Ontario Trade Licensing Guide

Ontario has 4 compulsory trades that require a licence to practise. These include electricians (licensed by ESA), plumbers (Certificate of Qualification from Skilled Trades Ontario), and HVAC technicians (TSSA certification for gas work). It is illegal to perform compulsory trade work without proper certification.

Ontario has 10 voluntary trades where certification is available but not legally required. Examples include carpentry, painting, and cabinetry. While you can legally hire an uncertified worker, a Certificate of Qualification demonstrates the tradesperson has completed a formal apprenticeship and passed competency exams.

For electricians, verify their ECRA/ESA licence number at esasafe.com. For plumbers and voluntary trades, check with Skilled Trades Ontario. For gas technicians, verify through TSSA. For architects, check the OAA directory. For engineers, check the PEO directory. Always ask for the licence number and verify it independently.

The Red Seal Program is an interprovincial standard that allows certified tradespeople to work across Canada without additional testing. A tradesperson with a Red Seal endorsement has met a nationally recognized standard of competency. Not all trades offer Red Seal endorsement.

Building permits are required for most work involving structural changes, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC modifications. Cosmetic work (painting, flooring replacement, fixture swaps) typically does not require a permit. Requirements vary by municipality. Your contractor should know what permits are needed and obtain them.

If a contractor performing compulsory trade work refuses to show their licence, do not hire them. It is illegal to perform compulsory trade work without proper certification. Report unlicensed contractors to the relevant regulatory body. For voluntary trades, while a licence is not required, reluctance to discuss credentials is a red flag.