

It’s the date when you first became qualified to practise on your own in that trade. For example, the date you moved from apprentice to fully qualified tradesperson.

If you’re being assessed for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, work experience in a trade will only count if you’re qualified to independently practise in the region where you got your work experience.

If you’re listing any other primary occupation

It’s the date when you finished the minimum level of education needed for the occupation according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. If the NOC only states high school, it’s the date you graduated from high school.