Trades Certifications in Ontario: Complete Guide to Licences, Tickets & Red Seal
Trades Certifications in Ontario: Complete Guide to Licences, Tickets & Red Seal
Certifications are the currency of the skilled trades in Ontario. Your licences, tickets, and endorsements determine what work you can do, how much you earn, and where you can work. This guide covers every trade certification in Ontario you need to know about in 2026.
Provincial Certificates of Qualification (CQ)
Ontario requires certification for many trades. Here are the key trade licences:
| Trade | CQ Code | Apprenticeship Hours | Compulsory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician (Construction & Maintenance) | 309A | 9,000 | Yes |
| Plumber | 306A | 9,000 | Yes |
| HVAC Technician | 313D | 9,000 | Yes |
| Refrigeration Mechanic | 313A | 9,000 | Yes |
| Millwright | 436A | 7,200 | Yes |
| Carpenter | — | 7,200 | Yes |
| Welder | — | 6,000 | No (voluntary) |
| Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic | 310T | 7,200 | No (voluntary) |
Red Seal Endorsement
The Red Seal certification is the national standard for skilled trades in Canada. It makes your qualification portable across all provinces and territories. Many Ontario employers prefer or require Red Seal for senior roles.
Essential Safety Certifications
- Working at Heights — Mandatory for construction work above 3 metres in Ontario
- WHMIS 2015 — Required on virtually all job sites
- First Aid/CPR — Often required or preferred by employers
- Confined Space Entry — Needed for some industrial and municipal work
Trade-Specific Certifications
- G2 Gas Fitter License (TSSA) — Required for gas work; essential for HVAC and plumbing
- ODP Certification — Required for handling refrigerants (HVAC)
- CWB Welding Certification — Industry standard for welding positions
- Elevating Work Platform (EWP) — Useful for commercial and high-rise work
- Niagara N4/AX — Valuable for HVAC controls technician roles
How to Get Certified
Most certifications require completing a registered apprenticeship. Learn about apprenticeship programs in Ontario →
Read More
- Red Seal Certification: Complete Guide
- Apprenticeship Programs in Ontario
- Skilled Trades Jobs in Ontario: 2026 Guide