- Will I still be able to take out an application for inspection if I do not hold a valid Electrical Contractor or Provisional Electrical Contractor licence after January 1, 2007?
- If you are doing work on your own home or if you are an occupant in a residential dwelling you will be permitted to take out an application for inspection for that property only; or
- If you are operating as an Electrical Contracting business you must hold an Electrical Contractor’s Licence or a Provisional Electrical Contractor’s Licence to take out an application for inspection.
- Am I permitted to quote on electrical work if I don’t have an ECRA/ESA contractor’s licence?
No. You must have an Electrical Contractor Licence to bid on electrical work.
- Can a licensed contractor sub contract electrical work?
Yes, but only to another ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractor.
- Will a separate licence be required in each municipality?
No, commencing July 1, 2006 the ECRA/ESA Licence replaced any Electrical Contractor and Master Electrician licensing requirements so that a single licence permits electrical work to be done throughout Ontario.
- Do HVAC Contractors need an Electrical Contractor Licence?
HVAC contractors do not need an Electrical Contractor’s Licence at this time to perform work which is permitted under their qualification as defined by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.
- If I’m a pole line or substation contractor, which licence should I apply for?
If the contractor is doing utility, high voltage, pole line, substation maintenance or street lighting type work they should be filling out the application for the Provisional Electrical Contractor’s Licence. At this time, ESA will issue a Limited Provisional Electrical Contractor Licence . The limitation of electrical work will be specific to the type of qualification held by the company’s employees. At this time, a company doing this type of work is not required to have a Master Electrician on staff.
- Why can a home owner take out permits?
At this time, a home owner may take out permits as a homeowner isn’t operating an electrical contracting business and therefore is exempt from the licensing regulation.
- Will contractors from outside the province require an ECRA/ESA Licence?
Yes they are required to obtain an ECRA/ESA Licence. Click here for more information.
- What qualifications does a contractor outside of Ontario have to meet to obtain an Electrical Contractor’s licence?
Contractors coming from outside Ontario must meet the same requirements as contractors working in Ontario. Please click here for more information. There are some licensing exemptions depending on the type of work that is being done. A list of the exemptions can also be found at the bottom of the page of the above link.
- If I’m from another province or country, do my qualifications meet the requirements to obtain a licence?
Please refer to Ontario Regulation 570/05 for the specific requirements. Individuals who carry the Interprovincial certificate of qualification must contact the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities before working in Ontario, Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (1-800-387-5514).
There are some licensing exemptions depending on the type of work that is being done. Click here for a list of the exemptions which can be found at the bottom of this page.
- I’m a contractor from Quebec and I was told there was an agreement related to the qualifications that are accepted for electricians to work in Ontario.
Individuals from Quebec who carry the “Certificat de compétence- compagnon” are allowed to work as electricians under a licensed electrical contractor in Ontario. There are some licensing exemptions depending on the type of work that is being done. A list of the exemptions can be found here.
- If I have my Master Electrician’s Licence in another province, is it transferrable in Ontario?
No, the Masters licence from any other country or province is not accepted in Ontario. An individual who would like to get their Master Electrician’s licence in Ontario must meet the Master Electrician Licence requirements which includes passing a Master Electrician exam given by the Electrical Safety Authority.
- How much will the ECRA/ESA Licence cost?
The Electrical Contractor's or a Provisional Electrical Contractor's Licence cost is $365 per year (if the completed application form is received by our office on or before June 30, 2010 the GST will be applied to the licence fee. If the completed application form is received by our office on or before July 1, 2010, the HST will be applied to the licence fee).
The Master Electrician Licence cost is $75 per year (if the completed application form is received by our office on or before June 30, 2010 the GST will be applied to the licence fee. If the completed application form is received by our office on or before July 1, 2010, the HST will be applied to the licence fee).
- How do I verify that my application has been completed in full before I submit it to ECRA/ESA?
There are checklists provided on the second page of the application forms. Please make sure that you have included all the required information/documentation from the checklist before submitting your application to ECRA/ESA or you risk having it sent back as incomplete.
- The disclaimer on your forms reads: by submitting personal information to the Electrical Safety Authority, or its agents and service providers, you agree that ESA may collect, use and disclose such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy, applicable laws or pursuant to our administrative agreement with the province of Ontario. Does this mean that ESA provides information to other organizations as a "calling list" or so that others can use the information at their disposal?
No, ESA does not provide information to third parties for the purpose of soliciting. The information gathered is only used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and for the purpose of verifying its validity with the organizations it is issued by.
- How long will it take to receive my ECRA/ESA Licence?
Every effort will be made to process all completed applications within 4 weeks from the date they are received by ECRA/ESA’s customer service centre.
- Can I take out a permit immediately after I send you my application?
No. You will be able to take out permits once you have received your Electrical Contractor Licence in the mail.
- Does a Sole Proprietor require a Ministry of Revenue number?
Any contractor who is in the business of selling products is required to have a Ministry of Revenue number.
- Why does ESA need a Government tax number and what is this for?
The business registration number that is asked for on the Electrical Contractor Licence application is needed to verify that the business is a registered business in Ontario, as required by the provincial Government.
- What is WSIB?
WSIB stands for “Workplace Safety & Insurance Board”. It is a service that companies must register with if they have employees. The registration confirms that the company has insurance coverage for their employees should a work related injury occur.
- How do I obtain $2 million liability insurance?
The ESA does not associate directly with insurance companies regarding liability coverage for Contractor Licensing. You may want to refer to the Yellow Pages.
- Where does my ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence need to be displayed?
An electrical contractor shall prominently display the ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence number (ie:7999999) in all correspondence, contracts, advertisements, on business vehicles and, generally, in all situations where they are communicating with the public. This also includes yellow page ads and websites.
- Do I have to place my Electrical Contractor number on my vehicles? What is the standard size, location, etc.?
Yes, Ontario Regulation 570/05 requires that an electrical contractor shall prominently display the Licence number in all correspondence, contracts, advertisements, yellow pages, website, on business vehicles and, generally, in all situations where they are communicating with the public within 90 days of the date of issuance of their licence.
To review the guideline and obtain copies of the ECRA/ESA logo click here
- Where can I purchase vehicle decals with my ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence number on them?
To assist contractors in obtaining vehicle decals at a reduced rate, the Electrical Safety Authority has negotiated an agreement with ATD Signs Niagara. The price of vehicle decals has changed from $5.45 to $7.95 (plus taxes and shipping) for black and white decals and $9.95 (plus taxes and shipping) for colour decals. Here are the easy steps to follow to place an order:
- Contact ATD Signs Niagara:
Phone: (905) 228-1359
Fax: (905) 228-1371
Mail: P.O. Box 350 Vineland Ontario L0R 2C0
E-mail: atdniagara@cogeco.ca
- Provide your company name, address and Electrical Contractor licence number
- Choose your preferred shipping method
- Provide payment; cheque, credit card, or money order.
- Do I have to display my ECRA/ESA Master Electrician Licence number?
No, you do not need to display your ECRA/ESA Master Electrician Licence number. Only An electrical contractor shall prominently display the ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence number ie: 7999999 in all correspondence, contracts, advertisements, on business vehicles and, generally, in all situations where they are communicating with the public. This also includes yellow page ads and websites.
- If I contract out any Electrical work, can I put in my company’s advertisements that we do/offer electrical work?
No, if your company is a “general contractor”, your advertisements must say that you only use ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractors to perform the electrical work.
- Why do I have two licence numbers?
If you have a licence issued under a seven digit number that begins with a 6 (ie 6999999), this is your Master Electrician licence number. The Master Electrician (ME) Licence is issued to individuals who have met the ME requirements. The ME Licence is a requirement for an individual who wants to be the designated ME for an electrical contracting company.
If you have a licence issued under a seven digit number that begins with a 7 (ie 7999999), this is your Electrical Contractor Licence number. The Electrical Contractor Licence is issued to a company that is permitted to engage in performing electrical contracting work in Ontario.
- Does ESA provide a T2202 Tax Receipt for the Pre-Master Electrician course?
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency stipulates that the program must be taken at a designated educational institution, such as a university or college, or at an institution certified by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). The ESA does not fall into any of these categories at this time.
- How can I file a complaint against a licensed or unlicensed contractor?
Please click here for the complaints process.
PRE-MASTER COURSE AND ME LICENCE EXAM QUESTIONS
- How can I find out where and when the Pre-master electrician courses and Master Electrician exams are taking place?
The Pre-masters course and exam schedule is available on the ECRA/ESA website under the tab Pre-Master Training or by clicking on the link below.
ECRA/ESA Pre-Masters Training Course and Master Electrician Examination schedule
- Can I write my Master Electrician’s exam before I have met the three year (C of Q, PENG, CET or CTECH) requirement?
No. You are not allowed to write the Master Electrician exam until you have fulfilled the 3 year experience requirement under the appropriate Certificate of Qualification, Professional Engineers licence or as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Engineering Technician. The three years is calculated three years from the date of issuance of your licence or certification.
