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Apprenticeship Exemption Test

Sheridan is a Ministry-approved Apprenticeship Exemption Test centre, authorized through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD), for both apprentices and non-apprentices.

What is an Apprenticeship Exemption Test (AET)?

The AET provides a chance for students who are learning a skilled trade to bypass in-class studies.

In most cases, you need to score 70% or higher to pass the AET. If you score lower than 70%, you'll need to wait three months before you can try again (with some exceptions for certain exams). If you have questions about this, please contact Skilled Trades Ontario.

After successfully completing an AET, you have two years to become a registered apprentice. You're responsible for reporting your test results to the MLITSD.

    • Arborist – Level 1 – 444A
    • Asbestos Abatement Supervisor – Level 1 – 253S
    • Asbestos Abatement Worker – Level 1 – 253W
    • Autobody Collision and Damage Repairer (Common Core) – Level 1 – 310B
    • Autobody Repairer (Common Core) – Level 1 – 310Q
    • Automotive Painter – Level 1 – 410N
    • Automotive Service Technician – Level 1 – 310S
    • Brick and Stone Mason – Level 1 – 401A
    • Brick and Stone Mason – Level 2 – 401A
    • Brick and Stone Mason – Level 3 – 401A,
    • Child & Youth Worker – Reportable Subjects 1.2-1.11, 2.1, 2.4-2.9, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1
    • Commercial Vehicle and Equipment Technician – Level 1 – 425E (Common Core)
    • Commercial Vehicle and Equipment Technician – Level 2 – 425E (Common Core)
    • Construction Craft Worker – Level 1 – 450A
    • Construction Craft Worker – Level 2 – 450A
    • Construction and Maintenance Electrician – Level 3 – 309A
    • Construction Mechanic Millwright – Level 1 – 426A (Common Core)
    • Dairy Herdsperson – Level 1 – 640D
    • Drywall Acoustic and Lathing Applicator – Level 1 – 451A
    • Educational Assistant – Level 1 – 620E
    • Educational Assistant – Level 2 – 620E
    • Electrician - Construction & Maintenance – Level 1 – 309A (Common Core)
    • Electrician - Construction & Maintenance – Level 2 – 309A (Common Core)
    • Electrician - Domestic & Rural – Level 1 – 309C (Common Core)
    • Electrician - Domestic & Rural – Level 1 – 309C (Common Core)
    • Electrician - Industrial – Level 1 – 442A (Common Core)
    • Electrician - Industrial – Level 2 – 442A (Common Core)
    • Elevating Devices Mechanic – Reportable Subjects 2-25
    • Facilities Mechanic – Level 1 – 255W (Common Core)
    • Facilities Technician – Level 1 – 255B (Common Core)
    • Foundation Drill Rig Operator – 930100
    • General Machinist – Level 1 – 429A (Precision Machining & Tooling Trades – Common Core)
    • Hairstylist – Level 1 – 322A
    • Hairstylist – Level 2 – 322A
    • Industrial Electrician – Level 3 – 442A
    • Industrial Mechanic Millwright – Level 1 – 433A – 426A
    • Industrial Mechanic Millwright – Level 2 – 433A
    • Industrial Mechanic Millwright – Level 3 – 433A
    • Information Technology Common Core: Contact Centre Technical Support Agent – Level 1 – 634A
    • Information Technology: Contact Centre Technical Support Agent – Level 2 – 634A
    • Information Technology Common Core: Contact Centre Sales Agent – Level 1 – 634D
    • Information Technology: Contact Centre Sales Agent – Level 2 – 634D
    • Information Technology Common Core: Contact Centre Customer Service Agent – Level 1 – 634E
    • Information Technology: Contact Centre Customer Service Agent – Level 2 – 634E
    • Machine Tool Builder Integrator – Level 1 – 630T (Precision Machining & Tooling Trades – Common Core)
    • Machine Tool Builder Integrator – Level 2 – 430M
    • Machine Tool Builder Integrator – Level 3 – 430M
    • Mobile Crane Operator (0-8 ton) – 930030
    • Motorcycle Technician – Level 1 – 310G
    • Motorcycle Technician – Level 2 – 310G
    • Mould Maker – Level 1 – 443A (Precision Machining & Tooling Trades – Common Core)
    • Mould Maker – Level 2 – 431A
    • Mould Maker – Level 3 – 431A
    • Parts Technician – Level 1 – 240P
    • Parts Technician – Level 2 – 240P
    • Pattern Maker – Level 1 -– 430A (Precision Machining & Tooling Trades – Common Core)
    • Pressure Systems Welder – Level 1 – 456P
    • Pressure Systems Welder – Level 2 – 456P
    • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic – Level 1 – 313A
    • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic – Level 2 – 313A
    • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic – Level 3 – 313A
    • Residential Air Conditioning Systems – Level 1 – 313D
    • Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic – Level 2 – 313D
    • Sheet Metal Worker – Level 3 – 308A
    • Tool and Die Maker – Level 1 – 430M (Precision Machining & Tooling Trades – Common Core)
    • Tool and Die Maker – Level 2 – 430A
    • Tool and Die Maker – Level 3 – 430A
    • Tool/Tooling Maker – Level 1 – 431A (Precision Machining & Tooling Trades – Common Core)
    • Tool/Tooling Maker – Level 2 – 630T
    • Tool/Tooling Maker – Level 3 – 630T
    • Utility Arborist/Arborist Common Core Level 1 (same as Arborist/Utility Arborist item #1) – Level 1 – 444A 444B
    • Utility Arborist – Level 2 – 444B

