How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator (dozer) in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Heavy equipment operator (dozer) 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/heavy-equipment-operator-..., checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 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 6 done
- 6 steps without a listed fee
- Listed time: 84.2 months (only 2 of 6 steps state a time)
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The applicant finds a sponsor who will provide the on-the-job training for the apprenticeship.
Source
“On-the-job training is a key part of all apprenticeship programs. Before sponsoring an apprentice, make sure you or the trainers:”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/sponsor-an-apprentice -
The applicant registers a training agreement to start the apprenticeship program administered by Skilled Trades Ontario.
Source
“This trade has an apprenticeship program that is administered by Skilled Trades Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
The apprentice completes 2260 hours of on-the-job work experience, with the sponsor signing off skills in the training standard.
Time: 2,260 daysTime source
“Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Heavy Equipment Operator — Dozer is 2560 hours (approximately one and a half years) consisting of 2260 hours of on-the-job work experience and 300 hours of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-...Source
“Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Heavy Equipment Operator — Dozer is 2560 hours (approximately one and a half years) consisting of 2260 hours of on-the-job work experience and 300 hours of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
Time: 300 days
Time source
“Technical training 300 hours (3 months across 2 levels)”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...Source
“A Heavy Equipment Operator — Dozer apprenticeship includes two levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
The apprentice writes and passes the certifying exam for 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/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
After passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues the Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
6 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
-
The out-of-province apprentice finds a sponsor in Ontario.
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The applicant applies for an apprenticeship program in Ontario and indicates on the form that they 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 the applicant to verify their out-of-province training after the application is submitted.
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
No separate route for this group. Source
“Experienced workers who have not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but have equivalent qualifications or experience in their trade can use the Trade Equivalency Assessment Process.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
Requirements
Education
The academic entry grade for the trade is Grade 12.
Source
“Academic entry grade Grade 12”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
Already licensed in another province?
Extra steps
Experienced workers who have not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but have equivalent qualifications or experience can use the Trade Equivalency Assessment Process. Source
“Experienced workers who have not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but have equivalent qualifications or experience in their trade can use the Trade Equivalency Assessment Process.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
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
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
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 | $23.63 | $32.00 | $47.70 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $24.00 | $32.50 | $45.00 | — |
Heavy equipment operators (dozer) in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- 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 Voluntary certification
Compare heavy equipment operator (dozer) licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Heavy Equipment Operator — Dozer - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Sponsor an apprentice - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/sponsor-an-apprentice · fetched October 10, 2026
- Heavy Equipment Operator - Dozer (636C) skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as a heavy equipment operator (dozer) 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.
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