How to Become a Tilesetter in Quebec
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Tilesetter is a compulsory trade in Quebec. 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
“The labour management by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) is done through labour pools corresponding to the industry’s trades and occupations.”
From ccq.org/en/En-tete/qui-sommes-nous/mission, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $100
- Licensed in another province: 2 steps, listed one-time fees $100
- Trained outside Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $100
- Annual fees
-
- Certificate renewal fee: $100
Source
“Pay the required $100 fee, if applicable (cheque, postal money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
- Certificate renewal fee: $100
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $100
- 5 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $100
-
The applicant successfully completes a study program in the trade that is recognized by the CCQ.
Source
“A graduate who has successfully completed a study program recognized by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) in the trade covered by the application can obtain an apprentice competency certificate (ACC).”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
The applicant submits the application form and supporting documents to the CCQ by mail or at a regional office to obtain an apprentice competency certificate.
Source
“The form Application for registration or modification of identification file or choice of union association and all copies of supporting documents required must be sent by mail to the following address: Commission de la construction du Québec a/s Demande d’obtention d’un certificat de compétence apprenti Case postale 2030, succursale Chabanel Montréal (Québec) H2N 0C4 You can also go to one of the CCQ’s regional offices with all of your documentation.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
The apprentice completes the apprenticeship in the trade, which is calculated in hours of work and training divided into periods of 2,000 hours each.
Source
“Apprenticeship in a trade in the construction industry is calculated in hours in the trade and in hours of training and upgrading. The duration of the apprenticeship is divided into apprenticeship periods of 2,000 hours each. The number of periods varies according to the trade.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
The apprentice registers for the provincial qualification examination by contacting Customer Services or writing to a regional office and pays the $100 registration fee.
- 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
-
The apprentice takes and passes the provincial qualification examination in the trade.
Source
“Apprentice candidates who have passed their provincial qualification examination automatically obtain their competency certificate free of charge.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp... -
After passing the exam, apprentice candidates automatically receive their journeyman competency certificate free of charge.
Source
“Apprentice candidates who have passed their provincial qualification examination automatically obtain their competency certificate free of charge.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $100
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | $100 | 100% |
| One-time total | $100 | 100% |
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Certificate renewal fee: $100
Source
“Pay the required $100 fee, if applicable (cheque, postal money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
Licensed in another province
0 of 2 done
- Listed one-time fees: $100
- 1 step without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $100
-
The worker obtains the Red Seal endorsement in the trade 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 -
The worker applies to the CCQ’s Customer Services by mail or at a regional office with the required forms, an official identity document, proof of passing the 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
“Workers who have obtained the Red Seal endorsement have their skills in this trade recognized and may apply for a competency certificate from the CCQ’s Customer Services by mail or by going to one of the regional offices. The application must include: The form Application for registration or modification of identification file or choice of union association, duly filled out The form Application for Recognition of Professional Qualifications, duly filled out A photocopy of an official document from among the following list Proof that they have passed the course Santé et sécurité générale sur les chantiers de construction (ASP Construction) 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $100 | 100% |
| One-time total | $100 | 100% |
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Certificate renewal fee: $100
Source
“Pay the required $100 fee, if applicable (cheque, postal money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
Trained outside Canada
0 of 6 done
- Listed one-time fees: $100
- 5 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $100
-
The applicant must be in Québec before applying for the apprentice competency certificate, even if some steps were started before immigrating.
Source
“IMPORTANT: This application can be made only once you arrive in Québec, even if some steps have been initiated before you immigrate to Canada.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
After the preliminary analysis is accepted, the applicant applies 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.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
The applicant completes the 30-hour general 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... -
The apprentice completes the apprenticeship in the trade, which is divided into periods of 2,000 hours each.
Source
“Apprenticeship in a trade in the construction industry is calculated in hours in the trade and in hours of training and upgrading. The duration of the apprenticeship is divided into apprenticeship periods of 2,000 hours each.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... -
The apprentice registers for the provincial qualification examination and pays the $100 registration fee.
- 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
-
The apprentice takes and passes the provincial qualification examination in the trade.
Source
“Apprentice candidates who have passed their provincial qualification examination automatically obtain their competency certificate free of charge.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $100
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | $100 | 100% |
| One-time total | $100 | 100% |
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Certificate renewal fee: $100
Source
“Pay the required $100 fee, if applicable (cheque, postal money order, credit card, debit card, or cash)”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
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.
- Journeyman certificate application fee: $100
Source
“Pay the required $100 fee to the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), if applicable, by postal or bank money order, personal cheque, credit card, or debit card, or in cash if the application is presented at a CCQ Customer Services counter”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
Requirements
Experience
Candidates who have not completed a study program must demonstrate work experience in hours worked and, if applicable, training credits at least equal to the total duration of the apprenticeship for the trade.
Source
“Candidates must demonstrate, with 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 for the trade or specialty covered.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm...Individuals who have acquired hours in work experience and vocational training equivalent to at least 35% of the apprenticeship duration may apply for an apprentice competency certificate.
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
Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Source
“Be at least 16 years old”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...Applicants must have a social insurance number and provide their home address.
Source
“Have a social insurance number Provide their home address”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...Applicants must provide a photocopy of an official identity document from the CCQ's list.
Source
“Provide a photocopy of an official document from among the following list”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Workers who have obtained the Red Seal endorsement have their skills recognized and may apply directly for a CCQ competency certificate without retaking an examination. Source
“Workers who have obtained the Red Seal endorsement have their skills in this trade recognized and may apply for a competency certificate from the CCQ’s Customer Services by mail or by going to one of the regional offices.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge
Apply with Red Seal endorsement
Source
“Workers who have obtained the Red Seal endorsement have their skills in this trade recognized and may apply for a competency certificate from the CCQ’s Customer Services by mail or by going to one of the regional offices.”
ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge
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
“Apprentices are informed by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) that 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 | $25.00 | $36.18 | $44.00 | Very limited (1 of 5) |
| Canada | $24.04 | $34.76 | $44.00 | — |
Tilesetters in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- 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 Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- A mission anchored in Québec law ccq.org/en/En-tete/qui-sommes-nous/mission · fetched October 9, 2026
- Apprentice ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/appr... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Eligibility ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/examen-qualification-2/adm... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Journeyperson ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/certificat-competence/comp... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Red Seal ccq.org/en/qualification-acces-industrie/exterieur-quebec/sceau-rouge · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a tilesetter 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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