{"id":33649,"date":"2025-12-17T12:28:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T20:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/skilled-trades-ontario-to-deliver-certifying-exams-in-house\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T12:28:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T20:28:16","slug":"skilled-trades-ontario-to-deliver-certifying-exams-in-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/skilled-trades-ontario-to-deliver-certifying-exams-in-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Skilled Trades Ontario To Deliver Certifying Exams In-house"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1003297352 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-630x418.jpg\" alt=\"-\" width=\"329\" height=\"218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-630x418.jpg 630w, https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-1536x1018.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sto-exam-page.jpg 1795w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 329px) 100vw, 329px\"><\/p>\n<p>Skilled Trades Ontario is <a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skilledtradesontario.ca\/certification\/exam-scheduling\/\" target=\"_blank\">taking administration of its apprentice certification exams in-house<\/a>, allowing its contract with the previous service delivery provider, Prometric, to expire at the end of January.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve heard the feedback loud and clear. Apprentices and employer sponsors told us they want increased capacity and a reliable, streamlined exam experience. And that\u2019s exactly why we\u2019re making this change,\u201d said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario.<\/p>\n<p>A review of the current delivery model confirmed that in-house administration will allow Skilled Trades Ontario to better meet demand, improve booking reliability and provide a more consistent exam-day experience for apprentices. This includes offering exams at training delivery agents so apprentices can write where they learned.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s changing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Starting now:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ocot-list\">\n<li>Apprentices can book any exam taking place on or after Feb. 1 directly through the STO Portal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Starting Feb. 1:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ocot-list\">\n<li>STO becomes the direct administrator of certifying exams, bringing booking, delivery and exam-day support under one system;<\/li>\n<li>STO will manage identity verification and support for onsite delivery, including at training delivery agents;<\/li>\n<li>Some apprentices may be rebooked to ensure smoother scheduling and consistent service quality. STO is contacting them directly;<\/li>\n<li>Apprentices should continue to follow the instructions in their Authorization to Test Letter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cBy bringing certifying exams in-house and expanding delivery across the province, we\u2019re reducing wait times, improving consistency, and giving apprentices the reliable, convenient exam experience they deserve,\u201d said David Piccini, minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. \u201cThis change will help even more apprentices \u2013 including the more than 13,000 youth who registered last year, the highest in a decade \u2013 cross the finish line into well-paying, in-demand jobs that are essential to delivering our ambitious infrastructure plan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>STO\u2019s contract with its former delivery partner will conclude on Jan. 31. The transition will be coordinated to support continuity for apprentices.<\/p>\n<p>Since taking on responsibility for certification and exam administration in April 2025, STO has responded to more than 120,000 calls and 40,000 emails, administered over 6,000 certifying exams, expanded supports in each region of the province, introduced onsite exam delivery at training delivery agents, and onboarded dedicated group account coordinators to support employers and training partners.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.skilledtradesontario.ca\/certification\/exam-scheduling\/\" target=\"_blank\">Full exam booking details.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p>The move has attracted support from major Ontario industry groups.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBy allowing Red Seal testing in-house for TDA holders, Skilled Trades Ontario is removing a long-standing barrier that once delayed progress for many aspiring tradespeople. This welcomed accommodation will improve the exam\u2019s accessibility, while boosting confidence among participants for stronger results. With a more accessible and supportive path to Red Seal certification, Ontario\u2019s workforce can continue to grow with skill, speed, and resilience.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Adam Bridgeman, Carpenters\u2019 Regional Council<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn behalf of the affiliates of the Central Ontario Building Trades (COBT), I would like to congratulate Ms. White and her team at Skilled Trades Ontario. We have witnessed the benefits of writing C of Q exams in our own facilities first-hand and this has been a real game changer for us. We look forward to other TDA\u2019s having the same opportunity. Keep up the great work.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 James St. John, Central Ontario Building Trades<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cEmployers want to see apprentices succeed, and a predictable, reliable exam process is essential to that goal. Holding the certifying exam at the end of the final level of in-class training, directly at the Training Delivery Agent\u2019s site, provides apprentices with a familiar and consistent testing environment. This reduces unnecessary stress, supports learner confidence, and allows apprentices to focus on demonstrating their knowledge and skills. We commend Skilled Trades Ontario for taking this step to enhance the clarity and dependability of the exam process across the province.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Adam Melnick, Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis improvement will enhance the apprenticeship experience and ensure candidates are set up for success on exam day. HVAC&amp;R Workers of Ontario UA Local 787 supports Skilled Trades Ontario in creating a more coordinated and reliable certification process.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Andrew Tarr, HVAC&amp;R Workers of Ontario Local 787<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cBringing certifying exam delivery in-house is a positive step that will provide apprentices with the comfort and consistency they need.\u00a0 IBEW 402 Training and Education Centre welcomes this improvement and looks forward to a more streamlined and reliable scheduling process that helps apprentices progress confidently towards completing their apprenticeships and obtaining their certificate of qualifications.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Steve McKeown, IBEW Local 402<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis is a win for apprentices and for Ontario\u2019s workforce. A more predictable and efficient exam process means workers become certified sooner, enter the workforce with confidence, and fill the high-demand jobs our province urgently needs. LIUNA is proud to support changes that respect workers and strengthen training pathways across the skilled trades.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Victoria Mancinelli, LiUNA Ontario Provincial District Council<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA consistent and predictable exam process is essential for employers and apprentices alike. MCACO welcomes this move and the increased reliability it will bring to certification pathways across Ontario.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Jeff Spitzig, Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA strong apprenticeship system depends on accessible and timely certification. Bringing certifying exams in-house gives apprentices greater certainty and reduces delays to complete their training and move into the workforce without unnecessary barriers. Merit Ontario welcomes this change and supports Skilled Trades Ontario\u2019s efforts to strengthen the certification process.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Mike Gallardo, Merit Ontario<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA streamlined exam system benefits apprentices, employers, and training partners. The Millwright Regional Council supports this transition and sees it as an important investment in Ontario\u2019s skilled trades workforce.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Brad Dewey, Millwright Regional Council <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cMohawk College is proud to partner with Skilled Trades Ontario to strengthen the certifying exam experience by offering exams on our campus. Giving apprentices the opportunity to write their exams where they learn supports accessibility and ensures consistency for learners across the province.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Paul Armstrong, President, Mohawk College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cA reliable and consistent examination process is vital for the next generation of Operating Engineers. It promotes completions and provides apprentices with a comfortable environment to write their C of Q. This approach will make a difference for apprentices across Ontario. We commend STO for its leadership in strengthening opportunities for apprentices.\u201d<br \/><strong>\u2013 Rick Kerr, Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>(function(d, s, id) {\n\t  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];\n\t  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;\n\t  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;\n\t  js.src = \"\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/sdk.js#xfbml=1&appId=761779333850340&version=v2.0\";\n\t  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);\n\t}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadiancontractor.ca\/canadian-contractor\/skilled-trades-ontario-to-deliver-certifying-exams-in-house\/1003297351\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">This article was originally posted at Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Skilled Trades Ontario is taking administration of its apprentice certification exams in-house, allowing its contract with the previous service &#8230; <a title=\"Skilled Trades Ontario To Deliver Certifying Exams In-house\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/skilled-trades-ontario-to-deliver-certifying-exams-in-house\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Skilled Trades Ontario To Deliver Certifying Exams In-house\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1090],"tags":[1091],"class_list":["post-33649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-canadian-contractor","tag-canada","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33649"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33649\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essential.construction\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}