How to Become a Chain Saw and Skidder Operator in Quebec
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Chain saw and skidder operator is a voluntary trade in Quebec. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Trade certification for fallers is available, but voluntary in Quebec.”
From noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/NocProfile, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
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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Complete the apprenticeship program registration form, possibly using the registration form guide.
Source
“To register for a program, you must complete the apprenticeship program registration form (PDF 604 Kb). You can refer to the registration form guide (PDF 501 Kb) to help you with this.”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated... -
Pay the registration fees according to the fees in effect, by cheque or money order payable to the Québec Minister of Finance.
Source
“You must pay the registration fees payable according to the current fees in effect (PDF 122 Kb). Payment can be made by cheque or money order payable to the Québec Minister of Finance.”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated... -
Send the completed form, required documents and payment to the Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle.
Source
“You must send your duly completed form, the required documents and your payment to the following address:”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated... -
In an enterprise under a journeyperson's supervision, acquire the required skills, complete the required learning hours and successfully complete the required training.
Source
“During the apprenticeship program, you will need to - acquire the skills to be mastered under the supervision of a journeyperson; - complete the required learning hours; - successfully complete the required training.”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated... -
Pay the qualifying exam registration fee and pass the exam, usually a three-hour written exam at a department's exam centre, to obtain the certificate of qualification.
Source
“You must pay the qualifying exam registration fee payable according to the current fees in effect (PDF 122 Kb). Payment can be made by cheque or money order payable to the Québec Minister of Finance. This is usually a three-hour written exam that takes place at a department’s exam center. You must pass the exam to obtain your certificate of qualification.”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Experience
You must be hired by a company so the apprenticeship can take place in an enterprise.
Source
“Your apprenticeship must take place in an enterprise. If you are looking for a job, you must be hired by a company in order to complete the apprenticeship program.”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated...
Other
You must meet the eligibility requirements of the apprenticeship program to receive the apprenticeship documents.
Source
“If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive”
quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages do not state how someone already licensed in another Canadian province or territory registers in Quebec. Source
“If you reside in Québec, you can work elsewhere in Canada if your certificate of professional qualification is valid in other provinces.”
quebec.ca/en/employment/working-outside-quebec/work-canada/red-seal
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
Exams
Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $20.00 | $28.00 | $35.00 | Very limited (1 of 5) |
| Canada | $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | — |
Chain saws and skidder operators in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Not confirmed yet
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- Nova Scotia Not confirmed yet
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Compare chain saw and skidder operator licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/NocProfile noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/NocProfile
- Process to obtain a compulsory qualification certificate | Gouvernement du Québec quebec.ca/en/employment/learn-trade-occupation/practising-regulated... · fetched October 9, 2026
- Facilitating Interprovincial Mobility Through the Red Seal Program | Gouvernement du Québec quebec.ca/en/employment/working-outside-quebec/work-canada/red-seal · fetched October 11, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as a chain saw and skidder operator in Quebec?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Quebec. Certification is managed by Centre administratif de la qualification professionnelle.
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