Ontario Working at Heights Training Test (CPO-Approved Program)
The Ontario working at heights test is not a government exam: an approved training provider gives it at the end of a Chief Prevention Officer-approved course. The ministry's program standard sets a 75% pass mark for the written test and also requires you to pass practical demonstrations; the number of questions is set by each provider. Construction workers who use fall protection need this training, and it is valid for three years.
- 40 questions
- 75% to pass
- 1 hours
Last checked against Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (Chief Prevention Officer) on .
Ontario Working at Heights at a glance
- Who needs it
- Workers on Ontario construction projects who may use a travel restraint system, fall restricting system, fall arrest system, safety net, work belt or safety belt under O. Reg. 213/91. There is a limited exemption for some workers directly employed by automobile manufacturers. source ↗
- Who tests you
- No government exam: a training provider approved by the Chief Prevention Officer evaluates you at the end of a CPO-approved working at heights program. Find approved providers and classes in the ministry's online Marketplace. source ↗
- Course length
- Basic Theory module at least 3 hours and Practical module at least 3.5 hours. Basic Theory must come first and may be delivered by eLearning or live distance learning with instructor interaction; the Practical module must be in person. source ↗
- Written test
- Given at the end of each module or at the end of the full program, with a pass mark of 75%. After you pass, the evaluator must review your incorrect answers with you. The standard does not fix the number of questions. source ↗
- Practical evaluation
- Four demonstration outcomes in the Practical module must be performed satisfactorily and documented for each learner. Alternative evaluation methods may be used for language, literacy or accommodation needs. source ↗
- Class size
- No more than 12 learners per instructor, with at least one set of fall protection equipment for every 3 learners in the Practical module. source ↗
- Validity and refresher
- Valid for three years from the date you successfully complete the program. Completing the Practical module again (refresher) renews it for another three years; you must have completed both modules before. source ↗
- Proof of training
- Approved providers or the CPO issue proof of completion, and workers can get a digital record through the ministry's certification management system. Employers keep a record of the worker, provider, program and completion date for inspectors. source ↗
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What the Ontario Working at Heights covers
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| Roles, rights and responsibilities | Basic Theory. Duties of employers, constructors, suppliers, supervisors and workers under the OHSA; the right to know, participate and refuse; reporting fall hazards and defective equipment; the O. Reg. 297/13 training, validity and record rules; and site-specific training from employers. |
| Hazards of working at heights | Basic Theory. Recognising fall hazards such as open edges, openings, skylights and fragile surfaces, work over water, machinery or hazardous substances, and electrical equipment; the s. 26 triggers in O. Reg. 213/91; types and impacts of falls; and safe work plans. |
| Eliminating or controlling fall hazards | Basic Theory. The hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE), the limits of personal protective equipment, and the O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.1 rule of guardrails first, then travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest and safety nets. |
| Warning methods and physical barriers | Basic Theory. Warning methods and physical barriers, DANGER signs, the built-up roof barrier, protective coverings over openings, and precautions when installing, relocating or removing guardrails and covers. |
| Barriers and other fixed equipment | Basic Theory. When bump lines, barriers, guardrails and safety nets are appropriate; guardrail height, rail, toe board and load requirements in O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.3; and safety net installation and inspection under s. 26.8. |
| Ladders and similar equipment | Basic Theory. Types of portable ladders and their limits, CSA Z11 grades, ladder set-up, footing, angle and access rules (O. Reg. 213/91 ss. 78-84), inspection, care, storage and transport, and common causes of ladder falls. |
| Fall protection systems | Practical. When travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest systems are required, their essential components, and the O. Reg. 213/91 ss. 26.4-26.6 requirements, plus the need for employer-specific instruction. |
| Personal fall protection equipment | Practical. Selecting, inspecting, donning and doffing harnesses and lanyards; lifelines, fall arresters, self-retracting lifelines and connectors; total fall distance and clearance; swing falls, bottoming out and harness suspension; maintaining tie-off; and arc-rated equipment. |
| Anchor points | Practical. What an anchor point is, permanent anchors versus temporary fixed supports and existing structures, the s. 26.7 strength ratings, suitable and unsuitable anchors, horizontal lifeline design rules, and getting information before using new anchors. |
| Work access equipment and platforms | Practical. Elevating work platforms, scaffolds, ladders, suspended work platforms and boatswain's chairs within the hierarchy of controls, the personal fall protection each needs, and safely carrying, positioning, securing and using portable ladders. |
| Rescue planning | Practical. The purpose and key parts of a fall rescue plan, the roles of employers, supervisors and workers, and the requirement for written, site-specific rescue procedures before fall arrest systems or safety nets are used. |
How to get certified
- 1
Confirm you need the training
If you work on an Ontario construction project and may use travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest, a safety net, a work belt or a safety belt, your employer must make sure you have valid approved working at heights training before you use it.
