July 24, 2023 – Starting this summer, Skilled Trades Ontario will begin issuing over 17,500 certificates of qualification (CQs) and more than 200,000 wallet cards to apprentices and certified skilled trades workers across the province.

“Not only do certificates of qualification and wallet cards serve to validate credentials, they are a testament to the hard work, resilience and unwavering dedication behind every certified skilled trades professional,” said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar. “I look forward to seeing them proudly displayed on worksites and in businesses across the province.”

A CQ is an official document that proves that a person is qualified to work in a particular skilled trade in Ontario. To obtain a CQ certificate of qualification, individuals are required to have passed their certification exam and have met all requirements to practice their trade in Ontario.

“Being a certified tradesperson is a point of pride for our members and, just like any trained professional, their credentials distinguish them as experts in their field,” said Ian DeWaard, CLAC Ontario.

Skilled trades professionals in compulsory and non-compulsory trades who received their certification after January 1, 2022, will begin receiving their certificates of qualification in the mail.

CQs issued prior to January 1, 2022, will continue to be valid and recognized by Skilled Trades Ontario.

Beginning this fall, wallet cards will be issued to apprentices and certified compulsory and non-compulsory skilled trades professionals in the province. Wallet cards can be carried while working on the job in the event they are requested by inspectors or clients.

Since launching last year, Skilled Trades Ontario has provided online verification of the status and licence details of compulsory apprentices and journeymen on its online public register. This service will continue to be publicly available and updated.

STO is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario.