Out of Province Master Electrician (ME) Licence

If you hold a Master Electrician (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:

Jurisdiction

Process to Become an ME in Ontario

Alberta

If you have a valid Master Electrician (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 (this includes payment).
  • To keep working beyond those 6 months, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context) and submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application.

To learn more about the process, click 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 (this includes payment).
  • To keep working beyond those 6 months, you must apply for, write and pass ESA’s ME Exam (version focused on Ontario context) and submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application.

To learn more about the process, click 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) and submit a completed, streamlined Ontario ME Licence Application.

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* 
 

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

Step 1: Submit a completed Provisional ESA ME Licence Application

Email the application (*found here*) 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 work as an ME in Ontario.

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

If you intend to work in Ontario beyond the six months, continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Pass the Master Electrician (ME) Exam

This ME Exam version is focused on the Ontario context.

The exam information and application, including the 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.

The completed exam application must be submitted to Masters.Exam@electricalsafety.on.ca.

Step 3: Apply for your Ontario Master Electrician Licence 

Once you pass ESA’s ME Exam, you must apply for your full Ontario Master Electrician Licence. ESA will issue your Ontario ME Licence within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application.

If you do not pass the exam and/or submit a complete Ontario Master Electrician Licence Application within 6 months of the date your Provisional ME Licence was issued, your Provisional Licence will expire. This means you will no longer be allowed to work as a Master Electrician in Ontario. To reapply, 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.