Wall Sheathing and exterior cladding

Continuing education applies to the guarantors of a construction company (whether a natural person or a legal person) that holds an RBQ licence. It primarily targets guarantors for execution of construction work.

The continuing education requirement does not apply to the company as an entity, but to the individuals who act as the pillars of the licence. Here are the key points to remember:

The role of the guarantor for execution of construction work

The RBQ specifically targets the technical guarantor: the person who guarantees the quality of the work and safety on job sites.

If a company has several guarantors, only the one (or ones) assigned to the "Execution of construction work" class for the targeted subcategories must meet the training requirements.

Guarantors for administration, project management or labour relations are not covered by this requirement, although their expertise is complementary.

Natural person vs. legal person

Sole proprietor (natural person): If you operate your business alone under your own name, you are automatically the targeted guarantor. You must accumulate your hours personally.

Partnership or corporation (legal person): For an Inc. or a general partnership, the requirement rests on the individual designated as technical guarantor in the RBQ file. If that guarantor leaves the company, the company must ensure that their replacement is also up to date with their training to avoid a licence suspension.

The importance of the licence category

This rule is based on the complexity of the work. General contractors (all types of buildings) and specialized contractors working on critical structures (building envelope, mechanical systems, framing) are the first targeted.

Note from Groupe GSC (rbqlicence.com): > It is common for a guarantor to manage several subcategories. In that case, the number of hours required is determined by the most demanding subcategory in their file. Personalized support helps identify exactly which guarantor is targeted so you do not lose your right to contract.

The continuing education requirement is split into two main groups depending on the type of licence held.

General contractors (categories 1.1.1 to 1.7)

For general contractors, the requirement is systematic. As soon as you hold one of these licences, the technical guarantor must accumulate their hours. This includes:

• 1.1.1 & 1.1.2: New residential buildings (Garantie de construction résidentielle - GCR).
• 1.2: Small public buildings.
• 1.3: Buildings of all kinds (commercial, industrial, institutional).
• 1.4 to 1.7: Roads, pipelines, civil engineering works and massive structures.

Specialized contractors (selected subcategories)

For specialists, the RBQ has identified the trades where technical errors have the greatest impact on building integrity. The targeted subcategories include:

• Structure and envelope: Framing (2.4), masonry work (4.1), waterproofing (7.0).
• Mechanical systems: Ventilation (15.1), gas (15.2), plumbing (15.5), heating (15.4) and refrigeration (15.10).
• Electrical: Subcategory 16.0 (Electrical) has its own continuing education requirements, often managed in collaboration with the CMEQ.

Calculating training hours per reference period

The RBQ has set a scale based on groups of subcategories. If you hold several subcategories, you must meet the requirement of the highest one (the hours do not add up, they overlap).

General contractor (categories 1.1.1 to 1.7)

For the technical guarantor of a general contractor licence, the requirement is the highest because the guarantor carries overall responsibility for the building or civil engineering work.

• Number of hours: generally 32 hours per 2-year cycle.
• Exceptions: some restricted or specific licences may require 24 hours.

Specialized contractor (covered subcategories)

For specialists whose work involves the structure or mechanical systems, the requirement is adapted to the specifics of the trade.

• Number of hours: generally 16 hours per 2-year cycle.
• Critical subcategories: for fields such as plumbing (15.5) or heating (15.4), the requirement can rise to 24 hours depending on the criteria of the corporation concerned (CMMTQ/CMEQ).

Yes, absolutely. All our courses are offered in French and in English, both for online training and for support from our instructors. We are in fact one of the very few references in Quebec offering fully bilingual RBQ training, which lets contractors and future contractors learn, study and ask their questions in the language they are most comfortable with. This bilingual approach makes it easier to understand technical concepts, prepare for the exams and integrate regulatory requirements, while ensuring the same quality of guidance in both languages.

Whatever type of training you choose, 100 % online, in class or via Zoom, you always benefit from the RBQ educational support provided by our RBQ instructors. Their role goes beyond teaching the material: they are available to answer your questions, guide you and help you better understand the essential concepts.

With our online training platform, contacting the instructors is quick and easy, directly from your student portal through the built-in messaging. You can get support for your contractor training, whether for a general question or a clarification about a specific course.

This ongoing educational support considerably reduces the stress of the RBQ exams and increases your chances of success, letting you move forward with clear, professional and prompt answers instead of lingering in uncertainty.

• Rest assured that you are never alone in your dealings with the RBQ. The RBQ support offered by GSC is available to you as a member and continues until you obtain your licence, and throughout your journey afterwards.

Our team provides human, accessible and ongoing support, in particular for:

• your RBQ exam application;
• scheduling or retaking an exam;
• following up on your file;
• communicating with the RBQ, when needed.

This RBQ support is included according to your GSC membership status, so you can move forward with peace of mind, avoid mistakes and complete your steps with confidence.

Advantages of taking a course with GSC

By choosing Groupe GSC, you get quality RBQ training designed specifically for construction contractors and aligned with RBQ requirements.

Here are the main advantages of our RBQ courses:

Flexibility

• Courses offered online, in class or by Zoom, according to your schedule and constraints.

Personalized support

• Human, ongoing support before, during and after the training.
• Help with exams, administrative steps and understanding the material.

Exclusive member benefits

• RBQ licence surety bond included (depending on the membership).
• Discounts with many partners in the construction industry.
• Free consultation time with our team or one of our many partner professionals.

Recognized expertise and a unique network

• Courses developed by construction experts.
• Access to a network of more than 7,000 active members, encouraging sharing, opportunities and comprehensive support, well beyond training alone.

Thanks to this complete approach, our RBQ general contractor courses are not limited to passing the exams: they let you build your business on solid, compliant and lasting foundations.