Going out on your own

How to start a commissioning firm in Ontario

Commissioning providers verify that a building's systems actually perform the way they were designed — testing HVAC, controls, and electrical before handover and tuning them after. It is a quality-assurance business, required for LEED and increasingly demanded by owners and codes.

Commissioning Provider at a glance

Credential: Not licensed — BCxP / CxA credentials are the recognized marks
Path in: Building-systems (mechanical/electrical) background → Cx experience → credential
Regulated by: Not regulated; ASHRAE, AABC, BCxA, NEBB set the standards
Insurance baseline: Professional liability (E&O) for a consulting practice
Professional body: ASHRAE / Building Commissioning Association

The steps to start your practice

1
Stand up your commissioning practice
There is no firm licence — but clients expect credentialed providers (BCxP/CxA) and professional liability (E&O) insurance, and commissioning must be independent of the design and install teams. Incorporate, carry E&O, and build relationships with owners and design teams.
Full guide: Insurance
2
Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
Most professionals incorporate to limit liability and for tax efficiency. Several regulated professions (architects, engineers) can form a professional corporation with a Certificate of Authorization — confirm the right entity type with your regulator before filing.
Full guide: Incorporation
3
Set up your CRA accounts
Register for a Business Number, HST/GST (mandatory above $30,000 in revenue), payroll if you will hire, and corporate income tax. Professional service fees are HST-taxable.
Full guide: CRA Registration
4
Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
Errors & omissions insurance is the core coverage for a professional practice — and a firm-authorization condition for regulated professions. It protects against claims arising from your professional advice, designs, or certifications.
Full guide: Insurance
5
Stand up your practice operations
Business banking, professional accounting, engagement letters and contracts, and the project and document workflows a practice runs on. This is the back office that keeps you paid and protected.
Full guide: Operational Setup

Your launch checklist

The whole page in one list.

Stand up your commissioning practice
Incorporate (or form a professional corporation)
Set up your CRA accounts
Carry professional liability (E&O) insurance
Stand up your practice operations

Turn authorization into a working practice

Once the firm can practise, the next work is commercial: define the fee, prepare a credible proposal, and put a repeatable operating rhythm behind the professional work.