TSSA will enforce the new requirement starting January 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Gas Technician 3 (G3) certificate holders who earned their certification through the challenge process must provide proof of 450 hours of G3 work experience before enrolling in a G2 program.
This new requirement seeks to ensure that candidates who obtained certification through a challenge process — specifically those who take an exam for a certificate without attending formal training — possess the necessary practical experience before pursuing higher G2 certification.
Accredited training providers of the Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician Certification Program are responsible for obtaining proof of work experience totalling 450 hours from holders of G3 certificates. An acceptable form of proof includes a letter from the employer on company letterhead, confirming the candidate’s G3 work experience.
Background
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) administers the Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician Certification Program. Following consultation with accredited training providers, TSSA revised the Gas & Oil Burner Technician Policies & Procedures (section 6.5) in March 2025 to reflect this new requirement.
TSSA deferred the enforcement of this requirement to January 1, 2026, to give accredited training providers of this certification program time to implement this new requirement in screening processes for candidates of the G2 program.
TSSA is identifying ways to help accredited training providers determine whether a G3 certificate holder obtained their certificate through the challenge process.
To communicate this new requirement to potential candidates, TSSA will:
- Post information on its website
- Indicate the new requirement on the G3 challenge application form on the TSSA Client Portal
- Remind G3 candidates of the new requirement during practical assessments
- Notify employers of G3 certificate holders through the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
For details, please read the Gas & Oil Burner Technician Policies & Procedures.