How to Become a Welder in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Welder 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/welder, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 6 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 6 done
- 6 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 the required on-the-job work experience hours with a sponsor who signs off on the skills in the training standard.
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/welder -
The apprentice completes three levels of in-school theoretical training, unless an exemption applies.
Source
“A Welder apprenticeship includes three levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in:”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/welder -
The apprentice 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/welder -
Upon completing the apprenticeship program the apprentice receives a Certificate of Apprenticeship, and after passing the certifying exam a Certificate of Qualification.
Source
“Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/welder
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
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The apprentice 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 apprentice to verify the 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
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
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The applicant reviews the Trade Qualifier Guide to confirm they meet the skills and experience requirements.
Source
“Review the Trade Qualifier Guide carefully to ensure that you meet the skills and experience requirements.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal -
The applicant gathers all supporting documents before applying, since missing documents will delay the assessment.
Source
“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 -
The applicant creates a My Ontario account and submits a Trade Equivalency Assessment application through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal.
Source
“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 the applicant is eligible, they 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 successful in the exam, the applicant pays a fee to be issued a Certificate of Qualification.
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
Education
The academic entry grade for the Welder apprenticeship is Grade 12.
Source
“Academic entry grade Grade 12”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/welder-456A_2025...
Experience
Applicants for a Trade Equivalency Assessment must have equivalent skills and years of experience in the trade and must not have completed an Ontario apprenticeship.
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
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...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages say holders of a certificate, licence or credential from another Canadian province or territory can apply for an Ontario Certificate of Qualification using a PDF application form, but they do not state whether an exam or assessment is required. 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 Canadian certificate guide
Source
“Review the Canadian Certificate Holder Guide and Form and follow the application instructions.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portalApply by 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-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/welder -
Ontario Welder Practical Examination
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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 | $28.00 | $41.28 | Very limited (1 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $30.00 | $47.00 | — |
Welders in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Certification required
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Certification required
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Sources checked
- Welder - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/welder · fetched October 11, 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
- Welder (456A) skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/welder-456A_2025... · fetched October 11, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a welder 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, Ontario Welder Practical Examination, In-school exemption test.
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