How to Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic is a compulsory trade in Ontario. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
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- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Because this trade is compulsory, to practice this trade legally in Ontario a person must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification and their information must appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
From skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con..., checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 7 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 7 done
- 7 steps without a listed fee
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The applicant finds a sponsor in Ontario to begin an apprenticeship.
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The applicant applies for an apprenticeship program in Ontario.
Source
“2. Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices -
The apprentice completes 8,280 hours of on-the-job work experience as part of the apprenticeship.
Source
“has set the hours of apprenticeship training for the trade Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic at 9000 (approximately five years), which consists of 8,280 hours on the job work experience and 720 hours of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con... -
Source
“A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic apprenticeship includes three levels of theoretical training”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con... -
The applicant passes the certifying exam for the trade.
Source
“This trade has a certifying exam. Upon passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con... -
After passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues the Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“Upon passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con... -
The Certificate of Qualification must be renewed each year to remain valid.
Source
“Journeypersons in compulsory trades must renew their Certificate of Qualification each year.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/work-in-the-compulsory-trades
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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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
“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
“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
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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/refrigeration-an...
Requirements
Education
The academic entry grade for the apprenticeship is Grade 10.
Source
“Academic entry grade Grade 10”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/refrigeration-an...
Other
Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements may register through the Experienced Apprenticeship Pathway if they are at least 21 years old or have not received formal education for at least three years.
Source
“To be considered for EAP, the applicant must: 1. be at least at least 21 years old, or 2. have not received formal education for a period of at least three years.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r...To practice the trade legally in Ontario a person must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification and appear on the Public Register.
Source
“Because this trade is compulsory, to practice this trade legally in Ontario a person must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification and their information must appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages state that holders of valid equivalent Certificates of Qualification issued by Quebec in this trade are exempt from Ontario certification requirements, but do not state how journeypersons licensed in other provinces or territories register in Ontario. Source
“Holders of valid equivalent Certificates of Qualification issued by the Province of Quebec OR registered apprentices in the Province of Quebec in any of the following seven trades”
skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/work-in-the-compulsory-trades
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. Upon passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con... -
In-school exemption test
Source
“If the apprentice has successfully completed an in-school exemption test, the apprentice must submit a copy of their results letter to be eligible for an exemption from the corresponding level of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
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 | $21.00 | $37.00 | $58.00 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $37.50 | $56.00 | — |
Refrigerations and air conditioning mechanics in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Certification required
- Alberta Certification required
- Saskatchewan Certification required
- Manitoba Certification required
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Certification required
- Nova Scotia Certification required
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Compare refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/refrigeration-and-air-con... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
- Work in the compulsory trades - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/work-in-the-compulsory-trades · fetched October 10, 2026
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/refrigeration-an... · 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 refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic in Ontario?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Ontario. Certification is managed by Skilled Trades Ontario.
Which exams are required?
Certifying exam, In-school exemption test.
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