- Can I bring an Interpreter to the Exam?
Language Interpreter Service (LIS) is the only approved provider of Interpreters for the Master Electrician Exam. LIS was established by immigrant service agencies across Ontario in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, to provide fully qualified trained interpreters. Please contact LIS to organize an Interpreter. For a listing of the office in your area, please see the LIS Interpreter contact list on the second page of the “Master Electrician Exam Notice of Interpreter Attendance” document. See link below.
Interpreter Attendance Request Form for Master Electrician Examination (attachment)
In the event that an individual requires an Interpreter during the Master Electrician Exam, they must fax the “Master Electrician Exam Notice of Interpreter Attendance” form one week prior to the exam date for approval. Scheduling and Fees associated in organizing an interpreter are at the expense of the requesting individual.
- Can I receive my Master Electrician exam results by telephone?
No, to maintain privacy, exam results will not be provided over the telephone. Exam results are mailed out approximately 15 business days after the exam is received by the Licensing department.
- Does ESA provide a T2202 Tax Receipt for the Pre-Master Electrician course?
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency stipulates that the program must be taken at a designated educational institution, such as a university or college, or at an institution certified by the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD). The ESA does not fall into any of these categories at this time.
ME LICENSING QUESTIONS
- How does one become a Master Electrician?
If you are interested in becoming a Master Electrician you need to meet the regulation requirements under s. 11 of Ontario Regulation 570/05, which include passing the ECRA/ESA qualifying Master Electrician exam, and then apply to ECRA/ESA for a Master Electrician Licence.
Note: ESA offers Pre-Master Electrician preparatory training courses across Ontario. The Pre-Master Electrician Training Course and Exam dates will be posted as they become available.
- Can I write my Master Electrician’s exam before I have met the three year (C of Q, PENG, CET or CTECH) requirement?
No. You are not allowed to write the Master Electrician exam until you have fulfilled the 3 year experience requirement under the appropriate Certificate of Qualification, Professional Engineers licence or as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Engineering Technician. The three years is calculated three years from the date of issuance of your licence or certification.
- Can I receive my Master Electrician exam results by telephone?
No, to maintain privacy, exam results will not be provided over the telephone. Exam results are mailed out approximately 15 business days after the exam is received by the Licensing department.
- What are the C of Q’s that will be accepted under the Master Electrician Licence requirements?
The C of Q’s that will be accepted under the Master Electrician requirement are the 309A, 309C, 309D, 309E and the 442A and must be at least 3 years old. Any questions regarding your C of Q please contact the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities or call 1-800-387-5514.
- Other than “electricians”, what other qualifications are accepted under the ME Licence requirements?
The other qualifications that are accepted under the Master Electrician Licence is a licensed Professional Engineer, registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario and a Certified Engineering Technologist and a Certified Engineering Technician, registered with The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
- Does an associate member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists meet the requirements for obtaining an ME Licence?
No, only certified OACETT members are accepted.
- What is the size of the passport photo that is required for the Master Electrician Licence?
The size of the passport photo that is required is 2 ¾ “X 2” (5cm X 7cm).
- What will my Master Electrician Licence look like?
A sample of the Master Electrician Licence can be viewed by clicking here
- Do I have to display my ECRA/ESA Master Electrician Licence number?
No, you do not need to display your ECRA/ESA Master Electrician Licence number. Only An electrical contractor shall prominently display the ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence number ie: 7999999 in all correspondence, contracts, advertisements, on business vehicles and, generally, in all situations where they are communicating with the public. This also includes yellow page ads and websites.
- Why do I have two licence numbers?
If you have a licence issued under a seven digit number that begins with a 6 (ie 6999999), this is your Master Electrician licence number. The Master Electrician (ME) Licence is issued to individuals who have met the ME requirements. The ME Licence is a requirement for an individual who wants to be the designated ME for an electrical contracting company.
If you have a licence issued under a seven digit number that begins with a 7 (ie 7999999), this is your Electrical Contractor Licence number. The Electrical Contractor Licence is issued to a company that is permitted to engage in performing electrical contracting work in Ontario.
- How do I verify that my application has been completed in full before I submit it to ECRA/ESA?
There are checklists provided on the second page of the application forms. Please make sure that you have included all the required information/documentation from the checklist before submitting your application to ECRA/ESA or you risk having it sent back as incomplete.
