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Out of Province Master Electrician (ME) Licence

Recent Updates

As of January 1, 2026, recent amendments to the Ontario Labour Mobility Act will be in effect. These changes make it easier for Master Electrician (ME) applicants from outside of Ontario to begin working in the province.

A key change includes the introduction of a new ‘deemed certified’ provisional licensing process which allows individuals with an equivalent ME licence from another jurisdiction to start working in Ontario immediately while completing a streamlined registration process. This new process will impact licence holders from British Columbia and Alberta seeking an equivalent ME licence in Ontario.

For more information on the new process, please read the information below and check back often for the updates. We’re here to support you through every step.

Out of Province ME Licence Process

If you hold an ME licence or equivalent trade designation from anywhere outside of Ontario, follow the table below to see how you can work as an ME in Ontario.

Remember, you cannot offer or perform electrical services for the public in Ontario unless you hold both an ME licence and an Electrical Contractor’s licence or you are designated as the ME for a Licence Electrical Contractor. Get more information on the Electrical Contractor’s licence and how to apply here.

Jurisdiction	Process to Become an ME in Ontario
Alberta	If you have a valid ME Licence from Alberta, Ontario will recognize your licence for a six-month period. This means: You can start working within 10 business days of submitting a complete Provisional ESA ME Licence Application (including payment) and receiving your Provisional Licence. To keep working beyond those 6 months, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context). Learn more about the requirements and process here.
British Columbia	If you have a valid Field Safety Representative (FSR) Licence from British Columbia and have 3+ years of experience working in the trade, Ontario will recognize your licence for a six-month period. This means: You can start working within 10 business days of submitting a complete Provisional ESA ME Licence Application (including payment) and receiving your Provisional Licence. To keep working beyond those 6 months, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context). Learn more about the requirements and process here.
Quebec	If you have a valid Master Electrician/ Maître électricien (ME) Licence from Quebec, you can apply for your Ontario ME Licence once you meet the minimum requirements. As part of meeting the requirements, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context). Note: Individuals holding a valid Certificat de compétence – compagnon may work under a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) in Ontario and are eligible to become an ME without registering with the Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), but still need to complete the regular full ME Licence application process. Learn more about the requirements and process here.
All Other Locations	You can apply for your Ontario ME Licence once you meet the minimum requirements. Learn more about the requirements and process here.

ESA supports labour mobility by streamlining the licensing process for qualified individuals with equivalent credentials from other jurisdictions. While we make it easier for skilled professionals to work in Ontario, we do not compromise on safety or standards. ESA remains committed to addressing the underground economy and taking appropriate measures to prevent individuals from operating in Ontario without the required licence(s).

Ontario Provisional ESA ME Licence Application Process: Eligible Applicants from Alberta and British Columbia

Note: Before submitting the Provisional ESA ME Licence Application you will need to obtain your equivalent certification from Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), or the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians & Technologists (OACETT). The equivalent certification depends on your qualification(s).

Step 1: Submit a completed Provisional ESA ME Licence Application

Email the Provisional ESA ME Licence Application and required documents to ESA.Licensing@electricalsafety.on.ca.
You will be notified by email within 10 business days if your application is approved, denied, or requires more information.
Once paid for, approved applications will receive a one-time Provisional ESA ME Licence valid for a six-month period. This allows you to be licenced as an ME in Ontario.
If you intend to work in Ontario beyond the six months, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Apply for and Pass the Master Electrician (ME) Exam

The ME Exam you will write is focused on Ontario content only. The exam information and schedule can be found here.
If you have not already applied for ESA’s ME Exam, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the process to apply for, write, and receive exam results takes time. Your complete application, including proof that you passed the exam, must be completed within 6 months of the date your Provisional ESA ME Licence was issued in order to remain licensed in Ontario.
For each examination attempt, you must submit a ME Exam Application through the online ESA Licensing Platform and pay the applicable fee.

Step 3: Apply for your Ontario Master Electrician Licence

Once you pass ESA’s ME Exam, you will be issued your Ontario ME Licence.
If you do not pass the exam within 6 months of the date your Provisional ME Licence was issued, your Provisional Licence will expire and the as-of-right process will end without the ability to renew the process. This means you will no longer be allowed to work as a Master Electrician in Ontario. To apply for a full Master Electrician licence, you must submit a new full Ontario ME Licence application and meet all current licensing requirements. This includes passing ESA’s ME Exam within the past 12 months.

Forms

Provisional ESA ME Licence Application