As of March 31, 2025, people representing the diversity of Quebec society (including women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and more) can enjoy easier access to construction sites as the result of two new measures.
These measures concern Apprentice Competency Certificates (ACC) and Occupation Competency Certificates (OCC).
The changes are as follows:
1. Apprentice Competency Certificates (ACC)
You will be able to obtain a first ACC without presenting a job guarantee or having the academic prerequisites if:
- you can demonstrate that you have acquired at least 35% of the duration of apprenticeship in a given trade (except for the trade of crane operator).
Academic prerequisites will, however, be required to renew the ACC.
2. Occupation Competency Certificates (OCC)
You will be able to obtain an OCC without a job guarantee if:
- you have 750 hours of work experience performed in relevant construction-related activities not subject to Act R-20.
Are you a member of one of the targeted groups?
You must voluntarily identify yourself to the CCQ to benefit from these measures.
Find out more here: ccq.org/inclusion
A quick reminder:
These changes are part of the Act to modernize the construction industry, adopted in May 2024, which introduced several other new measures to the industry.
Learn more here: ccq.org/modernization.
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