www.hvactechgroup.com - forums

It looks like there are now two ways to obtain G2 Certification in Ontario.

The 636G Apprenticeship with the MTCU requires you pay $100 and take a 30 hour Fuels Safety Workshop to obtain a G2-T Certificate which expires in 4 years.  Then you require 3 levels of in school training at 240 hours each for a total of 720 hours.  Prices for schooling would vary.  Then you need 5400 hours of work experience which is nearly 2.5 years before you can spend another $100 to write the G2 exam.  Download the Policies and Procedures 636G Apprenticeship Gas Technician Certification document - Here

Anyone can spend a $200 and challenge the G3 exam with the TSSA then work 4000 hours or 2 years and spend another $200 to challenge the G2 exam.  It costs $100 to challenge and $100 for the application process.  You must also complete a TSSA practical evaluation within 1 year of challenging the G3 exam.  The TSSA charges $135/hr.  You could only challenge 3 times and would be required to take a full training program if you did not pass.

Using the MTCU would be an advantage for employers who need to quickly certify their staff.  Simply have the employee take the 30 hours Fuels Safety Course and pay $100 and you have a G2-T for 4 years.  Of course they would need a certificate holder to apprentice under.  With the MTCU there is no risk of failing a challenge exam, as there is with the TSSA.  If you complete the G3 sign off package the G3 could work with general supervision rather then needing direct supervision.

Also, if an exisiting G3 decided to trade in for a G2-T and for whatever reason quit the 636G Apprenticeship program they could request to get their G3 certification back, which does not expire.  I don't really see any benefit for a G3 to switch to the 636G Apprenticeship if the goal is to get G2 certification.

The old Gas Technician 2 course will soon be phased out. So my advice to any G3 especially those who are not current in the field is to take the Gas Technician 2 course while its still being recognized by TSSA.