Roofing Licensing in Quebec
Roofing contractors must hold the appropriate RBQ licence. Individual roofers on regulated construction sites must hold a CCQ competency certificate.
Key facts
At a Glance
Key licensing facts for roofings in Quebec
Trade Classification
Unregulated Trade
No Licence Required
Apprenticeship
4,000 hours
~2 years (2 periods)
Certification
CCQ journeyman certificate (for regulated sites); RBQ contractor licence
Red Seal
Available
Interprovincial mobility
Permits
Typically required
Insurance
Required/Expected
The details
Licensing Requirements
What it takes to qualify
Credentials, training, and coverage for this trade
- Apprenticeship: 4,000 hours (~2 years (2 periods))
- Certification: CCQ journeyman certificate (for regulated sites); RBQ contractor licence
- Red Seal available for interprovincial mobility
- Liability insurance is required or expected
Roofing in Quebec requires contractors to hold the appropriate RBQ licence for construction work. On regulated construction sites (governed by Act R-20), roofers must hold a CCQ competency certificate. The roofer apprenticeship through the CCQ consists of two periods of 2,000 hours each (4,000 hours total, approximately 2 years). For residential renovation work not covered by Act R-20, individual workers do not need a specific licence, but the contractor must still hold an RBQ licence. Building permits may be required for full roof replacements depending on the municipality.
Regulatory Body
CCQ for worker competency on regulated sites; RBQ for contractor licensing
Visit official websiteHow to Verify
Ask for the contractor's RBQ licence number and verify it on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry. Ask workers for their CCQ competency certificate.
Buyer beware
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning signs when hiring a roofing
No WSIB coverage - roofing is high-risk work and you could be liable for worker injuries
Door-to-door sales after a storm offering suspiciously low prices
No written contract specifying materials, scope, timeline, and warranty
Asks for full payment upfront or cash-only deals
Cannot provide proof of liability insurance (minimum $2M recommended)
Before you sign
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
A few minutes now saves you later
Ask these before signing any contract
- Do you carry WSIB coverage and liability insurance? Can I see certificates?
- What specific roofing materials will you use, and what are the manufacturer warranty terms?
- Will you inspect and repair the roof decking if needed?
- What is your workmanship warranty, and how long does it last?
- Will you handle the building permit and disposal of old materials?
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do roofings in Quebec need a licence?
Roofing in Quebec requires contractors to hold the appropriate RBQ licence for construction work. On regulated construction sites (governed by Act R-20), roofers must hold a CCQ competency certificate. The roofer apprenticeship through the CCQ consists of two periods of 2,000 hours each (4,000 hours total, approximately 2 years). For residential renovation work not covered by Act R-20, individual workers do not need a specific licence, but the contractor must still hold an RBQ licence. Building permits may be required for full roof replacements depending on the municipality.
How can I verify a roofing's credentials in Quebec?
Ask for the contractor's RBQ licence number and verify it on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry. Ask workers for their CCQ competency certificate.
What are the red flags when hiring a roofing?
(1) No WSIB coverage - roofing is high-risk work and you could be liable for worker injuries (2) Door-to-door sales after a storm offering suspiciously low prices (3) No written contract specifying materials, scope, timeline, and warranty (4) Asks for full payment upfront or cash-only deals (5) Cannot provide proof of liability insurance (minimum $2M recommended)
What questions should I ask before hiring a roofing?
(1) Do you carry WSIB coverage and liability insurance? Can I see certificates? (2) What specific roofing materials will you use, and what are the manufacturer warranty terms? (3) Will you inspect and repair the roof decking if needed? (4) What is your workmanship warranty, and how long does it last? (5) Will you handle the building permit and disposal of old materials?
Should my roofing have insurance?
Yes, roofings in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.
What is the Red Seal endorsement for roofings?
The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.
Does my roofing contractor need an RBQ licence?
In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.
How much does a roofing cost in Quebec?
Typical rates for roofings in Quebec range from $60-$100/hour. Roof size (measured in squares - 1 square = 100 sq ft), pitch/slope (steeper roofs cost more), number of layers to remove, roofing material chosen, accessibility, chimney and vent penetrations, condition of the decking underneath, and location (GTA prices are 15-25% higher). Material prices have risen 8-12% in recent years. Labour typically makes up 40-60% of the total cost.
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