How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Quebec
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Heavy equipment operator is a compulsory trade in Quebec. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“If they do not register, their work permit will be suspended.”
From ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 3 steps, listed one-time fees $100
- Licensed in another province: 2 steps, listed one-time fees $100
- Trained outside Canada: 2 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 3 done
- Listed one-time fees: $100
- 2 steps without a listed fee
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When the labour pool for the trade is open, apply to the CCQ for an apprentice competency certificate by sending the application form and supporting documents by mail or at a regional office.
Source
“When the labour pool is “open,” a person who satisfies the general conditions may obtain an ACC.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
- Exam registration fee: $100
Source
“They must pay the $100 registration fee with a credit card”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm...
Source
“Contact Customer Services at 1 888 842-8282 to determine the date and location of their examination. They must pay the $100 registration fee with a credit card”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm... - Exam registration fee: $100
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Take and pass the provincial qualification examination in the trade.
Source
“they are eligible for the provincial qualification examination in their trade when they have completed 85% of their apprenticeship.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $100
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Other | $100 | 100% |
| One-time total | $100 | 100% |
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 2 done
- Listed one-time fees: $100
- 1 step without a listed fee
-
Obtain the Red Seal endorsement through the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.
Source
“The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program has designated a list of trades and occupations for which workers may obtain Red Seal endorsement.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge -
Apply to the CCQ's Customer Services by mail or at a regional office with the required forms, an official document, proof of passing the health and safety course, and payment of the $100 fee.
- Application fee: $100
Source
“Payment of the $100 fee required (cheque, money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge
Source
“Payment of the $100 fee required (cheque, money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge - Application fee: $100
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $100
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Other | $100 | 100% |
| One-time total | $100 | 100% |
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 2 done
- 2 steps without a listed fee
-
After the preliminary analysis is accepted and once you have arrived in Québec, apply to the CCQ to obtain an apprentice competency certificate.
Source
“After the preliminary analysis is accepted, you may apply to obtain an ACC from the CCQ. IMPORTANT: This application can be made only once you arrive in Québec”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
Complete the 30-hour construction health and safety course offered through school boards or industry associations.
Source
“The 30-hour course Santé et sécurité générale sur les chantiers de construction is offered through the schools in the different school boards or through the construction industry’s employer and union associations.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Health and safety equivalency attestation fee: $10
Source
“Pay the $10 fee required for attestation of recognition of a health and safety equivalency (cheque, money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/ententes-... - Exemption application fee: $100
Source
“Pay the $100 fee required (cheque, money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/ententes-...
Requirements
Experience
Applicants for the exam through experience recognition must demonstrate hours worked and, if applicable, training credits at least equal to the total duration of the apprenticeship in the trade.
Source
“Applicants must demonstrate, using supporting documents, that they have practised a trade or specialty and acquired experience in hours worked and, if applicable, in training credits at least equal to the total duration of the apprenticeship in the trade or specialty covered.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm...Apprentices are eligible for the provincial qualification examination when they have completed 85% of their apprenticeship.
Source
“they are eligible for the provincial qualification examination in their trade when they have completed 85% of their apprenticeship.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm...Individuals may apply for an ACC by demonstrating hours in work experience and vocational training courses equivalent to at least 35% of the duration of apprenticeship in the trade.
Source
“Individuals who demonstrate that they have acquired, in work experience and in hours in vocational training courses, the number of hours equivalent to at least 35% of the duration of apprenticeship in a trade (except the trade of crane operator) may apply for an apprentice competency certificate (ACC).”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr...
Other
A person may obtain an apprentice competency certificate only if the state of the labour pool for the trade allows it.
Source
“A person is eligible to obtain an apprentice competency certificate (ACC) in a given trade if the state of the labour pool allows.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Holders of an Ontario or Newfoundland and Labrador certificate in a trade or occupation recognized under the agreement must register with the CCQ to obtain a registration certificate by meeting the listed conditions, without retaking the entry-to-practice exam. Source
“Holders of an Ontario certificate in a trade or occupation recognized under the agreement must register with the CCQ to obtain a registration certificate.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/ententes-...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
Exams
-
Provincial qualification examination
Source
“they are eligible for the provincial qualification examination in their trade when they have completed 85% of their apprenticeship.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm...
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Commission de la construction du Québec
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $24.00 | $36.00 | $43.40 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $24.00 | $32.50 | $45.00 | — |
Heavy equipment operators in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- New Brunswick Not confirmed yet
- 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
- Eligibility ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Apprentice ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Red Seal ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge · fetched October 10, 2026
- Intergovernmental Agreements (ON, NB, NL) ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/ententes-... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a heavy equipment operator in Quebec?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Quebec. Certification is managed by the Commission de la construction du Québec.
Which exams are required?
Provincial qualification examination.
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