How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator (excavator) in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Heavy equipment operator (excavator) 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/heavy-equipment-operator-..., checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 6 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: 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 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 download the Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook, which lists the skills and tasks your sponsor signs off on as you demonstrate proficiency.
Source
“An Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training outlines all the skills and tasks you need to master during your apprenticeship. Your sponsor or trainer will sign off on each skill once you demonstrate proficiency.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/starting-your-apprenticeship -
You complete the on-the-job work experience set out in the training standard, with your sponsor or trainer signing the relevant sections as you develop the required skills.
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/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
You complete two levels of theoretical in-school training, which may be delivered as block release, day release, part-time or alternative delivery depending on the training delivery agency.
Source
“A Heavy Equipment Operator — Excavator apprenticeship includes two levels of theoretical training”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
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/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
You take the certifying exam, and when it is passed 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/heavy-equipment-operator-...
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 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
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You find a sponsor in Ontario.
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You apply for an apprenticeship program in Ontario, checking off the section of the form indicating you 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 you submit your application, Skilled Trades Ontario contacts you to verify your 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.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 3 done
- 3 steps without a listed fee
-
You complete the Trade Equivalency Assessment, which determines whether you can challenge the certifying exam for the trade.
Source
“The Trade Equivalency Assessment determines whether you can challenge the certifying exam for a trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r... -
If the assessment is successful, you challenge the certifying exam for the trade.
Source
“The Trade Equivalency Assessment determines whether you can challenge the certifying exam for a trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r... -
If you pass the exam, you pay a fee to be issued a Certificate of Qualification in the trade.
Source
“If successful in the exam, you would pay a fee to be issued a Certificate of Qualification in that trade.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r...
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
Education
The academic entry grade for the apprenticeship is Grade 12.
Source
“Academic entry grade Grade 12”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
Experience
To use the Trade Equivalency Assessment Process you must be an experienced worker who has not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but has equivalent qualifications or experience in the trade.
Source
“Experienced workers who have not completed an Ontario apprenticeship but have equivalent qualifications or experience in their trade can use the Trade Equivalency Assessment Process.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
Other
Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements may register through the Experienced Apprenticeship Pathway if they are at least 21 years old or have not received formal education for at least three years, and must submit a completed Experienced Apprenticeship Pathway Form.
Source
“To be considered for EAP, the applicant must: 1. be at least at least 21 years old, or 2. have not received formal education for a period of at least three years. Applicants seeking to register through the EAP must submit a completed Experienced Apprenticeship Pathway Form as part of their registration application.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe credit for out-of-province apprenticeship training but do not state how someone already licensed in another province registers as a journeyperson 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
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certifying exam
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/heavy-equipment-operator-... -
in-school exemption test
Source
“If the apprentice has successfully completed an in-school exemption test, the apprentice must submit a copy of their results letter to be eligible for an exemption from the corresponding level of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/apprenticeship/current-apprentices
Language tests
No minimum test score stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Exemptions: The pages do not state any language test exemptions. Source
“Heavy Equipment Operators - Excavator operate an excavator, its attachments and ground engaging equipment in various types of projects across multiple industries, such as road construction and maintenance, mining, quarrying, land clearing, forestry, logging, as well as gas and oil.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
Canadian experience
The pages do not state any Canadian experience requirement. Source
“On-the-job training 2,260 hours (approximately 1.5 years)”
skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-...
Supervised practice
Not required
The pages do not describe a supervised practice requirement. 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.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-...
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $23.63 | $32.00 | $47.70 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $24.00 | $32.50 | $45.00 | — |
Heavy equipment operators (excavator) in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Compare heavy equipment operator (excavator) licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Heavy Equipment Operator — Excavator - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/heavy-equipment-operator-... · 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
- Heavy Equipment Operator - Excavator (636B) skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/heavy-equipment-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Trade reports FAQ - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/resource-hub/research/trade-reports/trade-r... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a heavy equipment operator (excavator) 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, in-school exemption test.
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