How to Choose an RBQ-Licensed Electrical Contractor

In Québec, electrical work on a home must be carried out by a contractor holding a valid RBQ licence in the appropriate subcategory. That single requirement filters out most of the risk — but it is worth knowing how to verify it and what else to look for.

• Ask for the RBQ licence number and check it in the public register yourself.
• Request a current certificate of liability insurance naming the contractor.
• Confirm CMEQ membership for electrical contractors and CCQ compliance for the workforce.
• Get the scope in writing: what is included, what is excluded, who pulls permits, who patches drywall.
• Ask who will actually be on site, and whether a Master Electrician supervises the work.

A quote that is dramatically lower than the others is usually missing something. Compare scopes before you compare prices.

Unlicensed work is not just a safety problem. It can void an insurance claim, hold up a real estate transaction and cost far more to correct than it saved. If a quote is cash-only and comes with no paperwork, that is the whole answer.

A licence check takes two minutes and protects you if anything goes wrong. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec issues and tracks every electrical contractor licence in the province. Before you sign a quote, ask for the licence number and confirm that it is active, that it covers electrical work and that the company name matches the one on your quote. You can look up any licence on the RBQ website