Skilled Trades Ontario to Deliver Certifying Exams In-House

January 23, 2026

Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is taking a major step to strengthen how certifying exams are delivered across the province.

“We’ve heard the feedback loud and clear. Apprentices and employer sponsors told us they want increased capacity and a reliable, streamlined exam experience. And that’s exactly why we’re making this change,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario.

A review of the current delivery model confirmed that in-house administration will allow Skilled Trades Ontario to better meet demand, improve booking reliability, and provide a more consistent exam-day experience for apprentices. This includes offering exams at Training Delivery Agents (TDAs), so apprentices can write where they learned.

What’s changing

Starting now:

• Apprentices can book any exam taking place on or after February 1, 2026 directly through the STO Portal.

Starting February 1, 2026:

• STO becomes the direct administrator of certifying exams, bringing booking, delivery, and exam-day support under one system.
• STO will manage identity verification and support for onsite delivery, including at Training Delivery Agents.
• Some apprentices may be rebooked to ensure smoother scheduling and consistent service quality. STO is contacting them directly.
• Apprentices should continue to follow the instructions in their Authorization to Test Letter (ATTL).

“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is making it easier for apprentices to earn their certifications. By bringing certifying exams in-house and expanding delivery across the province, we’re reducing wait times, improving consistency, and giving apprentices the reliable, convenient exam experience they deserve,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This change will help even more apprentices — including the more than 13,000 youth who registered last year, the highest in a decade — cross the finish line into well-paying, in-demand jobs that are essential to delivering our ambitious infrastructure plan.”

STO’s contract with its former delivery partner will conclude on January 31, 2026. The transition will be coordinated to support continuity for apprentices.

Since taking on responsibility for certification and exam administration in April 2025, STO has responded to more than 120,000 calls and 40,000 emails, administered over 6,000 certifying exams, expanded supports in each region of the province, introduced onsite exam delivery at Training Delivery Agents, and onboarded dedicated Group Account Coordinators to support employers and training partners.

This next step builds on that progress and strengthens STO’s ability to support apprentices as they move toward certification.

Additional Resources
Exam scheduling

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