How to Become a Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic in Ontario
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Residential air conditioning systems mechanic is a compulsory trade in Ontario. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- 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/residential-air-condition..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 6 steps
- Licensed in another province: 3 steps
- Trained outside Canada: no separate route
- 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
-
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 -
Download the Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook that lists the skills and tasks to master, which the sponsor signs off as they are demonstrated.
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 -
Complete 4,020 hours of on-the-job work experience as part of the 4,500-hour apprenticeship.
Source
“has set the hours of apprenticeship training for the trade Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic at 4,500 (approximately two and a half years), which consists of 4,020 hours on the job work experience and 480 hours of in-school training.”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/residential-air-condition... -
Source
“A Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic apprenticeship includes two levels of theoretical training”
skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/residential-air-condition... -
Pass the certifying exam to receive a Certificate of Qualification in 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/residential-air-condition... -
Upon completing 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/residential-air-condition...
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
-
Find a sponsor in Ontario.
-
Apply 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 -
Skilled Trades Ontario will contact you to verify your out-of-province training after you have submitted your application.
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.
Trained outside Canada
No separate route for this group. 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/refrigeration-an...
Requirements
Not stated by the regulator Check with Skilled Trades Ontario
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The pages describe mobility for registered apprentices from other provinces, 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
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/residential-air-condition...
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 | $21.00 | $37.00 | $58.00 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $37.50 | $56.00 | — |
Residential air conditioning systems mechanics 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 residential air conditioning systems mechanic licensing across Canada
Sources checked
- Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic - Skilled Trades Ontario skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-information/residential-air-condition... · 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
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) skilledtradesontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/refrigeration-an... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a residential air conditioning systems mechanic 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.
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.