Exam Process and Preparation

Am I required to pass an examination to qualify for a Certificate of Qualification in my trade?

Not all trades in Ontario are subject to a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) examination. For a list of trades with C of Q examinations, click here. If your trade is not subject to a C of Q exam and you have a Certificate of Apprenticeship or an approved Trade Equivalency Assessment, you are eligible to apply directly for a C of Q and membership in the Journeypersons Class.

Am I eligible to take a C of Q examination in Ontario?

You are eligible to take the C of Q examination for your trade if:

• You have a Certificate of Apprenticeship for your trade; or
• You have applied for the Journeypersons Class and your Trade Equivalency Assessment application has been approved.

 
Once you have determined your eligibility to take the exam, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to prepare and schedule an exam:

Step 1
Contact the Ontario College of Trades’ Client Services at 1-855-299-0028 (toll-free) or 647-847-3000 (in the GTA) to pay your exam fee (of $150 +HST); Payment can be made by: credit card over the phone, cheque or in person, using Debit.

Step 2
Now that you have paid your exam fee you can begin preparing. To help you, the College has developed a helpful Exam Preparation Guide that provides you with a wealth of information including but not limited to; specialized supports, exam preparation resources, information on study plans and study schedules, exam day tips and requirements, self-assessment checklists, getting your results and more. Click here to download the Guide. Click here to download the entire package (Guide and additional resources).

The College has also created Examination Counselling Sheets that outline the details of the Certificate of Qualification examination. For Ontario Provincial Certificate of Qualification examinations, the counselling sheet specifically details the percentage of questions for each Skill Set (key topic area). These Skill Sets are broken down into further detail in the trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standard Log Book. These are important tools to assist writers in their preparation for their examination. To locate an examination counselling sheet for one of Ontario’s provincial trades, click here(hyperlink to Training Standards page) then select the sector and trade you are seeking. Exam Counselling Sheets for trades with Interprovincial (Red Seal) examinations can be found on the Red Seal website at www.red-seal.ca.

Step 3 
Once you think you’re prepared to take the exam, you have to contact the nearest Employment Ontario Apprenticeship Office to schedule your exam. Click here to see the list of locations. If you require any accommodations under the Human Rights Code that may assist you in writing the exam, they can be scheduled when you book a time.
Good luck.

Step 4
Once your exam has been scored, the College will contact you to inform you of your status, and next steps.

For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions – Certificate of Qualification Exam.

10 more students have passed the electrical exam. All have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Carlos had to say:"I passed.  Thanks for following up. I’m pretty happy it’s behind me."

Here is what Mr. Cale had to say:"I wrote and passed first try January 2017. 81%."

Here is what Mr. Nick G. had to say:"I passed my first attempt, I thought your questions were quite similar to what was on the actual exam. Thanks for the help! I scored 78%. I'd say at least 80% of the questions were very similar to yours. For sure I'll recommend your program. Thanks again."

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

10 more students have passed the electrical exam. All 10 have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam.

Here is what Mr. Chris B. had to say:"Yes passed first time with an 87 thanks to your course. I recommend your course to any one about to write it was great ."

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

10 more students have passed the electrical exam. All have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Joshua M. had to say:" I have and passed. Thanks for your help. It really lead to my success."

Here is what Mr. Mostafa M. had to say:"I've written the 309A exam and I passed in January 2018. I appreciate it and offer to others that course is the best for getting the Red Seal exam. Thanks." 

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

10 more students have passed the electrical exam. All have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Stephen G. had to say:"Yes I have and passed with a 78%. First Time. Thank you."

Here is what Mr. Tyler D. had to say:"Passed first try. Scored 90%. Thank you."

Here is what Mr. Hugh had to say:"I'm pleased to inform you that I passed my exam. Thank you do much for all the assistance . I score 78. I will definitely tell other potential electricians about your course. I think its well prepared and easy to understand . Thanks much. I hope I get to meet you some day." 

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

10 more students have passed the electrical exam. All 10 have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Cole G. had to say:"I wrote November 17th and passed with a 73 thanks for everything."

Here is what Mr. Daniel W. had to say:"Yes I wrote the exam and passed first try. I scored 84%."

Here is what Mr. Dylan B. had to say:"yeah I did, passed with an 82%! Thanks for the course."

Here is what Mr. Jason R. had to say:"I have written the 309A and I passed. Thanks for all your help I appreciated it!"

