How to Become a Developmental Services Worker in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Developmental services worker is a voluntary trade in Ontario. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“As this trade is non-compulsory, the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”
From skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/developmental-services-wo..., checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 4 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 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 4 done
- 4 steps without a listed fee
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The apprentice is sponsored by a skilled worker or trainer who provides practical on-the-job training.
Source
“An apprenticeship involves practical training provided on-the-job by a skilled worker, or trainer.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/developmental-services-wo... -
The apprentice completes 3,720 hours of on-the-job work experience, with the sponsor signing off skills in the training standard as they are demonstrated.
Source
“Generally, the time-frame to become competent in the trade of Developmental Services Worker is 4,500 hours (approximately two and a half years) consisting of 3,720 hours of on-the-job work experience and 780 hours of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/developmental-services-wo... -
The apprentice completes 780 hours of theoretical in-school training covering 12 reportable subjects, delivered in ways such as block release, day release, part-time or alternative delivery.
Source
“A Developmental Services Worker apprenticeship includes 12 reportable subjects totaling 780 hours of theoretical training”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/developmental-services-wo... -
Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
Source
“Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Apprenticeship.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/developmental-services-wo...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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An apprentice moving from another province or territory must first find a sponsor in Ontario.
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The applicant applies for an apprenticeship program in Ontario and checks off the section of the form indicating they have completed training in another province.
Source
“2. 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 the application is submitted, Skilled Trades Ontario contacts the applicant to verify their out-of-province training.
Source
“4. 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
3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Other
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to submit an online application for apprenticeship, though those under 18 can apply using 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]”
skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe how registered apprentices in another province or territory may get credit for their training in Ontario, but do not state whether a fully licensed worker can register directly without extra steps. 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
Find a sponsor in Ontario
Apply for apprenticeship
Source
“2. Apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprenticesVerification of prior training
Source
“4. Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you to verify your out-of-province training after you have submitted your application.”
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
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
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
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $19.79 | $26.50 | $37.23 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $19.00 | $26.00 | $36.06 | — |
Developmental services workers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- 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 Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Compare developmental services worker licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Developmental Services Worker - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/developmental-services-wo... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
- Skilled Trades Ontario Portal - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/skilled-trades-ontario-portal · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as a developmental services worker in Ontario?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Ontario. Certification is managed by Skilled Trades Ontario.
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