Ontario safety regulator TSSA is making certification simpler, faster, and more flexible, streamlining entry into its regulated trades.
Looking to build a career in Ontario’s skilled workforce working on amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevators, fuels, or ski lifts? Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the province’s public safety regulator, is the gateway for overseeing training and certification in these six industries.
Certification is not just recommended—it’s mandatory. Anyone installing, maintaining or altering regulated equipment and systems in these industries must hold a Certificate of Qualification issued by the regulator. This credential verifies that a professional has met Ontario’s training requirements and is certified to perform the work safely.
Setting Standards, Simplifying Access
TSSA’s role extends from developing training frameworks and accrediting providers to administering rigorous certification exams that set the standards for competency and public protection. Hundreds of accredited institutions province-wide are delivering training programs aligned with these standards, ensuring every candidate follows a clear and consistent path to qualification.
Improving the examination and certification experience has become a priority of the regulator’s modernization efforts. Over the past two years, the regulator has moved to streamline certification, making the overall process faster, more transparent and easier to navigate.
After consultation with key stakeholders—candidates, employers and industries—the certification journey is being simplified and made more accessible, without compromising public safety.
With safety always at the forefront, we’re committed to making entry into regulated trades clearer and more accessible. By listening to feedback and aligning our processes, we’re removing unnecessary barriers and introducing flexibility and convenience for skilled candidates. For employers and industries, these efficiencies translate to a larger pool of qualified workers, ready to contribute to both safety and the economy in Ontario.
Bonnie Rose, President and CEO, Technical Standards and Safety Authority
Bonnie Rose, TSSA’s President and CEO, says, “With safety always at the forefront, we’re committed to making entry into regulated trades clearer and more accessible. By listening to feedback and aligning our processes, we’re removing unnecessary barriers and introducing flexibility and convenience for skilled candidates. For employers and industries, these efficiencies translate to a larger pool of qualified workers, ready to contribute to both safety and the economy in Ontario.”
Improvements include engaging a third-party examination provider to offer candidates more test locations and scheduling options, and the launch of computer-based exam formats by spring 2026. These updates will provide greater convenience, speedier access to results and, in turn, quicker entry into the skilled workforce.
Removing Barriers for Canada’s Skilled Labour
As Canada continues to strengthen labour mobility and build a stronger national economy, TSSA is aligning its processes to expedite certification for individuals holding equivalent credentials in other provinces or territories, making it easier for skilled workers to bring their expertise to Ontario.
Additionally, with confidence in a strong national framework for safety in its regulated industries, the regulator has addressed the need for fully qualified out-of-province professionals to have an understanding of Ontario safety codes through attestation instead of a local knowledge examination. This updated requirement supports a smoother path to participation in Ontario and contribution to the province’s safety network.
For more information about examination and certification, please visit TSSA’s website.
