{"id":1694,"date":"2026-10-08T07:16:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T07:16:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/?p=1694"},"modified":"2026-10-08T07:51:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T07:51:12","slug":"continuing-education-construction-quebec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/blog\/continuing-education-construction-quebec\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Continuing Education Matters in Construction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a field where codes evolve, materials change and energy standards tighten with every cycle, continuing education isn\u2019t a luxury \u2014 it\u2019s a necessity. In Quebec, it\u2019s even mandatory for licensed contractors. But beyond the obligation, it\u2019s a direct investment in the quality of the work delivered to the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The regulatory framework: what the RBQ requires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 2022, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">R\u00e9gie du b\u00e2timent du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> has required mandatory continuing education for all licence holders\u2019 qualified representatives (r\u00e9pondants) for the execution of work. The goal is clear: maintain and update contractors\u2019 technical, administrative and safety skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continuing education works in two-year reference periods. The 2024\u20132026 period ended on March 31, 2026, and a new period is now under way. The number of hours required depends on the licence subcategories, with a minimum of 16 hours per period, and up to 4 surplus hours can be carried over to the next period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A broad catalogue of RBQ-recognized courses is available, covering topics as varied as plan reading, site management, health and safety, energy efficiency and Construction Code compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The consequences of non-compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A qualified representative who doesn\u2019t declare their hours on time loses their qualifications and can no longer act in that role. The company then risks losing the right to perform work in the subcategories concerned, or even its licence. In plain terms: its ongoing contracts can be put at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why it matters \u2014 beyond the obligation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Codes change constantly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026 alone, the Quebec Construction Code was updated for the Gas and Electricity chapters. Quebec\u2019s act on the environmental performance of buildings, adopted in 2024, also provides for new requirements to be phased in. Without continuing education, how can a contractor stay current?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Materials and techniques evolve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High-performance membranes, new-generation insulation, more complex mechanical systems, home automation built into the building. What we installed 10 years ago isn\u2019t what we install today. Without regular updates, you fall behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safety improves \u2014 when you train for it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occupational health and safety practices evolve. CNESST regulations are updated, protective equipment improves and safe work methods are refined. A trained crew means fewer accidents, fewer work stoppages and fewer lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The client benefits directly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A trained contractor delivers work that meets the latest standards, integrates the best energy practices and applies the right safety protocols. The client pays the same price \u2014 but gets a building built to 2026 standards, not 2015 ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image000003-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Continuing education on job sites: prefabricated steel wall framing, condos in Saint-Henri \u2013 MSC Construction\" class=\"wp-image-1623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image000003-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image000003-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image000003-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image000003.jpg 1073w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">New techniques such as prefabricated steel walls make continuing education essential.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Continuing education: going beyond the minimum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best contractors don\u2019t settle for the regulatory minimum. They invest in additional training in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advanced energy efficiency (Novoclimat, LEED, Passive House)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Construction project management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New technologies (BIM, automation, high-performance insulation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Client relationship management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health and safety leadership<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These investments are what separate a good contractor from an excellent one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions to ask your contractor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What continuing education courses have you taken in the last two years?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you keep up with code changes?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are your subcontractors also trained on the new standards?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you hold any particular certifications (Novoclimat, ASP Construction)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A contractor who\u2019s proud of the trade will answer enthusiastically. A contractor who is evasive on these questions \u2014 that\u2019s a red flag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our commitment at MSC Construction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We see continuing education as an integral part of our trade, not a box to check. Our qualified representatives complete their required hours, plus additional training on emerging techniques, new materials and energy-efficiency standards. Why? Because we build <a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/commercial\/\">homes and commercial buildings<\/a> that need to last 50 years. When you build on that time scale, yesterday\u2019s techniques aren\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planning a project?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MSC Construction handles <a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/new-homes\/\">new homes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/extensions-major-renovations\/\">extensions and major renovations<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/commercial\/\">commercial projects<\/a> across Quebec. Tell us about your project: <a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>request your free quote<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further reading<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/blogue\/construction-site-health-safety-quebec\/\">Health and Safety on Construction Sites: Best Practices<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/blog\/why-hire-general-contractor-quebec\/\">Why Hire a General Contractor for Your Project<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a field where codes evolve, materials change and energy standards tighten with every cycle, continuing education isn\u2019t a luxury \u2014 it\u2019s a necessity. In Quebec, it\u2019s even mandatory for licensed contractors. But beyond the obligation, it\u2019s a direct investment in the quality of the work delivered to the client.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1624,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1694"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1761,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1694\/revisions\/1761"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1694"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/constructionmsc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}