Molly Ayala
In Ontario, only electrical contractors licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) are permitted to perform electrical work for hire. To become a licensed electrical contractor, applicants must meet the requirements of the Electricity Act and Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation). This includes being registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and having filed returns with the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency. To maintain their license, electrical contractors must conduct business with honesty and integrity and comply with all applicable laws, including the Electrical Safety Code. To become a certified electrician in Ontario, individuals must complete an apprenticeship program and pass the Certificate of Qualification exam. This typically involves a minimum of 840 hours of in-school training and 8,160 hours of on-the-job work experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Completion of grade 10 |
| Apprenticeship | 9000 hours (approximately 5 years) consisting of 8160 hours of on-the-job work experience and 840 hours of in-school training |
| Certification | Certificate of Qualification |
| Licensing Body | Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) |
| Licensing Requirements | Compliance with Electricity Act and Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation), registration with Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, filing returns with Ministry of Finance and Canada Revenue Agency, payment of taxes, penalties or interest assessed under Excise Tax Act, Retail Sales Tax Act or Corporations Tax Act |
| License Validity | Conduct business with honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law |
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What You'll Learn
Get qualified
To become an electrical contractor in Ontario, you must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Here is what you need to do to get qualified:
Education
The minimum education required to become an electrician apprentice in Ontario is the completion of grade 10. However, it is beneficial to obtain a high school diploma. Many electrical apprenticeship programs require students to take grade 12 English, math, and physics to prepare for the course, and employers prefer candidates with these qualifications. Some colleges offer electrician training programs teaching electrical theory, installation methods, conductors and cables, codes and regulations, and job planning. These programs range from one to two years, but you need a minimum of 840 hours of in-school training to be eligible for trade certification.
Apprenticeship
To become a licensed electrician in Ontario, you must complete an electrical apprenticeship. Some union programs will require a pre-apprenticeship program to be completed before acceptance into the apprenticeship. An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The hours of apprenticeship training for the trade Electrician – Construction and Maintenance are set at 9000 hours (approximately five years), which consists of 8160 hours of on-the-job work experience and 840 hours of in-school training. Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship, which allows you to apply for the certifying exam to become an electrician.
Certifying Exam
The certifying exam tests your knowledge of the trade, and you must score at least 70% to pass. If you don't pass the first time, you can retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. When you pass, you receive a Certificate of Qualification, which allows you to work as an electrician in Ontario. To work as an electrical contractor, you will need to obtain an ECRA/ESA licence.
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Register with the relevant bodies
To become an electrical contractor in Ontario, you must register with the relevant bodies. This process ensures that you meet the requirements to perform electrical work in the province. Here are the steps to register with the appropriate organisations:
Firstly, you must complete an electrical apprenticeship. The Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act sets the minimum education requirement as the completion of grade 10. However, it is beneficial to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many electrical programs require grade 12 English, math, and physics, and employers often prefer candidates with these qualifications. You can find an apprenticeship by contacting employers directly or through your school.
Once you have completed an apprenticeship program, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship from Skilled Trades Ontario. This organisation is responsible for administering the apprenticeship program and certifying your completion. The next step is to apply for the certifying exam, which tests your knowledge of the trade. A passing score is 70% or higher, and you can retake the exam if necessary after a 30-day waiting period.
Upon passing the exam, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue you a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate is crucial, as it allows you to work legally as an electrician in Ontario. To maintain your eligibility, remember that the Certificate of Qualification must be renewed periodically. With this certificate, you can now pursue electrician positions and gain experience under the supervision of a qualified electrician.
To become a licensed electrical contractor, you must apply for an ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is the licensing body that authorises individuals or businesses to perform electrical work in Ontario. As part of the licensing process, the ESA will screen applicants to ensure they meet the requirements of the Electricity Act and Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation). This includes complying with the Work Place Safety and Insurance Act, filing returns with relevant ministries, and meeting tax obligations.
By following these steps and registering with the appropriate organisations, you can become a recognised electrical contractor in Ontario. Remember to stay informed about the specific requirements and regulations, as they may be subject to updates or changes over time.
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File the right paperwork
To become an electrical contractor in Ontario, you must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). To obtain this license, you must meet the requirements of the Electricity Act and Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation). This includes filing the right paperwork. Here is a detailed guide on the paperwork you need to file:
Firstly, you must complete an electrical apprenticeship and obtain a Certificate of Apprenticeship. This can be done through various colleges that offer electrician training programs. These programs provide foundational knowledge in electrical theory, installation methods, conductors and cables, and job planning. The minimum education requirement to become an electrician apprentice in Ontario is the completion of grade 10, although many programs require grade 12 with English, math, and physics. Some union programs also require a pre-apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship consists of on-the-job and in-school training, totaling approximately 9000 hours (including 8160 hours of work experience and a minimum of 840 hours of in-school training).
