Specialized contractor

This complete 3-course training program will properly prepare you to obtain the specialized contractor licence, which automatically includes the following 13 licence subcategories:

• 2.5 Excavation and earthwork contractor
• 2.7 Site work contractor
• 3.2 Small concrete works contractor
• 4.2 Non-structural masonry, marble and ceramic work contractor
• 5.2 Metal works contractor
• 6.2 Wood and plastic works contractor
• 7.0 Insulation, waterproofing, roofing and exterior siding contractor
• 8.0 Doors and windows contractor
• 9.0 Finishing work contractor
• 11.2 Special equipment and products contractor
• 12.0 Manufactured cabinets and countertops contractor
• 13.5 Special or prefabricated installations contractor
• 17.2 Intercommunication, telephony and surveillance contractor

What is the process for obtaining an RBQ licence? GSC supports you at every step of the process, from understanding the RBQ exams to preparing for and passing them, to simplify your procedures and avoid mistakes.

Here is the process for obtaining a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Note that Groupe GSC supports you at each of these steps.

• Determine whether an RBQ licence is required

You must check whether the construction or renovation work you want to carry out or bid on requires an RBQ licence. Some exceptions exist, particularly for very limited work or in specific situations.

• Choose the legal form of your business

You must determine whether you operate as a sole proprietorship, a legal person (company) or a partnership, depending on your situation.

• Register your business

If you are creating a business, you must register it with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ) to obtain a Quebec enterprise number (NEQ).

• Determine the RBQ licence subcategory or subcategories

The RBQ licence is divided into categories and subcategories according to the types of work you want to carry out or bid on (e.g. general contractor for all work, specialized contractor).

• Check criminal and tax records

The RBQ requires that the business's officers, directors or lenders have no recent criminal or tax offences of certain kinds.

• Complete and submit the RBQ licence application

You must fill out the appropriate application form for your situation and submit it to the RBQ with all the required documents (business, surety bond, supporting documents).

• Qualify professionally

You must demonstrate your professional skills by passing the required RBQ exams or by completing a training program recognized by the RBQ.

• Review of the file by the RBQ and issuance of the licence

Once your file is complete and compliant, the RBQ carries out the final review and issues the licence. As a Groupe GSC member, each of these steps in the RBQ licence process is simplified and guided by experts, so you can move forward efficiently, without mistakes or unnecessary delays.

What is the content of the exams that apply to the specialized contractor training? Obtaining the RBQ specialized contractor licence requires passing 3 basic exams: Administration, Safety Management on Construction Job Sites, and Project and Job Site Management. They are designed to validate the technical, regulatory and administrative skills required by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.

General information about the exams

• Passing grade: 60 %
• Exam language: French or English
• Exam type: multiple-choice exam (4 choices)

Only the documents and materials provided by the invigilator (calculator, ruler, paper, pencil, etc.) may be used during the exam session.

Basic exams (3 courses, 6 sessions)

Administration (1 exam, 3 hours)

• Financial management
• Management
• Labour relations system
• Legislation and regulations

Safety Management on Construction Job Sites (1 exam, 1 hour 30 minutes)

• Prevention management
• Compensation claims management
• Premium management
• Legislation and regulations

Project and Job Site Management (1 exam, 3 hours)

• Managing construction activities
• Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
• Cost estimating and bid preparation
• Quality control activities
• Legislation and regulations

What is the pass rate for the RBQ specialized contractor exams? The pass rate for RBQ exams among GSC candidates is above 95%, but it is directly tied to the candidate's level of commitment and effort. Be wary of non-accredited organizations promising an RBQ exam pass rate of 100% or nearly so, which may prove misleading.

Note that candidates taking their RBQ training with GSC who are in an active process with us have access to their training at no charge until they obtain their licence.

Are the courses bilingual (French or English)? Yes, absolutely. All our courses are offered in French and English, both for online training and for support from our instructors. We are in fact one of the very few providers in Quebec to offer fully bilingual RBQ training, which allows contractors and future contractors to 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 exams and integrate regulatory requirements, while ensuring an equivalent quality of support in both languages.

Are the instructors at GSC available and attentive? Whatever type of training you choose, 100 % online, in class or via Zoom, you always benefit from the RBQ pedagogical 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.

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

This ongoing pedagogical 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 rather than remaining in uncertainty.

Does Groupe GSC provide support in my dealings with the RBQ?

• Rest assured that you are never alone in your dealings with the RBQ. The RBQ support offered by GSC begins when you become a member and continues until you obtain your licence and throughout your journey afterward.

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

• requesting an RBQ exam;
• scheduling or retaking an exam;
• following up on your file;
• communicating with the RBQ, as 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 procedures with confidence.

What are the advantages of taking a course with GSC? Advantages of taking a course with GSC

By choosing Groupe GSC, you benefit from quality RBQ training, designed specifically for contractors in the construction industry and aligned with RBQ requirements.

Here are the main advantages of our RBQ courses:

Flexibility

• Courses offered online, in class or via Zoom, to suit your schedule and constraints.

Personalized support

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

Exclusive member benefits

• RBQ licence surety bond included (depending on membership).
• Discounts from 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, fostering sharing, opportunities and comprehensive support, well beyond training alone.

With this comprehensive approach, our RBQ general contractor courses go beyond passing the exams: they allow you to build your business on solid, compliant and lasting foundations.