How to Become an Arborist in Quebec
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Arborist is a compulsory trade in Quebec. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- arboriculture
Show the source
“Le certificat de qualification en arboriculture ou la carte d’apprenti est requis pour exécuter des travaux d’arboriculture, conformément à l’exigence de qualification de la Commission des normes de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).”
From quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle..., checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
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- Trained in Canada: 5 steps
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 5 done
- 5 steps without a listed fee
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You must first register in the apprenticeship program in arboriculture by submitting the required documents, the registration form and payment of the applicable fees.
Source
“Veuillez joindre à votre demande d’inscription les documents requis, le formulaire d’inscription au programme d’apprentissage (PDF 721 Ko) et le paiement des droits exigibles selon la tarification en vigueur. (PDF 141 Ko)”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle... -
You must complete a minimum of 1800 hours of apprenticeship under the supervision of a certified worker who attests to the mastery of the required skills.
Source
“L’apprentie ou l’apprenti doit effectuer un minimum de 1800 heures d’apprentissage sous la supervision d’une travailleuse ou d’un travailleur certifié (compagne ou compagnon).”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle... -
Source
“Vous devez suivre et réussir les formations obligatoires mentionnées ci-dessous.”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle... -
Once you have acquired all qualification elements, completed the minimum apprenticeship and passed the mandatory trainings, you register for the qualification exam by paying the applicable fees.
Source
“Pour vous inscrire à l’examen, vous devez payer les droits exigibles selon la tarification en vigueur (PDF 141 Ko).”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle... -
You must pass the written multiple-choice qualification exam, which lasts 3 hours, has 45 to 50 questions and requires a passing grade of 60%.
Source
“Examen écrit, avec questions à choix multiple - Durée : 3 heures - Nombre de questions : de 45 à 50 - Note de passage : 60 %”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Requirements
Other
To be eligible for the qualification exam, you must have acquired all the qualification elements described in the program.
Source
“avoir acquis tous les éléments de qualification décrits au programme;”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle...To be eligible for the qualification exam, you must have completed the prescribed minimum apprenticeship period.
Source
“avoir complété la durée minimale d’apprentissage prescrite;”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle...To be eligible for the qualification exam, you must have passed the required mandatory trainings.
Source
“avoir réussi les formations obligatoires requises.”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle...
Already licensed in another province?
Not stated
The arboriculture pages do not state how someone licensed in another Canadian province or territory can register in Quebec. Source
“Vous devez renouveler annuellement votre carte d’apprenti et payer les droits exigibles selon la tarification en vigueur (PDF 141 Ko) pour continuer à exercer votre métier légalement.”
quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Exams
Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $20.00 | $27.00 | $38.00 | Limited (2 of 5) |
| Canada | $21.00 | $30.00 | $40.87 | — |
Arborists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Certification required
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Nova Scotia Voluntary certification
- 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
Sources checked
- Certificat en arboriculture (ARBO) | Gouvernement du Québec quebec.ca/emploi/informer-metier-profession/profession-metier-regle... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as an arborist in Quebec?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Quebec. Certification is managed by Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale.
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