How to Become a Concrete Finisher in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Concrete finisher 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/cement-concrete-finisher, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 7 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 5 steps
- 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 7 done
- 7 steps without a listed fee
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You find a sponsor and sign a training agreement with them to begin the apprenticeship.
Source
“An apprenticeship program begins when you sign a Training Agreement with a sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship -
The signed training agreement is registered with Skilled Trades Ontario to officially start the apprenticeship.
Source
“An apprenticeship program begins when you sign a Training Agreement with a sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship -
You download the Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook that lists the skills and tasks you must master during the apprenticeship.
Source
“An Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training outlines all the skills and tasks you need to master during your apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship -
You complete the on-the-job work experience, with your sponsor signing off on skills as you demonstrate them.
Source
“As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher -
You complete the two levels of in-school theoretical training required for the trade.
Source
“A Cement (Concrete) Finisher apprenticeship includes two levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher -
Upon completing the apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues you a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Source
“Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher -
You take and pass the certifying exam to obtain a Certificate of Qualification in the trade.
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/cement-concrete-finisher
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
7 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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You find a sponsor in Ontario for your apprenticeship.
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You apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario, checking off the section of the form indicating you completed training in another province.
Source
“2. Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario. - 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 you to verify your out-of-province training after you submit your application.
Source
“4. 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
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
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You review the Trade Qualifier Guide carefully to make sure you meet the skills and experience requirements.
Source
“1. Review the Trade Qualifier Guide carefully to ensure that you meet the skills and experience requirements.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal -
You gather all supporting documents before applying, since missing documents will delay the assessment.
Source
“2. Collect all supporting documentation before applying. If you apply without attaching all supporting documents, it will cause a delay and you will be required to submit the documents before the assessment can begin.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal -
You create a My Ontario account, select Individual, create a new application, choose Trade Equivalency Assessment, and follow the steps to submit it.
Source
“3. Create a My Ontario account to access the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal. Then, when prompted, select Individual, create a New application and select Trade Equivalency Assessment and follow the steps to submit your application.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal -
If the Trade Equivalency Assessment determines you are eligible, you can challenge the certifying exam for the trade.
Source
“The Trade Equivalency Assessment determines whether you can challenge the certifying exam for a trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r... -
If you pass the exam, you pay a fee and are issued a Certificate of Qualification in the trade.
Source
“If successful in the exam, you would pay a fee to be issued a Certificate of Qualification in that trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r...
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.
Requirements
Experience
Applicants for a Trade Equivalency Assessment must have equivalent skills and years of experience in the trade.
Source
“A Trade Equivalency Assessment is the first step for Trade Qualifiers who do not have a recognized trade qualification, but who have equivalent skills and years of experience in a trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe an application process for holders of certificates from other Canadian provinces or territories but do not state whether they can register without retaking the entry-to-practice exam or a competence assessment. Source
“If you have a certificate, license or credential from another Canadian province or territory and would like to obtain an Ontario Certificate of Qualification, please note that the Canadian certificate holder application is currently not available through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal
Review the application guide
Source
“1. Review the Canadian Certificate Holder Guide and Form and follow the application instructions.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portalApply using the PDF form
Source
“You must use the PDF application form and email or mail your application to Skilled Trades Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portalReceive Certificate of Qualification
Source
“2. Once your application is approved and you are issued a Certificate of Qualification, you may then use the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal to update your information, pay fees or initiate other applications.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal
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
-
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/cement-concrete-finisher
Language tests
No minimum test score stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Exemptions: The pages do not state any language test exemptions. Source
“A Cement (Concrete) Finisher installs concrete structures including interior floors and exterior pavements using a variety of methods of construction to produce a variety of finishes, colours and textures in all types of residential, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher
Canadian experience
The pages do not state any Canadian experience requirement. Source
“A Cement (Concrete) Finisher installs concrete structures including interior floors and exterior pavements using a variety of methods of construction to produce a variety of finishes, colours and textures in all types of residential, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher
Supervised practice
Not required
The pages do not state any supervised practice requirement for this trade. Source
“A Cement (Concrete) Finisher installs concrete structures including interior floors and exterior pavements using a variety of methods of construction to produce a variety of finishes, colours and textures in all types of residential, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $25.00 | $35.70 | $45.59 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $24.50 | $34.00 | $43.47 | — |
Concrete finishers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Cement (Concrete) Finisher - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/cement-concrete-finisher · fetched October 10, 2026
- Start an apprenticeship - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
- Skilled Trades Ontario Portal - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal · fetched October 10, 2026
- Trade reports FAQ - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a concrete finisher 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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