Working Legally in Ontario’s 23 Compulsory Trades 2025
In Ontario, there are 23 compulsory trades, meaning you must hold valid authorization to legally work in these fields.
Examples include electrician, plumber, hairstylist, and steamfitter.
To work in any compulsory trade, you must hold one of the following:
- A Certificate of Qualification (C of Q)
- A Provisional Certificate of Qualification
- A Registered Training Agreement
Each compulsory trade has its own certification exam, and certificates must be renewed annually.
You can verify a person’s qualification status through the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
Exemptions apply to:
- Participants in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or Ministry-approved pre-apprenticeship programs
- Full-time industrial plant employees under certain conditions
- Qualified workers from Québec in seven recognized trades
- Individuals who completed approved training for wheel replacement, air brake adjustment, or small water meter installation
Why it matters:
If you have foreign experience in a compulsory trade, you’ll likely need to complete a Trade Equivalency Assessment before being eligible to work or write your exam in Ontario.
👉 SICON Immigration Consulting can assist you with:
- Determining whether your trade is compulsory or not
- Preparing your Trade Equivalency Assessment
- Planning your Skilled Trades immigration pathway
📞 Contact SICON for expert guidance and a clear path to work legally in Ontario’s skilled trades.
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