Here is what Mr. John P. had to say: "I have wrote my exam and thanks to your course I passed, thanks for all your help. I got 78."

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

11 more students have passed the electrical exam. 9 have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam and 2 more has passed the industrial electrical licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Max C. had to say:"Thank you for the course you teach. I found it great for refreshing calculations and gtk. I ended up pulling off an 87 on the exam! I just got my c of q in the mail so it is official!!."

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Here is what Mr. Adamo P. had to say:"Yes. I did write and I did pass. Thank you very much. I've also referred your classes to others."

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

35 more students have passed the electrical exam. 23 have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam and 12 more has passed the industrial electrical licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Patrick had to say:"Course was great. Tons of relevant sample questions which helped prepare me for the C of Q. Sam was always available to answer questions I had. Highly recommend."

Here is what Mr. Michael L. had to say:"I recently just passed my c of q and wanted to thank you for the course it was a big help."

Here is what Mr. Wojciech had to say:"I learned about you from my co-workers. The material was presented in a clear and simple manner and I learned a lot in this course. I am very satisfied and would recommend it to my friends. I was motivated to learn and confident enough to write and pass the CFQ. Yes, my knowledge has increased exponentially. I liked the way the instructor explained topics, the system used to teach in finding the material in the code book. I would not improve this course. Great course. Thank you."

Here is what Mr. Tom A. had to say:"Thanks for all your help, I passed the 309a exam back in September,  79% - First Time."

Here is what Mr. Kevan had to say: "Just letting you know. I wrote the Monday after your course. And passed with a 84%. The class was great and helped me out a lot. Thanks a lot for the help! Thank you very much."

Here is what Mr. Max C. had to say:"Thank you for the course you teach. I found it great for refreshing calculations and gtk. I ended up pulling off an 87 on the exam! I just got my c of q in the mail so it is official!!"

Here is what Mr. Mul had to say:"I learned about you from my co-workers. The material was presented in a clear and simple manner and I learned a lot in this course. I am very satisfied and would recommend it to my friends. I was motivated to learn and confident enough to write and pass the CFQ. Yes, my knowledge has increased exponentially. I liked the way the instructor explained topics, the system used to teach in finding the material in the code book. I would not improve this course. Great course. Thank you."

Here is what Mr. Oswald had to say:"I took your course in July/August. I just wanted to say thanks for the course, it helped a lot! 
Thanks again man, couldn’t have done it without those “GTK’s” haha. You guys are always perfect. I really appreciate it. Thanks again."

Here is what Mr. Andrew had to say:"I signed up and took this course in Feb of this yr, I wrote and passed my CofQ in April. 77% first time. Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it"

Here is what Mr. Greg G. had to say:"I passed my C of Q. Thank you so much for your help!Your questions had me prepared so well, that after the initial nerves wore off I knew exactly where to find a lot of answers. The diagrams they provide were very confusing and probably where I had most of my trouble. Yes I will. I would recommend your help to anyone going to write."

Here is what Mr. David P. had to say:"Thank you so much for your help and constant support. I passed the first time."

Here is what Mr. Rob. W. had to say:"I took your course this summer in preparation for the 309A CofQ. I wrote on November 29th, and just wanted to thank you for the course and your assistance. I passed first attempt with an 82."

Here is what Mr. Andrew G. had to say:"I wrote last Monday and I passed with a 77. Thanks a lot for all ur help!"

Here is what Mr. Daniel C. had to say:"Thanks for all your help with the exam, I sat my exam last Tuesday in St. Catharines and got 84%. All the best. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to sit the certificate of Qualification. Course is informative and Sam was very helpful answering any questions."

Here is what Mr. Austin D. had to say:"Good morning, I wrote my Certificate of Qualification last week and received confirmation that I passed on Dec 9th 2017. I just wanted to thank you for your course as it provided me with the tools necessary for me to successfully pass my exam on the first attempt. All the modules and questions were a great help for my studying process. I will definitely be recommending this course to anyone who is looking to complete their apprenticeship. Thanks again"

Here is what Mr. Kurt C. had to say:"I just got my result from my last exam and it’s good news to say that I passed. Thanks. Going to your classes really really helped me and I’ll never forget what I learnt in that short time thanks a million."

Here is what Mr. Andrew C. had to say:"I got my Mark I passed thanks for everything."

Here is what Mr. Omar G. had to say:"Good morning,I wanted to give u the good news, I passed with a 78%. Thank you so much for all the support."

