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Mail delivery will be delayed due to the Canada Post strike.
Mail delivery will be delayed due to the Canada Post strike.
Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is taking a major step to strengthen how certifying exams are delivered across the province.
“We’ve heard the feedback loud and clear. Apprentices and employer sponsors told us they want increased capacity and a reliable, streamlined exam experience. And that’s exactly why we’re making this change,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario.
A review of the current delivery model confirmed that in-house administration will allow Skilled Trades Ontario to better meet demand, improve booking reliability, and provide a more consistent exam-day experience for apprentices. This includes offering exams at Training Delivery Agents (TDAs), so apprentices can write where they learned.
What’s changing
Starting now:
Starting February 1, 2026:
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is making it easier for apprentices to earn their certifications. By bringing certifying exams in-house and expanding delivery across the province, we’re reducing wait times, improving consistency, and giving apprentices the reliable, convenient exam experience they deserve,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This change will help even more apprentices — including the more than 13,000 youth who registered last year, the highest in a decade — cross the finish line into well-paying, in-demand jobs that are essential to delivering our ambitious infrastructure plan.”
STO’s contract with its former delivery partner will conclude on January 31, 2026. The transition will be coordinated to support continuity for apprentices.
Since taking on responsibility for certification and exam administration in April 2025, STO has responded to more than 120,000 calls and 40,000 emails, administered over 6,000 certifying exams, expanded supports in each region of the province, introduced onsite exam delivery at Training Delivery Agents, and onboarded dedicated Group Account Coordinators to support employers and training partners.
This next step builds on that progress and strengthens STO’s ability to support apprentices as they move toward certification.
Additional Resources
Exam scheduling
Supportive Quotes
“By allowing Red Seal testing in-house for TDA holders, Skilled Trades Ontario is removing a long-standing barrier that once delayed progress for many aspiring tradespeople. This welcomed accommodation will improve the exam’s accessibility, while boosting confidence among participants for stronger results. With a more accessible and supportive path to Red Seal certification, Ontario’s workforce can continue to grow with skill, speed, and resilience.”
– Adam Bridgeman, Carpenters’ Regional Council
“On behalf of the affiliates of the Central Ontario Building Trades (COBT), I would like to congratulate Ms. White and her team at Skilled Trades Ontario. We have witnessed the benefits of writing C of Q exams in our own facilities first-hand and this has been a real game changer for us. We look forward to other TDA’s having the same opportunity. Keep up the great work.”
– James St. John, Central Ontario Building Trades
“Employers want to see apprentices succeed, and a predictable, reliable exam process is essential to that goal. Holding the certifying exam at the end of the final level of in-class training, directly at the Training Delivery Agent’s site, provides apprentices with a familiar and consistent testing environment. This reduces unnecessary stress, supports learner confidence, and allows apprentices to focus on demonstrating their knowledge and skills. We commend Skilled Trades Ontario for taking this step to enhance the clarity and dependability of the exam process across the province.”
– Adam Melnick, Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario
“This improvement will enhance the apprenticeship experience and ensure candidates are set up for success on exam day. HVAC&R Workers of Ontario UA Local 787 supports Skilled Trades Ontario in creating a more coordinated and reliable certification process.”
– Andrew Tarr, HVAC&R Workers of Ontario Local 787
“Bringing certifying exam delivery in-house is a positive step that will provide apprentices with the comfort and consistency they need. IBEW 402 Training and Education Centre welcomes this improvement and looks forward to a more streamlined and reliable scheduling process that helps apprentices progress confidently towards completing their apprenticeships and obtaining their certificate of qualifications.”
– Steve McKeown, IBEW Local 402
“This is a win for apprentices and for Ontario’s workforce. A more predictable and efficient exam process means workers become certified sooner, enter the workforce with confidence, and fill the high-demand jobs our province urgently needs. LIUNA is proud to support changes that respect workers and strengthen training pathways across the skilled trades.”
– Victoria Mancinelli, LiUNA Ontario Provincial District Council
“A consistent and predictable exam process is essential for employers and apprentices alike. MCACO welcomes this move and the increased reliability it will bring to certification pathways across Ontario.”
– Jeff Spitzig, Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario
“A strong apprenticeship system depends on accessible and timely certification. Bringing certifying exams in-house gives apprentices greater certainty and reduces delays to complete their training and move into the workforce without unnecessary barriers. Merit Ontario welcomes this change and supports Skilled Trades Ontario’s efforts to strengthen the certification process.”
– Mike Gallardo, Merit Ontario
“A streamlined exam system benefits apprentices, employers, and training partners. The Millwright Regional Council supports this transition and sees it as an important investment in Ontario’s skilled trades workforce.”
– Brad Dewey, Millwright Regional Council
“Mohawk College is proud to partner with Skilled Trades Ontario to strengthen the certifying exam experience by offering exams on our campus. Giving apprentices the opportunity to write their exams where they learn supports accessibility and ensures consistency for learners across the province.”
– Paul Armstrong, President, Mohawk College
“A reliable and consistent examination process is vital for the next generation of Operating Engineers. It promotes completions and provides apprentices with a comfortable environment to write their C of Q. This approach will make a difference for apprentices across Ontario. We commend STO for its leadership in strengthening opportunities for apprentices.”
– Rick Kerr, Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO)
About Skilled Trades Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. Skilled Trades Ontario is dedicated to simplifying access to services for skilled trades professionals, promoting the skilled trades as a career of choice and addressing the labour shortage in the skilled trades, in partnership with government and industry.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Media Relations
Skilled Trades Ontario
media@skilledtradesontario.ca