Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Skilled Trades Ontario—What’s Changed?

Since the launch of the new apprenticeship program through Skilled Trades Ontario (April 2, 2025), the CLAC Central Group Sponsor Team has been learning from employers and apprentices what their experiences have been with all the changes

Ontario Construction Construction

Three main areas have been impacted:

service from Skilled Trades Ontario (STO),
exam scheduling process, and
registration and progression support.

As with all changes, there have been some growing pains. When speaking to employers and apprentices, a common concern we hear is that the wait time with all of these new processes is long, and communication with STO isn’t consistent.

One of the biggest changes has been the switch to online scheduling for the C of Q exam through a third-party program called Prometric. The process can be confusing at a time when apprentices may be already feeling exam anxiety.

8 Member Feedback Tips to Help You Prepare

Arrive early with plenty of time to spare. The designated testing sites for writing your exam with Skilled Trades Ontario are very strict with their exam times and standards. Do not expect any leniency if you arrive late for your exam.
Set aside plenty of time if you plan to call STO. Wait times to talk to a representative can be close to an hour, on average. From our team’s experience, we have found the shortest wait times are between 1 and 3 p.m.
Be prepared to travel for your exam. Due to STO’s new exam processes and procedures, unfortunately, fewer testing centers are available. You may need to drive far to take your test. Certification exams are available at the following Prometric Canada Testing Services locations: Toronto (three locations), Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Barrie, and Sudbury.
Testing centres have a high level of security. When you arrive at the testing centre, be prepared to undergo a thorough clearance check. This will be similar to going through a security checkpoint at any international airport.
All exams are written online using a computer or laptop. In your designated testing area, you will be assigned a cubicle to write your exam. A computer will be provided, as well as a piece of scrap paper, a pencil, and your code book. You will not be provided with a physical copy of the exam as a backup.
Be sure to check your emails, including your spam folder, for information from STO. A few days prior to writing your exam, you will receive an email notice from STO or your designated testing centre. Please reply to all emails pertaining to your exam, since they might be time sensitive.
You need to request accommodations before scheduling your exam. Accommodation requests can greatly impact the options for locations to write your exam, most accommodations are approved for locations out of the GTA. Accommodations can be requested by calling STO at 647-847-3000 or toll-free in Ontario at 1-855-299-0028. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can also email them at accommodations@skilledtradesontario.ca.
STO processes are changing week to week. STO is working to make processing streamlined for apprentices and sponsors, but changes are happening rapidly and without announcement. Keep checking your CLAC emails and apprenticeship newsletter for up-to-date information or explore the STO website.

With these changes, the CLAC Central Group Sponsor Team is ready to jump in and support your apprenticeship team! If you’re feeling the effects of the level of service, lack of clarity on processes, or long wait times for exam scheduling, we’re here to help!

Email us today at mailto:ongroupsponsor@clac.ca to set up a time to speak with someone from our team.

Skilled Trades Ontario—What’s Changed?

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