Here is what Mr. Grant F. had to say:"I got my results this morning. I passed with 80%. Even with a few new questions on the exam that confused me, your class set me up to pass regardless. Cheers!"

Here is what Mr. Christian M. had to say:"thanks for all the help I passed my 442a I got the results today 76/100!! I will be writing my 309a by the end of the year and will most definitely be coming back to you for more help! Thanks Again."

 
Here is what Mr. Justin P. had to say:"Your program was very helpful and i will recomend it to others."

Here is what Mr. Krzysztof had to say:"I passed. thank you. I got 78. And i have referred 2 guys to your service ."

Here is what Mr. David A. had to say:"I have written the exam and passed on the first time. The course was extremely helpful, don’t think I would have been prepared without it. Thank you so much for all your feedback and time with me."

Here is what Mr. Mark C. had to say:"I passed the exam with an 85. The practice questions were very helpful, thank you. Very glad to have it over with in one shot."

Here is what Mr. Chris P. had to say:"Thank you again for everything. Couldn’t have done it without you. I passed the first time."

Here is what Mr. Jonathan H. had to say:"I found out this morning VIA the OCOT website that I passed my Exam this past Monday. 84%, This was my first attempt. Thank you for your advice, your course was a big help."

Here is what Mr. Laura B. had to say:"Used your site to study for my Industrial Electrician Red Seal Exam. Had trouble finding good study material until I found electricalexam.ca. I passed, thank you so much for your assistance. I recommend this site, you're the best. Licenced December 2016."

Here is what Mr. Phillip N. had to say:"Passed the exam. Thanks for the help. 83%-first time. You helped big time."

Here is what Mr. Stephen S. had to say:"I'm happy to say I passed my exam on my first try, thank you for all your help. Thank you, I have recommended your course to my friends. I got 81%."

Here is what Mr. Stephen M. had to say:"I took your course back at the beginning of October. I would like to inform you that I have successfully passed the C of Q on the first attempt. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and time. It was a huge help in getting through it."

Here is what Mr. Colin P. had to say:"Just got my mark back from writing the ip exam.
86%. The online course was a great refresher. I graduated from Humber about 3.5 years ago, so I was very rusty. Thanks."

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. We will be sending you a gift in the mail. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.

Now in its 24th edition, the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I includes a number of significant updates and changes to better help electrical workers in the safe maintenance of electrical equipment and create safer electrical installations.

This edition features important revisions to many sections. For example, Section 26 now mandates the use of tamper-resistant receptacles in additional areas where children may be present. Section 62 now requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection for heating devices and controls in proximity to tubs, sinks, and shower stalls. Section 10 has been updated, reorganized, and significantly reduced in length. Requirements for power over ethernet systems have been added to Section 16, and requirements for marinas, wharves, and similar facilities have been substantially updated and reorganized in Section 78. 

Read more below about the top 15 changes to the code.

1. Power over Ethernet

2015 Code — No specific requirements

2018 Code — New Subsection 16-300

POE (Power over Ethernet) has existed for many years however, recent revisions to IEEE standards for communications cables has opened the door to higher power applications for POE, such as room lighting. Through these cables, power levels approaching 100 W are possible, along with simultaneously communications between devices and systems. POE is typically implemented as a "structured" cable system, wherein cables are bundled together for extended lengths. Cable heating is a function of the power it carries and as such, installation and layout become critical factors in ensuring safe operation. New requirements for POE have been added to the Code in the form of new Rules 16-300 through 16-350, and Table 60.

2. Installation of identified conductor at control locations

2015 Code — two wire simple switch loop acceptable

2018 Code — Identified conductor required at every control location

Control devices are increasingly used as an essential part of energy management systems. Many of these devices require power to operate, and where used in a simple switch loop, create a small current through the bonding conductor. As the number of devices increases, the cumulative current through the bonding system will become unacceptable. New Subrule 4-028(2) now mandates that an identified conductor be installed at each manual or automatic control location. This requirement applies to all occupancy types. The term “neutral” has been replaced with the more accurate term “identified conductor”.

3. Bonding and grounding

2015 Code — 15 pages long and two tables

2018 Code — 8 pages long and one table

Section 10 requirements have been reorganized into a more logical flow of requirements and significantly reduced in size. Objectives for solidly grounded, impedance grounded, and ungrounded systems are clearly specified at the beginning of the Section. Tables 16A and 16B have been combined into a single Table, with Rule 10-614 providing specific conditions for selecting the size of bonding conductor or bonding jumper.

