Monday, October 27, 2025

What to Expect on Exam Day with STO

Learn about travel, testing rules and expectations, and what it’s like taking the C of Q exam on a computer

Getting ready to write your certificate of qualification (C of Q) can feel stressful, but hearing from other apprentices who’ve already gone through it can help you feel more relaxed and ready to go.

Here’s what they had to say about travel, testing rules and expectations, and what it’s like taking the exam on a computer.

Getting to the Testing Centre

If your testing spot is in a busy city like Toronto, plan for extra travel time. Several apprentices said that navigating Toronto traffic added extra stress on exam day. If it’s an option, you might want to see if a location outside the GTA is available, as it could make for a calmer start to your day. However, you will likely not get accommodations for a testing centre beyond the GTA locations, so choose wisely if you need accommodations.

When you arrive, expect airport-style security checks. It can feel a bit uncomfortable, but it’s just part of the process to make sure everyone’s following the same rules.

Accommodations and Breaks

If you qualify for extra time, it’s great to have that flexibility, but be prepared for a long day. The exam can go up to six hours with extra time provided, and while you’re allowed to bring a clear water bottle (label removed), you can’t eat in the exam room.

Snacks and other items can be stored in a locker, but any time you take for breaks, like getting food or using the bathroom, will come out of your exam time. Plan to use your time wisely and take quick breaks only when needed.

Writing the Exam on a Computer

The C of Q is now fully digital and on a computer, so there might be a slight learning curve at the start to get used to the system and figure it out. It might be beneficial to plan for 10 minutes to play around with the software and how the test functions. There’s a timer on your screen showing your remaining time (so no loud “30 minutes left!” reminders to worry about) and you can flag questions to come back to later.

You’ll only see one question at a time, which helps you focus.

You’ll also get a physical code book to use during the test.

Some centres might still have previous editions of the code book available for your exam, while the majority will use the updated code book. Due to this current inconsistency, it’s a good idea to look at both the newest and previous editions of your code book ahead of time.

The calculators at the testing centre are provided too, but they’re assigned at random and can vary by brand. It might be helpful to practice with a few different types before you go. A good strategy is that if you have other apprentices at your company, all of you should buy different brands and models of calculators and then share them.

If you have any questions about your C of Q, reach out to our Apprenticeship Team.

What to Expect on Exam Day with STO

You might be interested in