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Ontario G3 Gas Technician exam preparation

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Becoming a Gas Technician in Ontario: G3, G2 and G1 Explained

How the three gas technician certifications fit together, what each one lets you do, and where the G3 exam sits in the path.

The three levels

CertificationRoughly what it permits
G3Entry level. Appliances up to 400,000 BTU/h, working under supervision.
G2The common working licence. Appliances of any size, with some restrictions.
G1The most senior, with the broadest scope of work.

They are sequential: G3 before G2, G2 before G1, with training and logged experience between each. Confirm the current scope and requirements with TSSA — they are the authority and the details change.

The path to G3

  1. Training. A TSSA-recognised G3 course, at a college or a private trainer. Several Ontario colleges run them.
  2. The exam. 165 questions over 3 hours 30 minutes, covering the nine syllabus areas.
  3. Certification. Apply to TSSA once you have passed.
  4. Experience. Supervised work, which counts toward G2.

What the exam actually asks

Less about hands-on skill than most people expect, and more about codes, gas properties and safety rules. The largest single area is gas properties and combustion; the area that catches people out is the code sections, because those answers cannot be reasoned out.

The full exam guide →

Common questions

What is a G3 gas technician licence?

G3 is the entry-level gas technician certification in Ontario, issued by TSSA. It allows work on gas appliances rated up to 400,000 BTU/h under the supervision of a G2 or G1 holder.

What is the difference between G1, G2 and G3?

G3 is entry level and works under supervision on smaller appliances. G2 permits work on appliances of any size with some restrictions and is the common working licence. G1 is the most senior, with the broadest scope. Each is earned in turn, with training and logged experience between them.

How do you become a gas technician in Ontario?

Complete a TSSA-recognised G3 training course at a college or private trainer, pass the G3 certification exam, and apply to TSSA for your certificate. From there you accumulate supervised experience and further training toward G2.

Do you need G3 before G2?

Yes. The certifications are sequential — G3 first, then G2, then G1, each requiring the one below it along with additional training and experience.

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