4. Arc fault circuit interrupters

2015 Code — AFCI protection required, with some exemptions

2018 Code — exemptions tightened, application to existing circuits clarified

Clarification is now provided for AFCI protection of existing branch circuits that are extended due to renovations or additions. Exemptions from AFCI protection have been reduced or removed for number of areas including branch circuits supplying smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and bathrooms.

5. Disconnecting means for LED luminaires

2015 Code — disconnecting means required for fluorescent ballasts

2018 Code — disconnecting means required for fluorescent ballasts and LED drivers

To support safe maintenance, the Code has for several editions required disconnecting means for fluorescent luminaires utilizing double ended lamps and operating at more than 150 V. With increased use of LED lighting, the requirements have been extended to LED luminaires exceeding 150 V to ground with double ended lamps.

6. Tamper resistant (TR) receptacles

2015 Code — TR receptacles required in dwelling units and child care facilities

2018 Code — TR receptacles required in additional occupancy types

The requirement for tamper resistant receptacles in dwelling units and child care facilities is expanded to include other areas where children may be present including hotel guest rooms, preschools, and elementary education facilities.

7. Equipment connected to devices having Class 2 outputs 

2015 Code — approval requirement based on application

2018 Code — approval based on voltage and application. Voltage limited by location.

Products having a Class 2 output are covered by a number of standards including C22.2 No. 60950-1 (LPS), C22.2 No. 66.3 (Class 2 transformer) C22.2 no. 223 (ELV), C22.2 No. 250.13 (LED), and C22.2 No. 62368-1 (AV and IT). The output voltage from these supplies can vary substantially in magnitude and waveform, up to 60 Vdc. Revisions to Section 16 now set the requirements for approval of such equipment based on application, location, voltage, and waveform, and maximum permitted voltages for dry, damp, and wet locations.

8. Increased GFCI protection for wet areas 

2015 Code — No requirement for GFCI protection for heaters or controls in bathrooms

2018 Code — GFCI protection required

Similar to GFCI requirements for receptacles in the vicinity of showers, sinks or tubs, new Section 62 Rules mandate GFCI protection for electric heating devices and heating controls in the vicinity of sinks, showers or tubs.

9. Continuous loads 

2015 Code — complex continuous load requirements

2018 Code — continuous load requirements simplified.

Rule 8-104 has been one of the more misunderstood Rules in the Code, with varying interpretations of how it should be applied. Subrules 8-104(1) through (4) remain intact however, Subrules 8-104(5) through (7) have been distilled down two Subrules; one for switches and breakers marked for continuous operation at 100%, and one for switches and breakers marked for continuous operation at 80%. In both cases, the Subrules now simply require two things:

(1) that the continuous load not exceed the continuous operation marking on the fused switch or circuit breaker, and

(2) that the continuous load not exceed a specified percentage of the allowable ampacity determined from Section 4.

Gone are references to specific columns in Tables, underground installations, and derating (correction) factors.

10. The 5% Rule 

2015 Code — calculated load permitted to exceed conductor ampacity by 5%

2018 Code — 5% rule eliminated

Subrule 8-106(1) has existed in the Code for some time however, the later introduction of Rule 8-104 put 8-106(1) in conflict. In addition, conductor ampacities are determined by Section 4, not 8, as confirmed by several related changes to Section 8. Finally, the Subrule has been inconsistently applied. As such, Subrule 8-106(1) was deleted.

11. Marking for maximum continuous load 

2015 Code — no labelling requirement

2018 Code — maximum continuous load required to be field marked on equipment

The maximum continuous load determined for a given installation may be substantially less than the equipment rating. However, there is no requirement to communicate this information to maintenance personnel, installers, or inspectors, for purposes of future maintenance or modification of the electrical system. As a result, new Subrule 2-100(4) requires that a caution label be applied to the equipment to indicate the maximum permitted continuous load.

12. Electric shock drowning 

2015 Code — 15 and 20 A receptacles require GFCI protection

2018 Code — ground fault protection for feeders, GFCI protection for receptacles

Much research has been conducted on the phenomenon known as electric shock drowning. Section 78 has been extensively updated to require GFCI and Ground Fault protection for branch circuits and feeders respectively. The scope of Section 78 has been expanded to include additional types of structures such as floating piers and docking facilities, and the Rules have been re-arranged to simplify navigation of the Section.

