Quebec Contractor License Requirements

The CMMTQ is a Quebec provincial contractor association that represents contractor companies in the heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing and piping sector of the industry. It is a highly regulated body unlike Ontario that has fewer restrictions on trade qualifications. However in 2006 Quebec and Ontario signed a labour mobility agreement that will force Ontario to adopt more of the Quebec system which is a fairer approach to tradespeople and discourages an underground economy in the construction trade. This applies in Montreal, Quebec City and all the regions of Quebec.

General Contractor (Must be Licensed)

To become a contractor in Quebec requires a special license. A general contractor doing commercial or residential work in Quebec must have an RBQ license. In fact most homeowners in Quebec are advised to ask for proof of an RBQ license before hiring a general contractor. A license also demonstrates that the contractor has business skills and is reliable in paying materials suppliers, sub-trades, labourers and can oversee a project from start to finish.

Therefore it is necessary to have both training and experience in a chosen field like base building construction, office construction, retail store construction or restaurant construction. This also includes residential renovations: room additions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, etc.

To get a license from the RBQ a contractor will have to pass a test on:

• Construction project management
• Site safety management,
• Administrative management.

Plumber (Must be Licenced)

Plumbers in Quebec do work in plumbing, heating, heating systems, natural gas burner or oil burner systems. To be a plumber the person must have reached a Grade 12 education or equivalent. In addition he or she must hold a Quebec Plumbing Licence. For certification they must apply must apply to the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec) (CMMTQ). Here they will obtain their contractor's license plus the mandatory membership in the corporation.  A plumbing contractor's license and membership must be renewed annually.

Electrician

Electrical workers coming to Quebec, or those Quebeckers who want to take an apprenticeship in electrical work, must apply to the Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec) (CMEQ) for their electrical contractor's licence as well as a mandatory membership in the corporation.

Environmental Certification

An environmental certification is mandatory for certain categories of contractors, especially renovations contractors and workers whose work basically makes use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) or replacement for refrigeration fluids, asbestos and other harmful agents. The certification for ODS licensing falls under the authority of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec which also requires that the directors of the contracting company hold three regulatory accreditations:

• Technical accreditation
• Administrative accreditation
• Occupational Health and Safety accreditation.

Refrigeration Mechanic (Must be Licenced)

Refrigeration mechanics include air conditioning. These persons install, repair, maintain and refurbish residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning systems plus refrigeration and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. Mostly they work for refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, industrial companies, many food wholesalers, engineering companies and large food serving areas. Transport refrigeration mechanics are also in this classification. This is a “Red Seal” occupation for the Interprovincial Standards Program but transferring mechanics must be also be accredited by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

Gas Fitters (Must be Licensed)

Gas fitters provide the installation, inspection, repairing and maintenance of gas lines and gas accessories such as meters, regulators, heating units and appliances in residential, commercial and industrial settings. They are usually employed by gas utility companies and gas servicing companies. However, in Quebec plumbers can be certified as gas fitters in order to do provide the serving for kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Gas fitters from other provinces require a Certification of Qualification and a “Red Seal” from the Interprovincial Standards Program. However they still must be accredited by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

Sheet Metal Worker (Certification)

Sheet metal workers in Quebec use sheet metal to make and repair products and buildings. Their job is to plan, cut, assemble and install ventilation systems, furnace components and other sheet metal assemblies. A “Red Seal” program is in effect for this trade as well but applicants must also be registered by the RBQ