New CCQ Rules 2025: Easier Access to Certificates to Promote Diversity

Starting March 31, 2025, the Act Modernizing the Construction Industry (Bill 51) will introduce concrete measures to broaden access to the construction industry in Quebec.

These adjustments are particularly aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining competency certificates for several traditionally underrepresented groups.

The goal is clear: to facilitate the entry of diverse individuals onto construction sites by reducing certain administrative requirements and further recognizing experience gained outside the usual framework of Law R-20.

The new provisions are specifically aimed at women, members of First Nations and Inuit communities, as well as individuals representative of Quebec's diversity, including visible minorities, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.

Easier Access to Competency Certificates

In practical terms, an eligible person will be able to obtain an apprentice competency certificate (CCA) without having to provide a job guarantee or meet the usual educational prerequisites.

To benefit from this, however, they will need to demonstrate that they have a combination of vocational training and work experience equivalent to at least 35% of the hours required to complete the apprenticeship for the targeted trade.

Note that this measure does not apply to the crane operator trade.

When renewing the CCA, educational prerequisites will need to be provided.

The occupation competency certificate (CCO) will also be accessible without a job guarantee for individuals who have accumulated 750 hours of relevant work performed outside the scope of Law R-20.

To better understand these types of certificates, consult our guide on access criteria for competency certificates.

Voluntary Process with the CCQ

For these measures to be applied, the individuals concerned must voluntarily identify themselves to the Commission de la construction du Québec as belonging to one of the targeted groups.
➡️ www.ccq.org/inclusion

Additional Changes to Watch

In addition to the measures related to certificates, other modifications will come into effect. Employers will no longer be required to provide a 150-hour job guarantee for initial CCA and CCO applications.

Employees who have accumulated 15,000 hours or more will be able to be assigned anywhere in Quebec, regardless of the employer.

Starting May 1, 2025, collective agreements will no longer be able to contain clauses restricting employee mobility.

Finally, the law introduces a principle of versatility in certain work contexts, allowing workers to temporarily perform tasks related to their trade within the same work sequence.

For Employers: More Accessible Workforce

These relaxations offer more flexibility to employers in their hiring processes and allow them to more easily meet their workforce needs.

To Learn More

• 📘 Act Modernizing the Industry: www.ccq.org/modernisation
• 📩 Contact: modernisation@ccq.org
• 📄 Voluntary Identification: www.ccq.org/inclusion

Conclusion

These measures open the door to a more representative and accessible work environment. To view available worker profiles or post a job offer:
🔗 https://construmd.com/en