13. Electric vehicle energy management system 

2015 Code — EV supply equipment loads added to load calculations at 100% of rating

2018 Code — demand factors recognized where energy management system used.

Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) can draw a substantial load when in the charging mode. For existing buildings, the addition of EVSE can result in the total load exceeding the existing service capacity. In this case, the first option is to increase the service size. A second option is to install a system to monitor the power being drawn by EVSEs and other building loads, and control the EVSE loads such that the overall load does not exceed the limits of the existing service, feeders, and branch circuits. In combination with new Rule 8-500 and new Subrules 8-106(11) and (12) such systems are now recognized in the Code as Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems (EVEMS). Complementary to the introduction of EVEMS, a new Table of loads and demand factors has been added specifically for EVSE.

14. Kitchen wall (not counter) receptacles 

2015 Code — separate branch circuit required

2018 Code — separate branch circuit not required

Wall receptacles provided in a kitchen are required to be supplied by a separate circuit. However, this requirement predates the requirement for counter receptacles and circuits. Given that many kitchens are now used as general living areas, and that receptacles are now required to be provided along the kitchen wall in the same fashion as a living room, there is no longer a need for a dedicated circuit. Consequently, the requirement has been deleted.

15. Refrigerators 

2015 Code — separate circuit required for each receptacle installed for a refrigerator

2018 Code — separate circuit only required for mandated refrigerator receptacle

The existing wording of 26-722 required a separate circuit for each receptacle installed for a refrigerator. This requirement is now relaxed by permitting a dedicated circuit to supply more than one refrigerator receptacle. It has also been revised to more clearly state that the requirement only applies to receptacles mandated by 26-712(d)(i) for refrigerators in kitchens. The requirement does not apply to refrigerators installed in other locations

18 more students have passed the electrical exam. 16 have passed the Construction & Maintenance electrician licence exam and 2 more has passed the industrial electrical licence exam. Congrats to all.

Here is what Mr. Kory had to say:"Passed with a 77%. Thanks again for all your help! It was challenging for sure but couldn't have done it without your study material. Thanks again for all your help. I will definitely share your site with others trying to write. Your support was second to none!"

Here is what Mr. Tiffany had to say:"I just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate all the content in your course. I did pass. I can't tell you the weight that is off my shoulder. All your tips to save time were amazing. Thank you so much for what you do- I wish I would have found your course before my first attempt."

Here is what Mr. Ciprian had to say:"I passed. 77%-First Time. After your training, it is straight forward. Thank you."

Here is what Mr. Sergio who is currently taking the course had to say:"I passed. 80%. Thank you for your support and constant help."

Here is what Mr. Michael had to say: "I recently just passed my c of q and wanted to thank you for the course it was a big help."

Here is what Mr. Gavin had to say:"Got an 87% on the C of Q! Thanks for your help."

Here is what Mr. Mul had to say:"I learned about you from my co-workers. The material was presented in a clear and simple manner and I learned a lot in this course. I am very satisfied and would recommend it to my friends. I was motivated to learn and confident enough to write and pass the CFQ. Yes, my knowledge has increased exponentially. I liked the way the instructor explained topics, the system used to teach in finding the material in the code book. I would not improve this course. Great course. Thank you."

Here is what Mr. Sean had to say:"Thank you so much for all your help, I don't think you understand how important it is to me that you helped me and were so patient with all my endless questions. I will always recommend your course to every apprentice!I received my results today of my C of Q exam and I passed!!! My mark was a 74%! Support was always there to answer my repetitive questions day or night. In depth explanations that really helped me understand things that I never knew before and had troubles with! I strongly recommend Electricalexam.ca to anyone who is having troubles and wants the extra help in preparing for the exam! Thank you so much for everything you taught me!"

Here is what Mr. Tom had to say:"Thanks for all your help, I passed the 309a exam back in September,  79% - First Time"

Here is what Mr. Kevan had to say:"Just letting you know. I wrote the Monday after your course. And passed with a 84%. The class was great and helped me out a lot. Thanks a lot for the help! Thank you very much"

Here is what Mr. Max had to say:"Thank you for the course you teach. I found it great for refreshing calculations and gtk. I ended up pulling off an 87 on the exam! I just got my c of q in the mail so it is official!!"

Here is what Mr. Tyler had to say:"I have learned a lot from your program. I passed the first time. Thank you."

Excellent effort and well deserved. We are really happy for you. Enjoy your licences & the extra. We will be sending you a gift in the mail. Thank you for your trust & please tell more of your friends.