Glossary of Apprenticeship Terms

When you complete your apprenticeship training (on site and in class hours) you get a Certificate of Apprenticeship – this is different than your Certificate of Qualification.

It is sent to you by MLITSD approx. 6 weeks after notifying them of your completion.

It is a test of an apprentice's knowledge and competency related to the trade.

Compulsory trades are required to complete the C of Q exam after completing all levels of in-class training and on-site hours.

Each trade has its own C of Q exam and is multiple choice. An apprentice must get 70% or higher to pass.

There are exam centres across Ontario that offer exam scheduling throughout the week.

Two resources to take advantage of when preparing for your exam are: Skilled Trades Ontario Exam Prep Guide and Red Seal Exam Prep Guide.

More About This Certification

Reach out to our team if you need any support when preparing for your exam! We have lots of free resources to share to help you prepare.

These trades require an apprentice to complete apprenticeship program at a TDA in Ontario and pass the Certificate of Qualification Exam in order to work in that trade.

In a compulsory trade, you cannot practice your scope of trade until you are a registered apprentice.

STO has a Public Register for all registered apprentices in a compulsory trade.

Examples of Compulsory Trades are: Electrician, Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker.

Each trade has its own unique Logbook.

It is the apprentice's responsibility to make sure that the Sponsor an/or trainer are signing off on skills they have completed during their on-site training.

Logbooks are required to be completed before writing your C of Q exam.

Each registered Apprentice and Sponsor is assigned a Ministry ETC that works with them through your apprenticeship pathway.

They are one of the 3 signatures on your RTA.

ETC's work out of local offices, you can find your local office here – remember it’s associated to your Sponsor’s address (not your home address)!

They are a resource to you and the Sponsor to answer any questions you may have your registration, crediting of hours, and class offers.

These trades do not require you to be a registered apprentice or certified journeypersons to work in the scope of trade.

Some of these trades offer certifying exams and Certificates of Qualification.

Examples of Non-Compulsory Trades are: General Carpenter, Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction Craft Worker.

You are given this certificate if you are a registered apprentice in a compulsory trade or a trade with a C of Q exam after you’ve completed your on-site and in-class training hours (ex. 9,000 for 309A).

This certificate allows you to keep working in a compulsory trade while you wait to write your C of Q exam.

This certificate is valid for 1 year – you can find out more about asking for an extension on this date here.

A Red Seal endorsement is a seal on your provincial or territorial trade certificate that allows you to work as a Journeyperson throughout Canada.

It shows that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice your trade across the country.

In Ontario there are over 50 trades with a Red Seal including: Electrician, General Carpenter, Plumber, Sheet Metal Worker

Resources for Red Seal Exam (C of Q)

This is the document you sign with the Ministry to become a registered apprentice.

It is signed by you (the apprentice), your Sponsor (typically your employer) and your Ministry Employment and Training Consultant.

It includes information like trade code, in class training hours, on site training hours, and any previous history as a registered apprentice.

This document is key to provide proof of your registration and will be referenced throughout your apprenticeship – make sure to keep a copy!