What work requires a CCQ certificate of competence?
- coraliefortin076
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Building or renovating a house, cottage, or garage in Quebec is a major project that requires not only careful planning but also a clear understanding of legal requirements. One of the fundamental rules to follow is related to the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), which requires a certificate of competency for most construction work.
At Plan Maison Québec, we know that compliance with standards is crucial to the success of a residential project. This article will help you understand when a certificate of competency is required and why it is essential to comply with this requirement to avoid serious legal and financial consequences.
The role of the CCQ certificate of competence in the construction industry
The CCQ is a key organization in the Quebec construction industry. It ensures that all workers on construction sites have the necessary qualifications. This requirement not only protects the workers themselves, but also ensures that the buildings constructed or renovated meet high standards of safety and durability.
It also manages other aspects of the sector, such as employee benefit plans, vocational training, and the application of the industry-specific collective agreement.
What is a certificate of competence and what is it for?
A CCQ certificate of competence is an official document confirming that a worker has the necessary qualifications to practice a trade or occupation in the construction industry. There are three main types of certificates, corresponding to different levels of experience and specialization.
For example, an apprentice can obtain a certificate upon entering training, which allows them to accumulate supervised work hours. Once the apprenticeship is completed, they can take an exam to become a journeyman. There is also a certificate for workers who do not practice a specialized trade but perform general duties on construction sites, such as transporting materials or site maintenance.
At Plan Maison Québec, we work exclusively with professionals who hold the required certifications to provide our clients with reliable and compliant service.
What work requires a certificate of competence?
The general rule is as follows: as soon as work is carried out in a context covered by Act R-20, a certificate is required. This covers a wide variety of situations in the residential sector.
For example, all work affecting the structure of a building—such as the construction of a new house, the modification of a load-bearing wall, the addition of a floor, or roof repairs—requires the intervention of qualified professionals. The same applies to technical work such as the installation or modification of plumbing, electrical, ventilation, or heating systems. These interventions must be carried out by workers with the appropriate certifications.
In apartment buildings, work carried out in rental units or common areas is also covered. If you are the owner of a building and wish to undertake work yourself, be aware that this is only permitted in very specific cases, particularly if you personally occupy the dwelling and the work does not affect structural elements.
Finally, for mixed-use or commercial buildings, the legislation applies even more strictly: no work can be undertaken without qualified labor.
Exempt work: some special cases
There are, however, certain exceptions to this strict rule. A homeowner may, under certain conditions, carry out work themselves on a single-family home they live in, provided the work is not carried out for profit and does not involve structural elements or mechanical systems.
Minor maintenance work such as interior painting, installing decorative moldings, or installing floating floors is also generally exempt. These tasks do not pose significant risks to the building's structure or safety.
That said, as soon as the project becomes more complex or involves third parties, legal obligations come into play. This is why it is so important to seek professional assistance from the very beginning of the project to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Risks in case of non-compliance
Ignoring CCQ requirements can lead to costly consequences. Failure to comply can result in significant fines, immediate work stoppages by inspectors, and even legal action. Insurers may also refuse to cover a claim if the work was carried out without complying with industry standards.
This can not only compromise the progress of your project but also cause significant financial losses in the long term. At Plan Maison Québec, we help our clients avoid these pitfalls. From the design stage, we integrate legal requirements to offer you compliant and safe solutions.
How Plan Maison Québec supports you
At Plan Maison Québec, we believe that every construction or renovation project deserves a tailored approach that complies with current standards. That's why our service goes beyond simply producing plans. We support you through every key step, including:
designing a project tailored to your needs
obtaining the necessary permits
finding contractors who hold the required certifications
Our expertise ensures not only quality design but also complete peace of mind.
Thanks to our network of qualified partners, we connect you with certified professionals in the required fields, whether for framing, electricity, plumbing, or exterior cladding.
Conclusion: build legally with Plan Maison Québec
Whether you're planning to build a new home, completely renovate a cottage, or add a garage, it's imperative to ensure the work is carried out by professionals who hold the required CCQ certifications. It's a matter of safety, quality, and legal compliance.
Don't take any unnecessary risks. Contact Plan Maison Québec for comprehensive support, from the design of your plans to the implementation of the project, with certified and reliable partners.
Together, let's build a solid, safe project that meets Quebec standards.
Comments