Provisional Certificate of Qualification

Overview

If your trade has a certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario will automatically issue you a 1-year Provisional Certificate of Qualification after you complete your apprenticeship program. In compulsory trades, this certificate allows you to legally continue working in your trade in Ontario while you prepare for and attempt your certifying exam.

Once your Provisional Certificate of Qualification is issued, Skilled Trades Ontario will send you a confirmation letter via email. If you do not have access to email, the letter will be mailed to you. We encourage you to attempt your certifying exam as soon as possible after completing your program to maximize your chance of success.

Fee waiver for certifying exams

The Ontario government has introduced a fee waiver for the first attempt at the written certifying exam to help completed apprentices continue their careers in the trades.

If you complete your apprenticeship program in Ontario on or after January 1, 2025, this fee waiver will be automatically applied to your account. You will be notified about it in your Provisional Certificate of Qualification confirmation letter, along with instructions on how to book your exam.

About the fee waiver

The fee waiver only applies to the first attempt at the written certifying exam.
It does not cover practical exams or other costs, such as study materials or preparation courses.
If you do not pass the certifying exam on your first attempt, you will need to pay the standard fee of $150 + HST for each additional attempt.
If you are an apprentice in multiple trades, you are eligible for the fee waiver for the first attempt in each trade, as long as you complete the apprenticeship programs for those trades on or after January 1, 2025. The fee waiver is not transferable between trades or individuals.
If you completed your apprenticeship program before January 1, 2025, you are not eligible for the fee waiver, regardless of when you take your first exam.
There are currently no deadlines to take advantage of the fee waiver. However, apprentices are encouraged to attempt the certifying exam as soon as possible after completing their program to maximize their chances of success.

Eligibility for a 6-month certificate extension

If extenuating circumstances outside your control prevent you from scheduling or writing the certifying exam, you may apply for a 6-month extension of your Provisional Certificate of Qualification.

Extenuating circumstances may include barriers under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 or situations where certifying exams cannot be administered for technical or operational reasons.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the day your Provisional Certificate of Qualification expires. Late applications will not be considered.
Extensions may be denied if you do not write your certifying exam prior to the expiry date of your Provisional Certificate of Qualification. Schedule your certifying exam here.
Applications will not be considered if submitted more than 2 months before the expiry date of your Provisional Certificate of Qualification.

Even if your Provisional Certificate of Qualification expires, you can still attempt the certifying exam.

How to apply for an extension

To apply for a 6-month extension, you can:

Complete the online form

Mail a completed copy of the PDF form to:
Skilled Trades Ontario
PO Box 2354 RPO SQ1 Shoppers
Mississauga, ON L5B 3C8

Contact Us

Phone: 647-847-3000
Toll-Free (Ontario only): 1-855-299-0028
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST