Licensing guide · Ontario

How to Become a Drywall Finisher and Plasterer in Ontario

Last checked 3 sources checkedNOC 73102

Do you need certification?

Certification is voluntary

Drywall finisher and plasterer 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
“Because this trade is non-compulsory, this certificate does not have to be renewed, and the information of individuals practicing this trade will not appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.”

From skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/drywall-finisher-and-plas..., checked October 10, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status
Voluntary certification 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. The apprentice develops the essential skills of the trade on the job, with the sponsor or trainer signing the training standard as each training objective is met.

    Source
    “As these essential skills are developed, the apprentice’s sponsor or trainer signs the relevant sections of the training standard to indicate that the apprentice has met the individual training objectives by demonstrating the skills required of a skilled worker, or journeyperson, in the trade.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/drywall-finisher-and-plas...

  2. The apprentice completes one level of theoretical in-school training covering topics such as trade knowledge and safety, taping techniques and plaster procedures.

    Source
    “A Drywall Finisher and Plasterer apprenticeship includes one level of theoretical training, which includes but is not limited to instruction in: - trade knowledge and safety - taping preparation techniques”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/drywall-finisher-and-plas...

  3. After passing the certifying exam, Skilled Trades Ontario issues a Certificate of Qualification in the trade.

    Source
    “This trade has a certifying exam. When the certifying exam is passed, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a Certificate of Qualification in this trade.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/drywall-finisher-and-plas...

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. The apprentice finds a sponsor in Ontario.

    Source
    “1. Find a sponsor in Ontario.”
    skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices

  2. The apprentice applies for an apprenticeship program in Ontario, checking off the section of the form indicating training completed 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

  3. Skilled Trades Ontario contacts the applicant to verify their out-of-province training after the application is submitted.

    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

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.

Education

Already licensed in another province?

Not stated

The pages describe credit for registered apprentices moving from another province or territory, but do not state how someone already licensed in another Canadian province or territory 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

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

Job Bank figures for NOC 73102, Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers. Wages for 2023-2024 in Canadian dollars an hour; outlook for 2025-2027.

Job Bank wages and outlook in Ontario and Canada
WhereLowMedianHighOutlook
Ontario $24.00 $35.48 $48.73 Moderate (3 of 5)
Canada $23.00 $33.00 $43.75 —

Wages by region and job outlook in Ontario

Wages in every province and territory

Drywall finishers and plasterers in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 6 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

Compare drywall finisher and plasterer licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 10, 2026.

  1. Drywall Finisher and Plasterer - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/drywall-finisher-and-plas... · fetched October 10, 2026
  2. Current apprentices - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices · fetched October 10, 2026
  3. Drywall Finisher and Plasterer (453A) skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/drywall-finisher... · fetched October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

2

Do you need a licence to work as a drywall finisher and plasterer 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.

Which exams are required?

certifying exam.

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