Meeting the HCRA competency requirement
Anyone who builds or sells new homes in Ontario must be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) under the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017. Before a licence is issued, the applicant's organization has to show competency in seven areas. One person can hold all seven, or they can be shared among principals, directors, officers, or senior employees.
For builders with real industry experience, we suggest this order:
Apply for the CCEP
The Competency Course Equivalency Process lets the HCRA recognize your experience, designations, or past education. The assessment is free, and every competency it approves is one less exam to write.
Challenge what's left
Anyone can write a challenge exam without taking the course. They're intended for people with significant construction experience. The pass mark is 70%.
Take the course if needed
If you don't pass a challenge exam, you'll generally need to take the full HCRA-approved course for that competency. Attempt limits vary by course provider.
The guides
One PDF per competency area. Buy only the ones you still need after your CCEP decision.
Business Planning and Management
Business structure, planning, risk, and running a residential construction company.
Financial Planning and Management
Cash flow, budgeting, job costing, financing, and reading financial statements.
Project Management and Supervision
Scheduling, site supervision, trade coordination, safety, and quality control.
Legal Issues in Housing
Contracts, liens, disclosure, and the legislation that governs new homes.
Customer Service and Tarion Requirements
Buyer communication, pre-delivery inspections, and warranty obligations.
Building Codes in Ontario
How the Building Code applies to houses, plus permits and inspections.
Not required for seller-only licencesConstruction Technology
House-as-a-system principles, building envelope, and core components.
Not required for seller-only licencesAll seven guides
Starting a new builder licence application from scratch? The complete set covers every HCRA competency area in one download.
Free resource
New to the licensing process? Read our free guide: HCRA challenge exams explained — getting your Ontario builder licence without the course.
Questions
Who needs an HCRA licence?
Anyone who builds or sells new homes in Ontario, including custom home builders and developers selling new homes. Check the HCRA website if you're not sure whether your work needs a licence.
What are the seven competency requirements?
Business Planning and Management, Financial Planning and Management, Project Management and Supervision, Legal Issues in Housing, Customer Service and Tarion Requirements, Building Codes in Ontario, and Construction Technology. The last two aren't required for seller-only licences.
What is a challenge exam, and who can write one?
A challenge exam lets you meet a competency by writing the exam without taking the course. Anyone can register for one, but they're meant for contractors and others with significant industry experience or subject expertise. Exams are offered through the HCRA-approved course providers, and you need 70% to pass.
What is the CCEP?
The Competency Course Equivalency Process is how the HCRA assesses whether your industry experience, professional designations, or other education already meet a competency. You start by completing the HCRA's Pre-qualification Survey and submitting supporting documents. There's no fee.
Should I apply for the CCEP before writing challenge exams?
If you have industry experience, yes, we encourage it. The CCEP may recognize some competencies outright, which saves you exam fees and study time. Once you have the HCRA's decision, you'll know exactly which exams you still need to challenge.
Are these official HCRA materials?
No. These are independent study aids. They aren't produced, reviewed, or endorsed by the HCRA, Tarion, or any course provider, and they don't guarantee a passing grade.
How do I get my guide after buying?
Checkout is handled by our payment provider, and we never see your card number. Your download link appears right after payment and is also sent to your email.
I didn't get my download email.
Check your spam folder first. If it isn't there, email info@ontariobuilderexams.ca with the address you used at checkout and we'll resend it.
Can I get a refund?
Because the guides are instant digital downloads, sales are final. If a file is damaged or won't open, contact us and we'll fix it.
Is tax included?
Prices are in Canadian dollars. HST is added at checkout where applicable.
Are the guides up to date?
Each guide shows the date it was last revised. Requirements can change, so always confirm current details with the HCRA and your course provider before writing an exam.