Licensing guide · Ontario

How to Become an Automotive Service Technician (steering, Suspension and Brakes) in Ontario

Last checked 3 sources checked

Do you need certification?

Certification required

Automotive service technician (steering, suspension and brakes) 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/alignment-and-brakes-tech..., checked October 11, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status
Certification required See the source
Routes
Annual fees
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

Your roadmap

Every route is listed. Follow the one that matches where you trained.

Trained in Canada

  • 3 steps without a listed fee

  1. Make sure you have the information needed to complete the online apprenticeship application, checking the listed page or contacting Skilled Trades Ontario if needed.

    Source
    “Ensure that you have the necessary information to complete your online application.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

  2. Create a My Ontario account to apply online for an apprenticeship if you are 18 years of age or older.

    Source
    “Create a My Ontario account to apply online for an apprenticeship (if you are 18 years of age or older).”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

  3. Follow the steps to submit your application for apprenticeship.

    Source
    “Follow the steps to submit your application for apprenticeship.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

Listed fees for this route

No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Licensed in another province

  • 3 steps without a listed fee

  1. Review the Canadian Certificate Holder Guide and Form and follow the application instructions.

    Source
    “Review the Canadian Certificate Holder Guide and Form and follow the application instructions.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

  2. Because the Canadian certificate holder application is not available through the portal, submit the PDF application form to Skilled Trades Ontario by email or mail.

    Source
    “You must use the PDF application form and email or mail your application to Skilled Trades Ontario.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

  3. Once your application is approved and you are issued a Certificate of Qualification, you can use the portal to update your information, pay fees or start other applications.

    Source
    “Once your application is approved and you are issued a Certificate of Qualification, you may then use the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal to update your information, pay fees or initiate other applications.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

Listed fees for this route

No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Requirements

Conditions the regulator sets on top of the roadmap steps.

Other

  • You must be 18 years of age or older to submit an online application for apprenticeship, and if you are under 18 you must instead download and submit a paper application.

    Source
    “You must be 18 years of age or older to submit an online application for apprenticeship. You can still apply for an apprenticeship if you are under 18 years of age, but you must download and submit a paper application to Skilled Trades Ontario:”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

Already licensed in another province?

Not stated

The page says certificate holders from another Canadian province or territory must apply using a PDF form and are issued an Ontario Certificate of Qualification once approved, but it does not say whether they must retake an entry-to-practice exam or complete a competence assessment.

Source
“If you have a certificate, license or credential from another Canadian province or territory and would like to obtain an Ontario Certificate of Qualification, please note that the Canadian certificate holder application is currently not available through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal

Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

Check a move between two provinces

Credential assessment

Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

Exams

Language tests

Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

Compare scores across provinces and professions

Canadian experience

Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

Supervised practice

Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario

Demand and pay

No Job Bank wage or outlook data for this occupation yet.

Automotive service technicians (steering, suspension and brakes) in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 1 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

  • British Columbia Not confirmed yet
  • Alberta Not confirmed yet
  • Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
  • Manitoba Not confirmed yet
  • Quebec Not confirmed yet
  • New Brunswick Certification required
  • 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 automotive service technician (steering, suspension and brakes) licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 11, 2026.

  1. Alignment and Brakes Technician - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/alignment-and-brakes-tech... · fetched October 10, 2026
  2. Skilled Trades Ontario Portal - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal · fetched October 10, 2026
  3. Automotive Service Technician (Steering, Suspension and Brakes) - Ellis Chart ellischart.ca/eng/trades/non-red-seal/ast-ssb.shtml · fetched October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

2

Do you need a licence to work as an automotive service technician (steering, suspension and brakes) 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, Written Certification Examination.

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