Who can write an AET?

  • You must be at least 16 years old.
  • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) participants are eligible to write an AET.
  • You are not required to be an apprentice to write an AET.
  • You must meet all the entry-level requirements for the trade you're seeking an exemption for, and some exemption tests have prerequisites (such as courses and certifications). To learn about the prerequisites required for your test, please contact Skilled Trades Ontario directly. Most exemption tests do not have prerequisites.

How can I register for an AET?

Apprenticeship Exemption Test sessions are held once a month at the Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga, and the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville.

Book at the Mississauga location

Book at the Oakville location

What are the fees for writing an AET?

  • Apprenticeship Exemption Test: $169.50 ($150 + HST)
  • Apprenticeship Exemption Reportable Subject Test: $56.50 per subject ($50 + HST)

Fees are paid at the time of booking.

What should I bring on the day of testing?

Before entering the exam room, you'll be required to present:

  1. Your Social Insurance Card/Document (original*), and
  2. One piece of valid government-issued photo ID (original)*. Acceptable forms of photo ID include: driver's license, Canadian or foreign passport, Ontario photo card, Status of First Nations Card, Permanent Resident Card. Ontario law forbids Sheridan College from requesting that candidates present their Ontario Photo Health Cards. Candidates voluntarily presenting their Ontario Photo Health Card as proof of identification will be accepted.

*Photocopies or electronic copies of the above documents will NOT be accepted. If you're not able to show the required original documents before the exam time, you'll be asked to reschedule. There are absolutely no exceptions. Similarly, if you're not able to make payment before the exam time, you'll be asked to reschedule.

Exam-specific documentation and prerequisites

  • Before entering the exam room to write this exam, you must also present:

    • Proof of certification in 253W; and
    • Proof of completion of 253S; and
    • Proof of MTCU registration to be obtained in writing from the Signing Authority of the employer, the client producing a copy of the Modular Training Application, or by contacting the local apprenticeship office.
  • Before entering the exam room to write this exam, you must also present:

    • Proof of completion of the 253W training course (Note: 253H is not sufficient training to be eligible to take the 253W certification course); and
    • Proof of MTCU registration to be obtained in writing from the Signing Authority of the employer, the client producing a copy of the Modular Training Application, or by contacting the local apprenticeship office.
  • Before entering the exam room to write this exam, you must also present:

    • Confirmation of registration in ministry program; and
    • Proof of MTCU registration to be obtained in writing from the Signing Authority of the employer, the client producing a copy of the Modular Training Application, or by contacting the local apprenticeship office.
  • Before entering the exam room to write this exam, you must also present:

    • Copy of the completed Learning Outcomes Completion Form; and
    • Proof of MTCU registration to be obtained in writing from the Signing Authority of the employer, the client producing a copy of the Modular Training Application, or by contacting the local apprenticeship office.

Contact information

To find out more about the Apprenticeship Exemption Test process, please contact Karen Agaton at agatonk@sheridancollege.ca

For more information about test prerequisites, employment, training and certification, contact Skilled Trades Ontario or visit the Skilled Trades Ontario website.

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