Trade Playbook

Roofing

No provincial trade licence required

Roofing is non-compulsory — no provincial licence is required to start — which makes it accessible, but Working at Heights training is mandatory and manufacturer certifications gate the commercial warranty work.

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Getting inBecome a rooferHow people actually enter this trade: sponsors, registration, hours, and school.Open Getting certifiedFinish your ticketAlready an apprentice? The Last Mile guide: closing out hours, booking the exam, exam day.Open Comparing optionsWhat roofers makePay by stage, the lanes that change the number, and the difference between a wage and a business rate.Open Going out on your ownStart a roofing businessThe step-by-step from qualified tradesperson to incorporated, insured, bid-ready owner.Open Just lookingCommon questionsLicences, costs, timelines: the questions everyone asks, answered straight.Open

Roofing at a glance

Licence to do the work
Not required — 449A Roofer is voluntary; Working at Heights IS mandatory
Path in
Start on a crew — most roofers learn on the job; apprenticeship available
Regulated by
Ministry of Labour (Working at Heights); municipality
Insurance baseline
$2M CGL; among the highest WSIB rate groups
Union route
United Union of Roofers locals

The licensing layer, explained

Roofer (449A) is a voluntary trade; no provincial licence is required. What is mandatory is Working at Heights training for anyone on a roof, plus a municipal business licence, building permits, WSIB, and insurance. Manufacturer-certified installer programs (GAF, Carlisle, Soprema, IKO, Firestone) gate commercial warranty work.

Certifications in this trade

Insurance to expect

Roofing is one of the highest fall-risk trades and a target for higher WSIB rates and insurance scrutiny. Working at Heights certification is mandatory; carry $2M CGL minimum and keep crews trained.

Go to the source

The official pages that govern this trade. Bookmark these, they are the final word on requirements and fees.

Keep reading

449A RooferIncorporationCRA RegistrationWSIB & ProvincialTrade LicensingInsuranceSafety ComplianceOperational SetupBid Readiness

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