Saturday, October 3, 2026

CofQ Exam Accommodations for Skilled Trades Ontario

In July 2025, our team provided a guideline on how to request accommodations for your Certificate of Qualification (CofQ) exam through Skilled Trades Ontario (STO). Since then, some new information has provided us with a greater understanding in how to navigate the process.

Here are the revised steps on how to request accommodations for your CofQ with STO:

Step 1: Pay Your Exam Fee

Before requesting accommodations, you must pay your exam fee to Skilled Trades Ontario. Once your payment is processed, STO will email you an Authorization to Test letter containing your eligibility number. You’ll need this number to submit your request.

You can pay your exam fee on the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal account by signing in and processing your payment.

Step 2: Hold Off on Booking Your Exam!

Don’t schedule your exam until your accommodations have been approved. Booking too early could result in your request not being processed, leaving you without the supports you need on exam day.

Step 3: Submit Your Accommodation Request

To request accommodations:

Complete the Exam Accommodation Request Form available through Skilled Trades Ontario.

Include supporting documents, such as a medical note from a healthcare professional, a learning specialist’s statement, or other documentation explaining your needs.

Email your completed form and documents to accommodations@skilledtradesontario.ca.

Add “URGENT” to your email subject line or mark it as high priority to help get a quicker response.

You can find the Exam Accommodation Form on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

Since last year, we have found that STO does not provide a clear guideline defining what constitutes a healthcare professional. It is often related to the type of request.

For example, if you suffer from test anxiety and require extra time to write your exam, it is helpful to get a medical note from a licensed mental healthcare professional like a therapist.

It is important that your documentation be provided on official letterhead, include the contact information and credentials of the individual providing it, and describe the nature of the disability along with any recommended accommodations.

Similarly, students with a documented learning disability who receive accommodations from their college should request an accommodation letter from the same department for their CofQ exam.

For more information about accommodations while attending trade school, please contact the college you currently attend or plan to attend.

Step 4: Watch for a Response

STO typically responds within seven business days. If you haven't heard back after a week, follow up by email or call 1-855-299-0028 to check on your request.

Step 5: Get Ready to Book Your Exam Once Approved

Once STO has notified you that your accommodations have been approved, you may book your exam.

Depending on the nature of your request and location, STO might allow you to book your exam through the STO Portal or they will book the exam date on your behalf. In either case, you will be notified.

Step 6: Book Your Exam Through STO Portal (if allowed):

If your accommodations have been approved and you have been authorized to book your exam through the STO Portal, follow these instructions, which are also in your Authorization to Test Letter:

Create account or sign in to the STO Portal if you already have an account

Select “Examination” at the top of the page

Enter your STO ID number

Click on your name and select exam type

Click no for accommodation required — if required contact us by phone

Choose a new available date, time, and location

Add to cart, review your selection, and select “book now” to complete this process.

You will receive email confirmation of the exam booking as the last step.

If you need help with rescheduling your exam, please contact us by phone at 647-847-3000 or toll-free (Ontario only) at 1-855-299-0028.

Additional questions? Please reach out to apprenticeshipcentral@clac.ca

CofQ Exam Accommodations for Skilled Trades Ontario

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