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you can apply for the certifying exam to become an electrician. This exam tests your knowledge of the trade, and you must score at least 70% to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period.
Upon passing the exam, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification, which allows you to work as an electrician in Ontario. This certificate must be renewed periodically to remain valid.
To become a licensed electrical contractor, you must also meet additional requirements, such as registering with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and filing returns with the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency. You must also ensure that you have paid or arranged to pay any taxes, penalties, or interest assessed under relevant acts, such as the Excise Tax Act.
Once you have obtained your license, you must conduct your business with honesty and integrity and comply with all applicable laws, including the Electrical Safety Code, health and safety regulations, employment standards, consumer protection, and business tax practices.
It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the specific requirements of the licensing body and any updates to the legislation. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the most up-to-date information provided by official sources, such as the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario.
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Maintain your license
To maintain your electrical contractor license in Ontario, you must adhere to specific standards and requirements. Here are some essential guidelines to keep in mind:
Firstly, conduct your business with honesty and integrity, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes adhering to the Electrical Safety Code and relevant laws pertaining to health and safety, employment standards, consumer protection, and business tax, and ethical business practices. Any deviation from these standards may result in compliance action or even license revocation or suspension.
Secondly, it is imperative to ensure that all electrical work carried out by yourself or on your behalf meets the highest standards of quality and safety. This means employing the services of qualified Master Electricians who are responsible for executing the electrical work in your stead. It is important to note that a Master Electrician can only be named by one electrical contractor at a time, preventing them from simultaneously working for multiple contractors.
Additionally, as a licensed electrical contractor, you must remain in good standing with relevant authorities. This includes maintaining your registration with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, if applicable, and staying current with filings and tax obligations to the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency. It is also your responsibility to promptly address any assessed tax, penalty, or interest under the applicable tax acts.
Furthermore, to uphold your license, you must provide your ECRA/ESA license number to clients and display it prominently on your vehicles, business cards, and estimates. This license number serves as proof of your authorization to operate your electrical contracting business in Ontario and helps clients verify your legitimacy.
Lastly, staying informed about any updates or changes to the licensing regulations is crucial. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and other relevant organizations may periodically introduce new standards, guidelines, or requirements. By actively staying abreast of these developments, you can ensure that your business practices remain compliant and that your license remains in good standing.
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Understand the work
To become an electrical contractor in Ontario, you must first become a licensed electrician. This involves completing an electrical apprenticeship and passing the Certificate of Qualification exam. The minimum education requirement to become an electrician apprentice is the completion of grade 10, although some union programs require a pre-apprenticeship program. Many electrical programs require students to take grade 12 English, math, and physics, and employers tend to prefer candidates with these qualifications.
An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training. The on-the-job training provides experience working with certified electricians to learn best practices and techniques, while the in-school training teaches the necessary foundational knowledge, such as electrical theory, installation methods, conductors and cables, codes and regulations, and job planning. The total hours of apprenticeship training for the trade Electrician – Construction and Maintenance is 9000 (approximately five years), including 8160 hours of on-the-job work experience and 840 hours of in-school training.
Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship, which allows you to apply for the certifying exam. The exam tests your knowledge of the trade, and you must score at least 70% to pass. If you pass, you will receive a Certificate of Qualification, which is mandatory to work as an electrician in Ontario.
Once you have obtained your electrician certification, you can pursue becoming an electrical contractor. Electrical contractors are businesses that are legally authorized to perform electrical work. To become a licensed electrical contractor in Ontario, you must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Applicants are screened to ensure they meet the requirements of the Electricity Act and Regulation 570/05 (Licensing Regulation). This includes meeting minimum prescribed requirements, such as registering with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and filing returns with the Ministry of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Licensed electrical contractors are responsible for ensuring that all electrical work done on their behalf meets applicable laws and standards, including the Electrical Safety Code, health and safety regulations, employment standards, consumer protection, and business tax and practice regulations. They must also name one or more Master Electricians to carry out electrical work for them, ensuring that the Master Electrician is not already designated to another contractor.
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Frequently asked questions
To become an electrical contractor in Ontario, you must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). To obtain this license, you must complete an apprenticeship and pass the Certificate of Qualification exam.
An apprenticeship involves a mix of on-the-job and in-school training. The minimum education requirement to begin an apprenticeship is the completion of Grade 10. However, many programs require Grade 12 with English, Math, and Physics.
Licensed electrical contractors are the only businesses legally authorised to perform electrical work in Ontario. Therefore, becoming a licensed electrical contractor will enable you to work independently and legally in the electrical trade.
