After you finish an apprenticeship, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will issue you a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Depending on your trade, this may be the last step in your apprenticeship journey. For other trades, you may be required to complete a certifying exam.
A Certificate of Apprenticeship in a skilled trade proves that you have successfully completed the in-school and on-the-job training requirements for that trade.
You or your employer must notify your ministry consultant when you have completed your apprenticeship training requirements.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will issue your Certificate of Apprenticeship within 6 weeks from the day you let them know you completed your training.
If your trade does not have a certifying exam, this is the last step in the process.
If your trade has a certifying exam, you will also be issued a Provisional Certificate of Qualification after you complete your apprenticeship. This certificate is valid for 1 year, during which you must write and pass your certifying exam.
A Provisional Certificate of Qualification allows you to continue working in a compulsory trade while you attempt your certifying exam.
Skilled Trades Ontario will send you the Provisional Certificate of Qualification via email, or by mail if you do not have access to email.
Certifying exams are available in all compulsory trades and in some non-compulsory trades. Review the training and curriculum standards for your trade to find out if a certifying exam is required.
When you pass your certifying exam, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification. This official document proves that you are qualified to work in a particular trade in Ontario.
Learn about the benefits of certification and how to get a Certificate of Qualification.
The Red Seal Program sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada. Having a Red Seal on your trade certificate allows you to practice your trade in anywhere in Canada where that trade is designated as a Red Seal trade.
Find a complete list of all Red Seal trades here.
Skilled trades professionals who successfully pass the Red Seal exam will receive a Red Seal endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification.
Having a Red Seal endorsement promotes excellence to employers, supports labour mobility and is a source of pride for skilled trades professionals.
Learn more about Red Seal exam eligibility, how to register and access exam resources.