Trade Certification



To be employed in certain skilled trades, workers must have a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate states that they have passed the provincial qualification exam that assesses their knowledge of their skilled trade.

To write the provincial qualification exam, applicants must prove they have experience in the trade. Examples of proof include things like:

  • Completion of an apprenticeship contract
  • Documentation showing that training time meets at least minimum industry standards
  • Proof of relevant experience as a skilled worker.

Do I need to be certified?

There are two categories of trades in Ontario. To work in some trades, you must be certified. Certification in other trades is voluntary.

You must be certified to work in these trades:

 

Certification in these trades is voluntary:

A

B

  • Baker
  • Baker-Patissier
  • Bearings Mechanic  
  • Blacksmith
  • Brick & Stone Mason 

C

D

  • Developmental Services Worker
  • Die Designer
  • Draftsperson – Mechanical
  • Draftsperson – Plastic Mould Design
  • Draftsperson – Tool & Die Design
  • Drywall, Acoustic & Lathing Applicator
  • Drywall Finisher and Plasterer 

E

  • Educational Assistant
  • Electric Motor System Technician
  • Electrical Control (Machine) Builder
  • Entertainment Industry Power Technician
  • Electrician – Street Railway Electrician Linesperson
  • Electrician (Signal Maintenance) (TTC)
  • Electronic Service Technician
  • Elevating Devices Mechanic
  • Exterior Insulated Finishing Systems Mechanic

F

G

H

I

L

  • Light Rail Overhead Contact System Linesperson
  • Locksmith  

M

N

  • Native Clothing & Crafts Artisan 
  • Native Residential Construction Worker  
  • Network Cabling Specialist 

O

  • Optics Technician (Lens and Prism Maker)

P

R

  • Railway Car Technician 
  • Recreation Vehicle Technician
  • Refractory Mason
  • Reinforcing Rodworker Br 3 
  • Relay and Instrumentation Technician 
  • Restoration Mason  
  • Retail Meat Cutter 
  • Roll Grinder/Turner  
  • Roofer  

S

  • Saddlery 
  • Saw Filer/Fitter  
  • Ski Lift Mechanic 
  • Small Engine Technician 
  • Special Events Coordinator 
  • Sprinkler & Fire Protection Installer
  • Surface Blaster  
  • Surface Mount Assembler

T

U

W

  • Water Well Driller 
  • Welder
  • Wooden Boat Rebuilder/Repairer

Important to know!

Even though certification for these trades is voluntary, many employers and unions may still ask you for a certificate of Qualification.

Where can I learn more?

Talk to an Employment Ontario service provider in your community and find out if apprenticeship is right for you. You can use the map feature on this website to find this service in your area..