The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers the certification of occupations regulated under the Technical Safety and Standards Act, 2000. As a part of that process, TSSA offers certification and training services for Amusement Device Mechanics in Ontario.
TSSA’s Amusement Device Mechanic Policies and Procedures (pdf) outline the requirements for the certification of amusement device mechanics. This document includes important definitions, information on the different Skills Passports, and a certificate holder's rights, privileges, and obligations.
Before carrying out work on an amusement device, a mechanic must first obtain one of the following certificates as specified in Ontario Regulation 187/03, Certification and Training of Amusement Device Mechanics.
- Amusement Device Mechanic Certifications Offered by TSSA
- Amusement Device Mechanic, Amusement Ride (ADM-AR)
- Amusement Device Mechanic, Go-Kart (ADM-GK)
- Amusement Device Mechanic, Water Slide (ADM-WS)
- Amusement Device Mechanic, Bungee (ADM-B)
- Amusement Device Mechanic, Inflatable (ADM-I)
- Amusement Device Mechanic, Zipline (ADM Zipline)
Skills Passports
All amusement device mechanics and mechanics-in-training must hold and maintain a Skills Passport for the scope of work they are performing. A Skills Passport documents the experience and skills acquired in several specific areas within the amusement devices industry. These passports also help supervising mechanics, inspectors, employers, and mechanics-in-training to determine the areas that a Skills Passport holder may require additional experience or training.
The following are the different types of TSSA Skills Passports used by amusement device mechanics and mechanics-in-training:
- Amusement Ride Mechanics Skills Passport (pdf)
- Inflatable Mechanics Skills Passport (pdf)
- Go Kart Mechanics Skills Passport (pdf)
- Water Slide Mechanics Skills Passport (pdf)
- Zip Line Mechanics Skills Passport (pdf)
Certificate and Examination
Mechanics-in-training or mechanics seeking a certification classification (i.e. ADM-AR, ADM-I, etc.) must:
Step 1: Submit an application via the Client Portal
Step 2: Attach detailed documentation
Provide proof of work experience, including letters from current and/or previous employers on company letterhead, signed and dated by an authorized person of the company verifying the nature of the work experience. Details must include, but are not limited to, specific dates during which the experience has been gained, the specific types of amusement devices (i.e., amusement rides, waterslides, inflatable devices, etc.), the nature of work performed (was the work done installation or maintenance), and in what capacity.
If verification of work experience cannot be obtained from previous employers or the applicant is the owner or contractor, TSSA’s Director will review and may accept a Notarized Statutory Declaration by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Taking Oaths. The original declaration must be submitted and include the above information.
Step 3: Attach the Practical Skills or Experience Sign-Off Document (Skills Passport)
A copy of the completed Skills Passport published by the designated administrative authority. Current or valid supervising mechanics must complete the Skills Passport, which shall accurately represent the experience and training gained during the qualifying period.
Step 4: Pay the fee per the Fee Schedule
Applicants who follow the above procedure can expect a response from TSSA within 15 business days.
For more information about the process for Amusement Device Mechanic Certification, please read Amusement Device Mechanic Policies and Procedures.
Certificate Renewal
A valid certificate indicates that an Amusement Device Mechanic is legally authorized to operate in a TSSA-regulated industry. Certificate holders must renew their certificates before they expire. TSSA will send a certificate renewal invoice 60 days before the expiry date. To avoid incurring the late renewal fee, certificate holders must renew their certificates before the expiry date.
If you do not receive the invoice, please log in to the TSSA Client Portal to access and pay the invoice.
Certificate Reinstatement
Amusement device mechanics must apply for recertification if they failed to renew their certificate of qualification within 12 months from the expiry date. As outlined in Ontario Regulation 187/03, s. 6 (5) and the Amusement Device Mechanic Policies & Procedures Document, applicants who have been approved for reinstatement will take a written reinstatement exam.
How to Reinstate a Certificate:
Step 1: Submit an application via the Client Portal
Step 2: Provide detailed proof of work experience
Include letters from current and/or previous employers on company letterhead, signed by an authorized person of the company, verifying the nature of the work experience. Details must include, but are not limited to, specific periods where experience has been gained, the specific types of amusement devices, and the nature of work performed (i.e., amusement rides, waterslides, inflatable devices, etc.) where the work is performed (in installation or maintenance), and in what capacity.
If verification of work experience cannot be obtained from previous employers or the applicant is the owner or contractor, TSSA’s Director will review and may accept a Notarized Statutory Declaration by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Taking Oaths. The original declaration must be submitted and include the above information.
Step 3: Practical Skills or Experience Sign-Off Document (Skills Passport)
Attach a copy of the completed Skills Passport published by the designated administrative authority. The Skills Passport, which must be completed by a current or valid supervising mechanic(s), should accurately represent the experience and training gained during the qualifying period.
Step 4: Pay the fee per the Fee Schedule
Applicants who follow the above procedure can expect a response from TSSA within 15 business days.
Out-of-Province: Equivalent Certificate
Applying for a certificate from outside Ontario allows an individual within Canada who has been certified for a specific occupation in one province or territory to be recognized for the equivalent certification in another province or territory without undertaking additional training, experience, exam, or assessments. Recognizing equivalent certification across Canada benefits both workers and employers alike. For more information on recognized out-of-province equivalent certificates and how to apply, visit Out-of-Province Certificate Holders.
Out-of-Province: Applying without Recognized Equivalency
Out-of-province applicants who have acquired work experience in their home jurisdiction may apply for an Out-of-Province or Certificate Assessment. Applicants who have acquired work experience in another province or country may apply for a Certificate Assessment to validate their credentials against TSSA’s standards. Applicants must:
Step 1: Submit an application via the Client Portal
Step 2: Attach detailed documentation
Include letters from current and/or previous employers on company letterhead, signed by an authorized person of the company, verifying the nature of the work experience. Details must include, but are not limited to, specific periods where experience has been gained, the specific types of Passenger Ropeways, and the nature of work performed (i.e., detachable or fixed grip, working in maintenance or construction), and in what capacity.
If verification of work experience cannot be obtained from previous employers or the applicant is the owner or contractor, TSSA’s Director will review and may accept a Notarized Statutory Declaration by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Taking Oaths. The original declaration must be submitted and include the above information.
Step 3: Training Programs or Courses
Applicants must submit a list of detailed training programs or courses completed that relate to the certification classification applied for (i.e., ADM-AR, ADM-I etc.).
Applicants must submit detailed course outlines as they relate to the completed training programs or courses that relate to the certification classification applied for (i.e., ADM-AR, ADM-I, etc.).
Transcripts are mandatory
Step 4: Confirmation of Out-of-Province Certification
Applicants must submit copies of Out-of-Province Certification as appropriate.
Step 5: Legislation
Applicants must submit copies of the appropriate legislation as it pertains to the scope of authorization or certification.
Step 6: Pay the applicable fee per the Fee Schedule
All documentation must be translated into English by a certified translator. The original certified translated documents must also be submitted.
Applicants who follow the above procedure can expect a response from TSSA within 15 business days.