Updated January 2024
Considering a career as a gas fitter, installing and maintaining gas lines, regulators, meters, and appliances?
It's a good time to get into this trade in Ontario. The Government of Canada Job Bank expects steady employment growth for gas fitters in the province over the next few years.
And you can make a good living in this field. According to the Job Bank, Ontario gas fitters earn a median salary of about $62,000. At the high end, they're making more than $79,000.
But if you want to become a gas fitter, you need to earn a licence from the TSSA. Your first step is to understand the certification and licensing process for gas fitters in Ontario.
We're here to break it down in simple terms. We'll guide you through the different levels of gas fitter licensing (G1, G2, G3), the TSSA exams, and training options for beginners.
Let's dive in.
WHAT IS THE TSSA?
The Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) sets training and certification standards for certain types of trades, including those that involve working with oil and natural gas (like gas fitters/gas technicians).
The idea is to ensure that gas fitters are properly trained so that they can do their jobs safely and effectively.
The TSSA requires all gas fitters in Ontario to become certified. That involves completing an approved gas fitter training course and passing an official TSSA exam.
There are three levels of gas fitter certification, and each one has a different exam.
WHAT ARE THE 3 LEVELS OF GAS FITTER LICENcES?
Gas fitters can be certified as G3 (beginner), G2 (intermediate), or G1 (advanced).
You must pass the TSSA exam for each level before moving on to the next one. For example, you can't skip ahead to G2 certification until you pass the G3 exam.
Gas technician 3 licence (G3)
As a G3, you can work on propane or natural gas appliances with an input of 400,000 British Thermal Units per Hour (BTUH) or less.
But you can't work on your own. You must be supervised by a G2 or G1 certified tech.
Gas technician 2 licence (G2)
With a gas fitter licence at the G2 level, you can work on the same equipment as a G3. The difference is that you don't need anyone to supervise you. You can work independently on a job site.
Gas technician 1 licence (G1)
G1 is the highest level of gas fitter licence. With this certification, you are qualified to work on all types of gas-fired appliances and equipment.
To challenge the exam, you must have your G2 along with 2,000 hours (roughly two years) of field experience.
At least 500 of those hours must have been spent working on systems with an input of more than 400,000 BTUH, under the supervision of a G1 tech.
WHAT WILL you LEARN IN G3 AND G2 gas fitter TRAINING?
Gas fitter training programs are provided by trade schools and career colleges following standards set by the TSSA.
Basically, all approved programs follow the same curriculum, which is designed by the TSSA.
G3 gas fitter training takes 180 hours. It covers nine modules, which include topics like:
- Tools of the trade
- The basics of gas appliances, piping and tubing systems, and electricity
- Installation regulations and codes
- Safely handling natural gas and propane
- Working with technical manuals and schematics
- Dealing with customers
G2 training takes around 480 hours. It builds on G2 training and covers 15 additional modules, including:
- Electronic and mechanical controls
- Advanced tubing and piping systems
- Gas meters, relief valves, and pressure regulators
- Forced air heating systems
- Water heaters
- Gas-fired fridges
WHAT ELSE SHOULD you KNOW ABOUT GAS FITTER TRAINING?
Gas fitter training programs include a mix of classroom lessons and hands-on training.
You need to score at least 75 per cent on both the classroom and practical components to pass the program. If you pass, you can take the TSSA exam.
Some programs focus only on G3 or G2 training. Others combine both levels into one course.
☑️ The gas fitter course you choose must be accredited by the TSSA. Otherwise, you won't be eligible to take the certification exams.
☑️ Attendance also matters. TSSA rules say that if you don't show up for at least 80 per cent of your classes, you won't be allowed to take the exam.
WHAT DO THE TSSA gas technician EXAMS INVOLVE?
Each gas technician exam has between 50 and 165 multiple-choice questions, depending on whether you're going for G3, G2, or G1. Questions cover regulatory and technical information specific to each certification level.
A passing grade is 75 per cent. That's what you need to earn your gas fitter licence.
If you fail, you can take the exam again after 30 days. If you don't pass after three tries, you'll have to go through an accredited training program all over again.
EXPLORE GAS FITTER TRAINING AT HERZING COLLEGE
Herzing College offers TSSA-approved gas fitter training.
We deliver G3 and G2 training in a single course. In just 36 weeks, you can go from being a complete beginner to having your G2 gas fitter licence in hand.
The program is taught by licensed G1-holders with many years of professional experience. It's the perfect starting point for newcomers.
Want to learn more?
Click below to get complete details on the gas technician program and chat live with an admissions advisor. We're here to help!
