Updated May 2023

There are many compelling reasons to become an electrician in Ontario. This trade offers challenging work, good wages, and a variety of career options. What’s more, the provincial government expects employment of electricians to grow by 15 per cent over the next few years.

If you’re looking to establish a career in this trade, you must eventually pass an exam to obtain your electrician licence, known as a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate serves as proof that you have met all the requirements to work as an electrician in Ontario.

So what is the exam all about, and how can you get ready for it? That’s what we cover in this post. Keep reading for details about the path to becoming a licensed electrician and tips to help with your Certificate of Qualification exam preparation.

Photo: Electrician students at Herzing College in Toronto (2019)

Updated December 2022

Exactly what kinds of work or areas of specialty can you pursue after electrician training? Is there more to this trade than routine wiring installation and repairs?

Absolutely. After you've completed electrician training, there's a wide range of career paths open to you. It all depends on your individual strengths, preferences, and career goals.

What kind of environment do you want to work in? Are you fixed on avoiding outdoor work? Are you especially interested in electronics, computers, renewable energy, or telecommunications?

In this post, we're comparing electrician career paths to help you see what's out there.

Certain paths require additional training. Others are directly related to the skills you'll learn in a typical construction and maintenance electrician program.

Here's a look at some of your top options, plus some helpful information on training.

Planning to enrol in an electrician program? Have you given any thought to what environment you'd like to work in or areas you'd like to specialize in as you progress in your career?

Electricians work in several different domains: domestic, commercial, and industrial.  Each path comes with its own unique challenges, technical demands, and specialized skills.

Faulty electrical wiring is a leading cause of property damage and serious injury due to fire. Many fires in Canada are caused by bad wiring—brought on by poor maintenance and incorrectly installed components.

Overly confident homeowners attempting DIY electrical projects are one part of the problem. Another issue is lack of knowledge regarding wiring safety procedures and danger signs.