How to Become an Auto Body Repairer in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Auto body repairer is a compulsory trade in Ontario. 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
“Because this trade is compulsory, to practice this trade legally in Ontario a person must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification and their information must appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
From skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps
- Licensed in another province: 2 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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You begin the apprenticeship by signing a Training Agreement with a sponsor and registering it with Skilled Trades Ontario.
Source
“An apprenticeship program begins when you sign a Training Agreement with a sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship -
You complete 5,520 hours of practical on-the-job work experience, with your sponsor or trainer signing off the skills in your Apprenticeship Training Standard as you demonstrate them.
Source
“Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Auto Body Repairer is 6,000 hours (approximately three years) consisting of 5,520 hours of on-the job work experience and 480 hours of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer -
Source
“An Auto Body Repairer apprenticeship includes two levels of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in: applied work practices, welding, body, refinishing, applied mechanical, plastic repair, non-structural repair”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer -
Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues you a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Source
“Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer -
You take and pass the certifying exam for the trade.
Source
“This trade has a certifying exam. Upon passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer -
After passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues you a Certificate of Qualification, which must be renewed to remain valid.
Source
“Upon passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer
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 2 done
- 2 steps without a listed fee
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You apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario and check off the section of the form indicating you have completed training in another province.
Source
“Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario. 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 -
After you submit your application, Skilled Trades Ontario contacts you to verify your out-of-province training.
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
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Other
To practise this compulsory trade legally in Ontario, you must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification and your information must appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
Source
“Because this trade is compulsory, to practice this trade legally in Ontario a person must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification and their information must appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe credit for out-of-province apprentices moving to Ontario, but do not state how someone already licensed as a journeyperson in another province registers in Ontario. Source
“If you’re a registered apprentice in another province or territory, you may get credit for your training in Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
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. Upon passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer
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
Required
A person may practise this compulsory trade legally while holding a Registered Training Agreement or a Provisional Certificate of Qualification. Source
“to practice this trade legally in Ontario a person must hold a Registered Training Agreement, Provisional Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Qualification”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $18.00 | $29.00 | $43.27 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $18.50 | $27.00 | $40.00 | — |
Auto body repairers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Certification required
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Quebec 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 Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Auto Body Repairer - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/auto-body-repairer · fetched October 10, 2026
- Start an apprenticeship - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an auto body repairer in Ontario?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Ontario. Certification is managed by Skilled Trades Ontario.
Which exams are required?
certifying exam.
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