- The disclaimer on your forms reads: by submitting personal information to the Electrical Safety Authority, or its agents and service providers, you agree that ESA may collect, use and disclose such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy, applicable laws or pursuant to our administrative agreement with the province of Ontario. Does this mean that ESA provides information to other organizations as a "calling list" or so that others can use the information at their disposal?
No, ESA does not provide information to third parties for the purpose of soliciting. The information gathered is only used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and for the purpose of verifying its validity with the organizations it is issued by.
- If I have my Master Electrician’s Licence in another province, is it transferrable in Ontario?
No, the Masters licence from any other country or province is not accepted in Ontario. An individual who would like to get their Master Electrician’s licence in Ontario must meet the Master Electrician Licence requirements which includes passing a Master Electrician exam given by the Electrical Safety Authority, please click here for the requirements.
- Can I renew my Master Electrician and/or Electrical Contractor’s Licence(s) over the phone?
No. You must complete the renewal form(s) and attach the requested documents with payment in order to renew your licence. Please forward them to the address shown on the header of the form(s) thirty days before the actual expiration date of the licence. This process ensures your renewal will be completed in an efficient and timely manner.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND PROVISIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSING QUESTIONS
- How do I verify that my application has been completed in full before I submit it to ECRA/ESA?
There are checklists provided on the second page of the application forms. Please make sure that you have included all the required information/documentation from the checklist before submitting your application to ECRA/ESA or you risk having it sent back as incomplete.
- Does a Sole Proprietor require a Ministry for Revenue number?
Any contractor who is in the business of selling products is required to have a Ministry for Revenue number.
- The disclaimer on your forms reads: by submitting personal information to the Electrical Safety Authority, or its agents and service providers, you agree that ESA may collect, use and disclose such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy, applicable laws or pursuant to our administrative agreement with the province of Ontario. Does this mean that ESA provides information to other organizations as a "calling list" or so that others can use the information at their disposal?
No, ESA does not provide information to third parties for the purpose of soliciting. The information gathered is only used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and for the purpose of verifying its validity with the organizations it is issued by.
- What will my Contractor’s Licence look like?
A sample of the Contractor's Licence can be viewed by clicking here
- Do HVAC Contractors need an Electrical Contractor Licence?
HVAC contractors do not need an Electrical Contractor’s Licence at this time to perform work which is permitted under their qualification as defined by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities.
- If I’m a pole line or substation contractor, which licence should I apply for?
If the contractor is doing utility, high voltage, pole line, substation maintenance or street lighting type work they should be filling out the application for the Provisional Electrical Contractor’s Licence. At this time, ESA will issue a Limited Provisional Electrical Contractor Licence. The limitation of electrical work will be specific to the type of qualification held by the company’s employees. At this time, a company doing this type of work is not required to have a Master Electrician on staff.
- I thought my Provisional Electrical Contractor’s licence was good for five years, why am I receiving a Renewal Notice now?
The Provisional Electrical Contractor’s licence provided up to a five (5) year period for an Electrical Contractor to meet the Master Electrician requirement. All ECRA/ESA licences must be renewed every 1 or 2 years as applicable.
- I have a Provisional Electrical Contractor Licence with an ME condition that has been met, how do I designate the Master to my company?
If you were issued a Provisional Electrical Contractor’s licence and have now acquired a Master Electrician, please fill out and attach the form entitled Notice of Change to Information: Designated Master Electrician to your renewal, so that we may remove the condition from your Provisional Electrical Contractor’s licence, transfer your Provisional Electrical Contractor Licence to an Electrical Contractor Licence and designate the individual as the Master Electrician for your company. If your Master has not yet applied for their Master Electrician Licence, they must also complete the Master Electrician Application Form and send it attached to your company’s renewal.
- Can I renew my Master Electrician and/or Electrical Contractor’s Licence(s) over the phone?
No. You must complete the renewal form(s) and attach the requested documents with payment in order to renew your licence. Please forward them to the address shown on the header of the form(s) thirty days before the actual expiration date of the licence. This process ensures your renewal will be completed in an efficient and timely manner.
RENEWAL OF LICENCES QUESTIONS
- Will I automatically receive my renewal for the ECRA/ESA Licence when it expires?
Yes, while ESA makes every effort to send your renewal out 90 days in advance of the day that it expires as well as a Reminder Notice 30 days in advance of the day that the licence expires, it is the licence holder’s responsibility to renew their licence(s) on time.
- What documents do I need to send with my ME/EC/EC-P licence renewal form?
- All three pages of each licence renewal form must be returned.
- A copy of a valid Certificate of Qualification, Professional Engineers Licence or a valid OACETT registration, as applicable.
