How to Become an Automotive Refinishing Technician in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Automotive refinishing technician is a voluntary trade in Ontario. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Because this trade is non-compulsory, this certificate does not have to be renewed, and the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
From skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: no separate route
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
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Applicants apply for apprenticeship programs and register training agreements through the STO Portal.
Source
“Apply for apprenticeship programs and register training agreements through the STO Portal.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/changes-to-the-delivery-of-apprenticeship-a... -
The apprentice completes on-the-job practical training provided by a skilled worker or trainer, with skills signed off in the training standard.
Source
“An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter -
The apprentice completes one level of theoretical in-school training, which may be delivered by block release, day release, part-time or alternative delivery.
Source
“An Automotive Painter apprenticeship includes one level of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter -
Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Source
“Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter -
The apprentice schedules and passes the certifying exam, after which Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“This trade has a certifying exam. When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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An apprentice registered in another province or territory first finds a sponsor in Ontario.
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The apprentice applies for an apprenticeship program in Ontario and checks off the section of the form indicating training completed in another province.
Source
“On your application you will need to check off the section of the form that you have completed training in another province.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices -
Skilled Trades Ontario contacts the applicant to verify their out-of-province training after the application has been submitted.
Source
“Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you to verify your out-of-province training after you have submitted your application.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
No separate route for this group. Source
“An apprenticeship training program consists of on-the-job and in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter
Requirements
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe how registered apprentices from another province or territory can get credit for their training in Ontario, but do not state whether someone already licensed in another province can register without retaking the entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment. Source
“If you’re a registered apprentice in another province or territory, you may get credit for your training in Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Exams
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certifying exam
Source
“This trade has a certifying exam. When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $18.00 | $29.00 | $43.27 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $18.50 | $27.00 | $40.00 | — |
Automotive refinishing technicians in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Certification required
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Quebec Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Compare automotive refinishing technician licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Automotive Painter - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/automotive-painter · fetched October 10, 2026
- Changes to the delivery of apprenticeship and certifying exam services - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/changes-to-the-delivery-of-apprenticeship-a... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an automotive refinishing technician in Ontario?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Ontario. Certification is managed by Skilled Trades Ontario.
Which exams are required?
certifying exam.
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