A Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) is an official credential confirming that an individual has met the requirements to practise a specific skilled trade in a Canadian province or territory. It generally confirms that the certificate holder has successfully completed the required certification examination and satisfied the applicable provincial or territorial standards for the trade.
Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada to protect public health and safety.
In certain regulated occupations, it is illegal to work in the occupation or use its professional title unless you are registered with the appropriate regulatory body. In other occupations, you may perform the work without registration, but registration is required if you want to use the official professional or trade title.
Regulation is managed at the provincial or territorial level. Each jurisdiction has regulatory bodies responsible for issuing and administering licences and certificates for the occupations under its authority.
ABC College has developed an Exam Preparation Guide to help you prepare for the C of Q examination. The guide includes specialized support resources, study-planning information, exam-day tips and requirements, self-assessment checklists, guidance on receiving your results, and other useful preparation materials.
Classes are offered on weekends for eight hours per day. The program provides a total of 40 hours of examination-preparation instruction, available virtually or in person.
If your trade requires a C of Q examination, you may be eligible to write it after completing an apprenticeship training program or after receiving approval through the Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA) process.
If your trade is designated as compulsory, you must pass the C of Q examination and meet the applicable registration requirements to work legally in that trade.
Obtaining a C of Q demonstrates that your skills, knowledge, and experience meet recognized industry standards. Even when the certificate is not legally required, it may improve employment prospects, earning potential, labour mobility, and opportunities for career advancement. Certificate holders may also appear on the applicable public register.
The examination assesses your knowledge and competency in the tasks described in the Training Standard for your trade. For Red Seal trades, the examination is based on the applicable national occupational standard. These standards describe trade terminology, essential concepts, and the correct methods and reasons for completing trade-related tasks.
You must achieve a score of at least 70 per cent to pass the C of Q examination.
Please contact an ABC College admissions advisor for support with exam preparation or the scheduling process.