- A copy of your renewed insurance certificate (Insurance Binders are unacceptable).
- An explanation must be given if you have answered “Yes” to the questions under the “Statement of Fact” section.
- Payment for the licence as indicated on the renewal forms. Your licence fees cannot be paid through your ESA Account.
- Any updates or changes to your licensing information.
In addition, if your prospective Master Electrician has not yet obtained their Master Electrician’s licence, but has written and passed the exam, please have them complete the Master Electrician Application form as well as the Notice of Change to Information: Designated Master Electrician. Please submit these two forms with your Provisional Electrical Contractor Licence Renewal so we may process the change all at once.
- The disclaimer on your forms reads: by submitting personal information to the Electrical Safety Authority, or its agents and service providers, you agree that ESA may collect, use and disclose such personal information in accordance with its privacy policy, applicable laws or pursuant to our administrative agreement with the province of Ontario. Does this mean that ESA provides information to other organizations as a "calling list" or so that others can use the information at their disposal?
No, ESA does not provide information to third parties for the purpose of soliciting. The information gathered is only used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and for the purpose of verifying its validity with the organizations it is issued by.
- Can I renew my Master Electrician and/or Electrical Contractor’s Licence(s) over the phone?
No. You must complete the renewal form(s) and attach the requested documents with payment in order to renew your licence. Please forward them to the address shown on the header of the form(s) thirty days before the actual expiration date of the licence. This process ensures your renewal will be completed in an efficient and timely manner.
- I thought my Provisional Electrical Contractor’s licence was good for five years, why am I receiving a Renewal Notice now?
The Provisional Electrical Contractor’s licence provided up to a five (5) year period for an Electrical Contractor to meet the Master Electrician requirement. All ECRA/ESA licences must be renewed every 1 or 2 years as applicable.
- Why do I have two licence numbers?
If you have a licence issued under a seven digit number that begins with a 6 (ie 6999999), this is your Master Electrician licence number. The Master Electrician (ME) Licence is issued to individuals who have met the ME requirements. The ME Licence is a requirement for an individual who wants to be the designated ME for an electrical contracting company.
If you have a licence issued under a seven digit number that begins with a 7 (ie 7999999), this is your Electrical Contractor Licence number. The Electrical Contractor Licence is issued to a company that is permitted to engage in performing electrical contracting work in Ontario.
ENFORCEMENT QUESTIONS
- Do I have to place my Electrical Contractor number on my vehicles? What is the standard size, location, etc.?
Yes, Ontario Regulation 570/05 requires that an electrical contractor shall prominently display the Licence number in all correspondence, contracts , advertisements, yellow pages, website, on business vehicles and, generally, in all situations where they are communicating with the public within 90 days of the date of issuance of their licence.
To review the guideline and obtain copies of the ECRA/ESA logo click here
- Where does my ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence need to be displayed?
An electrical contractor shall prominently display the ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence number (ie:7999999) in all correspondence, contracts and advertisements, on business vehicles and, generally, in all situations where they are communicating with the public. This also includes yellow page ads and websites.
- If I contract out any Electrical work, can I put in my company’s advertisements that we do/offer electrical work?
No, if your company is a “general contractor”, your advertisements must say that you only use ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractors to perform the electrical work.
- What is ESA doing about unlicensed Contractors who are still doing electrical work?
Licensing enforcement came into effect on January 1, 2007. ESA has implemented processes stemming from complaints to prosecutions. The number of contractors who have been found to be in violation of the licensing regulation can be viewed here. ESA regularly conducts enforcement inspections and investigations. This process includes the issuance of administrative penalties (fines), laying of charges and prosecutions for those who choose to violate the regulations.
- How does ESA know if someone is doing electrical work without a licence?
We currently receive complaints through our complaints process from consumers, contractors, inspectors and other ESA staff when a contractor is suspected of doing electrical work without a licence.
- If I see someone doing electrical work and I’m not sure they have a licence, how can I find out if they are licensed?
There are several ways to check if a contractor is licensed:
- Look on our website at www.pluginsafely.ca or www.esaecra.info
- Call 1-877-esa-safe (372-7233) and choose option 3 for Contractor Licensing
- Check the correspondence that the contractor has given you if any (quote, business card, licence number, work vehicle). If they are licensed, you should be able to find their licence number on their correspondence or vehicle. For example the number would look like this: ECRA/ESA 7999999.
- How can I file a complaint against a licensed or unlicensed contractor?
Please refer to the complaints process.
