Building a new home requires a high level of expertise, which is why the HCRA mandates that builders demonstrate core competencies as part of the licensing process. Under s.38 of the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017 licensed builders and vendors must meet and maintain these standards. The following educational course competencies are required for both initial licensing and licence renewal:

1. Business Planning and Management
2. Financial Planning and Management
3. Project Management and Supervision
4. Legal Issues in Housing
5. Customer Service and Tarion Requirements
6. Building Codes in Ontario*
7. Construction Technology *

*Not required for seller-only licence applications.

Meeting the Competency Requirement

To obtain or renew a licence from the HCRA, applicants must demonstrate they meet the competency requirement. For licence renewals, applicants must re-establish competency if an individual or competency-holder leaves the organization, or if the licence has expired for more than two years.

Applicants may meet the competency requirement through:

1. Successful completion of HCRA-approved courses or a challenge exam through Algonquin College or Training Ontario, or buildABILITY.

A person or group of people (principals, directors, officers, or senior employees) within the organization can successfully complete the HCRA-approved courses or complete a challenge exam by achieving a passing grade of at least 70% for each required competency.

2. Demonstrate competency through the HCRA’s equivalency process

The HCRA may grant equivalency recognition if an applicant demonstrates sufficient knowledge in competency areas through industry experience, professional designation, or education courses equivalent to HCRA-approved courses via the Competency Course Equivalency Process (CCEP).

Applicants should not submit a licence application until they have received a decision about their CCEP request from the HCRA. Applications for licence will be considered incomplete and will not be processed unless the competency requirement is met.

Pre-qualification Survey

Applicants must complete the Pre-qualification Survey and follow the provided instructions to apply for equivalency. Additionally, attach all appropriate documentation and submit these to the HCRA by email or by mail using the details below. There is no fee for the equivalency assessment service.

HCRA staff will advise the potential applicant if they require additional information to assess experience or course equivalencies.

Contact Us

Email
competency_info@hcraontario.ca

Mail
Home Construction Regulatory Authority
Licensing and Customer Service Department
40 Sheppard Ave. W, Suite 400
Toronto, ON M2N 6K9

The HCRA office is closed to the public and does not accept courier deliveries.
The HCRA only accepts regular mail through Canada Post.