Sit a NITA government trade test (Grade III, II or I)
National Industrial Training Authority · sources read 1 Oct 2026
Book the trade test online with NITA for your trade and grade, and pay KSh 5,000 for Grade III, KSh 6,000 for Grade II or KSh 7,500 for Grade I. You sit it at an approved testing centre; results come about 21 days after the series ends and the certificate about 6 months after.
- Fee
- KSh 5,000Grade III trade testKSh 6,000Grade II trade testKSh 7,500Grade I trade testKSh 5,000Replacing a lost or defaced trade test certificate
- How long
- Results about 21 days after the test series; certificate about 6 months after the test
- Deadline
- August series (Grades I and II): booking 2 January to 31 May
- Deadline
- December series (Grade III): booking 2 January to 31 July
- Where
- Online with NITA (trade test portal and NITA on eCitizen); the test is done at an approved NITA testing centre. NITA head office: Commercial Street, Industrial Area, Nairobi
What you need
- Only to replace a lost or defaced certificate: a filled Certificate Replacement Form
- For a replacement: 2 passport size photos
- For a replacement: a copy of your national ID
- For a lost certificate: a police abstract
Steps
- Register online for the trade test, on your own or through your institution, and book your trade and grade.
- Pay the test fee through NITA on eCitizen (nita.ecitizen.go.ke).
- Pay the centre and material fee set for your trade, then sit the test at an approved NITA testing centre.
- Results come about 21 days after the last test date of that series.
- Your certificate is issued about 6 months after you complete the test.
Watch out
- Tests run three times a year: April (Grades I, II and III), August (Grades I and II only) and December (Grade III only). Book for the right series.
- Results are sent to the contact address you give when booking, so make sure it is correct.
- Keep your certificate safe. Replacing a lost or defaced one costs KSh 5,000.
Who can apply
- Artisans and apprentices with at least 2 years' experience in the skill area.
Official sources (3)
- Assessment and Certifications Unit - Trade Test nita.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- NITA Citizen Service Delivery Charter nita.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- National Industrial Training Authority - eCitizen nita.ecitizen.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026