What 309A is
309A is the Ontario trade code for Electrician (Construction and Maintenance). The Certificate of Qualification is issued by Skilled Trades Ontario.
In general terms, the scope covers installing, maintaining, testing and repairing electrical wiring, systems and equipment on construction and maintenance work, to the applicable codes.
What compulsory means
No ticket, no tools. 309A is a compulsory trade in Ontario: to legally work in the trade you must hold the Certificate of Qualification or be a registered apprentice in it. In a compulsory trade, working without being certified or registered is not a paperwork problem, it is illegal.
Hiring uncertified labour for 309A work exposes the contractor too.
The way in
The main route in is a registered apprenticeship through Skilled Trades Ontario; hour and competency requirements are published there. Experienced workers from elsewhere can apply to Skilled Trades Ontario to have credentials or experience assessed.
The Red Seal exam
Electrician (Construction and Maintenance) is a Red Seal trade. Passing the interprovincial Red Seal exam adds the Red Seal endorsement, which lets the holder work across provinces without re-examination.
The Red Seal exam is multiple-choice, built from the Red Seal Occupational Standard. Pass mark, question count, breakdown, sample questions and counselling sheets are published on red-seal.ca.
Every ticket and cert, in one place
Blue Crane keeps every ticket, cert and renewal for the crew in one place, filed to the worksite, with warnings before anything lapses. Free for 30 days, no card.
FAQ
Can I do electrical work in Ontario without a 309A?
Not in the trade's scope. 309A is a compulsory trade, so you must hold the Certificate of Qualification or be a registered apprentice to legally do the work. The trade's scope and the requirements are published by Skilled Trades Ontario.
What is the difference between 309A and 442A?
They are different Ontario electrician trades: 309A is Construction and Maintenance and 442A is Industrial. Which one fits depends on the work you do; Skilled Trades Ontario publishes the scope of each.
Does my 309A work outside Ontario?
The 309A itself is an Ontario credential. Passing the interprovincial Red Seal exam adds the Red Seal endorsement, which is recognized across provinces and territories without re-examination.
More on the training hub, or see the 433A and 306A tickets.