- 2
Book a CPO-approved course
Find an approved provider and class in the ministry's Marketplace. Check that both the program and the provider are approved; the ministry warns about providers that take fees and issue cards without valid training.
- 3
Complete the Basic Theory module
At least 3 hours covering rights and duties, hazards, the hierarchy of controls, warning methods, guardrails, safety nets and ladders. It can be in person, eLearning or live distance learning with instructor interaction.
- 4
Complete the Practical module and pass the evaluations
At least 3.5 hours in person with real equipment. Pass the written test at 75% and perform the required practical demonstrations, such as inspecting and putting on a harness, to the evaluator's satisfaction.
- 5
Get your proof and site-specific instruction
Keep your proof of completion or digital record from the certification management system. Your employer must still train you on the specific fall protection system and give oral and written instructions under O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.2.
- 6
Refresh before three years
Your training expires three years after you complete it. Take the Practical module again as a refresher with an approved provider to stay valid for another three years.
How to study
- Learn the O. Reg. 213/91 numbers that come up again and again: 3 m and 1.2 m fall triggers, 2.4 m guardrail trigger, 0.9-1.1 m guardrail height, 89 mm toe board, 0.6 m fall restricting free fall and the 8 kN peak arrest force.
- Memorise the s. 26.1 order: guardrails first, then travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest and safety nets, and practise picking the highest ranked practicable method for a scenario.
- Practise fall clearance sums with a pencil: lanyard length plus absorber extension plus harness stretch plus D-ring height plus a safety margin, compared with the space below the anchor.
- Know the anchor strengths in s. 26.7: 2 kN for travel restraint, 6 kN for fall restricting, 8 kN for fall arrest or 6 kN with a shock absorber.
- Handle the equipment in class: inspect harnesses, lanyards, connectors and SRLs for damage, and practise donning and adjusting a harness, because these are part of the practical evaluation.
- Read the ministry's program standard topics list before your course so the Basic Theory and Practical content is familiar when the written test comes.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Ontario working at heights test and what is the pass mark?
The program standard sets the written test pass mark at 75%, given at the end of each module or of the full program. It does not fix a number of questions, so the length depends on your approved provider. You must also pass practical demonstrations in the Practical module.
Can I do working at heights training online?
Only partly. The Basic Theory module may be delivered by eLearning or live distance learning, as long as there is interaction with a qualified instructor. The Practical module must be done in person because you have to handle and demonstrate the equipment.
How long is working at heights training valid in Ontario?
Three years from the date you successfully complete an approved program. To stay valid you take refresher training, which means completing the Practical module again with an approved provider; that renews it for another three years.
Who has to take working at heights training?
Workers on construction projects covered by O. Reg. 213/91 who may use travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest, safety nets, work belts or safety belts. Workers whose workplaces are not covered by O. Reg. 213/91 are not required to take it, though employers may still require it.
I lost my working at heights card. What do I do?
You can get a digital training record through the ministry's certification management system, using details such as your registration address, year of birth, email and phone number. You can also contact your training provider.
Is the approved course all the training I need?
No. O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.2 also requires your employer to train you on the specific fall protection system you will use and give you oral and written instructions from a competent person. The program standard notes the need for employer-specific instruction throughout.
Does fall protection training from another province count in Ontario?
Ontario recognizes a WorkplaceNL Fall Protection certificate from Newfoundland and Labrador, valid until the date on the certificate. The ministry says no other documents or cards are accepted as an alternative.
Start practising for the Ontario Working at Heights today
- ✓ 600 Ontario Working at Heights practice questions, every answer explained and cited
- ✓ Full-length timed mock exams: 40 questions, 1 hours, scored against 75%
- ✓ Practise by topic and review every question you missed
- ✓ Every other Canadian exam on VoltExam included
Official sources
- Ontario: Training for working at heights ↗
- Ontario: Working at heights training program standard ↗
- Ontario: Working at heights training provider standard ↗
- e-Laws: O. Reg. 297/13 Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training ↗
- e-Laws: O. Reg. 213/91 Construction Projects ↗
- e-Laws: Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 ↗
Sources checked November 3, 2026. VoltExam is independent and not affiliated with Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (Chief Prevention Officer). Rules change: confirm details with the official source before your exam.