Understanding Ontario's Certificate of Qualification

In Ontario, a Certificate of Qualification, often shortened to C of Q, is an official document that confirms an individual's skills in a specific trade. Issued by the Ontario government, this certification indicates that the holder has met the necessary standards and qualifications for their trade. While a C of Q is required for compulsory trades, such as being an electrician, it is also available for non-compulsory trades, such as automotive painting.

How to Get Your Provincial Skilled Trades Certificate: C of Q Steps and Requirements

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The process for obtaining a Certificate of Qualification varies depending on your circumstances. You can achieve this through one of three methods: completing a certificate of apprenticeship, gaining approval via the Skilled Trades Ontario's Trade Equivalency Assessment, or having your Canadian trade credentials verified.

The Certificate of Apprenticeship Route

If you hold an Ontario Certificate of Apprenticeship and have successfully passed the certifying exam for your trade, you qualify for a Certificate of Qualification. Skilled Trades Ontario will reach out to you directly, and your certificate will be sent to you by mail.

For those who have completed an Ontario apprenticeship, obtaining your first Certificate of Qualification is free of charge.

1. Obtain your Ceritificate of Apprenticeship

A Certificate of Apprenticeship in a skilled trade confirms that you have completed the required in-school and on-the-job training for that trade. You or your employer must inform your ministry consultant upon finishing your apprenticeship. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will then issue your Certificate of Apprenticeship within six weeks of your notification.

2. Get your Provisional Certificate of Qualification

Upon completing your apprenticeship, you will be issued a Provisional Certificate of Qualification. This certificate is valid for one year, during which you must pass your certifying exam. The certificate allows you to continue working in a compulsory trade while preparing for the exam. Skilled Trades Ontario will send the Provisional Certificate via email, or by mail if you do not have an email address.

3. Pass your Licensing Exam

The last step in getting your C of Q is to pass the province's certifying exam which is mandatory for all compolsury trades and available for some non-compolsury trades. It consists of multiple-choice questions, featuring between 90 and 150 items, each with four possible answers. Those taking the exam have a maximum of four hours to complete it and must score at least 70% to pass.

The Trade Equivalency Assessment  (TEA) Route

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If you have been approved through the Skilled Trades Ontario Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA) and have successfully passed your trade’s certifying exam, you are eligible for a Certificate of Qualification. Once approved, Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you directly to begin the payment process for your certificate.

The cost to obtain your initial Certificate of Qualification is $60 plus HST.

1. Pass your Trade Equivalency Assessment

Applicants for the Trade Equivalency Assessment must meet the same on-the-job training standards required for apprenticeship programs in Ontario. To gain approval, you must provide verifiable evidence demonstrating your competency in the trade's skills as outlined in the Training Standard, along with experience that matches or exceeds the total recommended training hours for the apprenticeship, including both on-the-job and in-school training.

The fee for a Trade Equivalency Assessment is $235 plus HST, which is separate from the cost of obtaining the Certification of Qualification.

2. Pass your Licensing Exam

Similar to individuals pursuing the Certificate of Apprenticeship, the final step for those completing a Trade Equivalency Assessment is to take and pass their trade's licensing exam, achieving a minimum passing grade of 70%.

The Canadian Credential Verification Route

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If Skilled Trades Ontario has verified your Canadian trade credential, you are eligible for a Certificate of Qualification. Upon approval, they will reach out to you directly to start the payment process for your certificate.

The cost to obtain your initial Certificate of Qualification is $60 plus HST.

1. Verify your Credentials

To be eligible for the verification process, you must hold a valid Canadian trade licence, certificate or other credential that is recognized by Skilled Trades Ontario. For it to be recognized, it must fulfill the legal definition of an "authorizing certificate" as outlined in the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, 2009, and must correspond to an equivalent trade in Ontario.

2. Submit your Application

If your licence, certificate, or other credential is recognized, all that's left to do is submit a completed application form including a copy of your trade certificate, a photocopy of a valid government ID, and to pay the $50 plus HST verification fee.

Through this process, no other examination is required to obtain your Certificate of Qualification.

A Licence to Work Across Canadian Provinces: What Is Canada's Red Seal Certification? 

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In Canada, the Red Seal Program establishes uniform standards to evaluate the skills of tradespeople throughout the country. It allows a tradesperson to practice their specific trade in any province without needing to obtain said province's certification.

To obtain it, the journeyperson must pass the Red Seal exam which, upon successful completion, earns them a red seal, hence the name, on their provincial/territorial certificate.

FAQ

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What's the Meaning of "Compulsory Certification"?

Compulsory trades are regulated by government agencies, requiring individuals to obtain licenses or certifications to work in those fields. This process typically involves completing an apprenticeship and passing a certification exam. Examples of compulsory trades include electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and welding. These requirements ensure that workers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs safely and effectively, protecting the public and improving the quality of work.

In contrast, non-compulsory trades do not require a license or certification, allowing anyone to work in these fields without formal training or exams. However, some non-compulsory trades may have specific training or certification requirements for certain environments or projects. While certification is not mandatory, obtaining training can enhance a worker's qualifications and job opportunities.

What's a Certificate of Recognition? Is It the Same as the TEA or Credential Verification?

First and foremost, it’s important to note that a Certificate of Recognition is distinct from both the Trade Equivalency Assessment and Canadian Credential Verification, despite their similar names.

The Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a nationally trademarked program endorsed by members of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA), including the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA). It serves as a valuable tool for employers to evaluate their health and safety management systems.

Want to learn more about the trades and construction sector in Ontario? Check out these articles:

• The Outlook for Ontario's Construction Sector

• Ontario Electrical Contractor Licence

• How to Reduce the Shortage of Skilled Trades in Ontario?

• Apprenticeship Programs in Skilled Trades: Support Ontario Youth (SOY)

• Navigating the 2024 Ontario Building Code