RBQ Continuing Education: Can the 8 “Elective” Hours Be Taken in Building Construction?

For general contractors licensed by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ), continuing education is a mandatory requirement. Every two years, contractors must complete 16 hours of RBQ-recognized training, divided into two parts: 8 hours in the “Building” category and 8 hours of “Elective” training.
A question we hear very often is:
Can the 8 “elective” hours also be taken in building construction?

The answer is yes — absolutely. And not only is it allowed, it is often the smartest choice for general contractors. Let’s break it down clearly.

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What Is Mandatory RBQ Continuing Education?

The RBQ requires licensed contractors to complete a set number of continuing education hours every two-year cycle. The goal is simple: keep professional skills up to date, ensure compliance with current standards and regulations and improve the quality and safety of construction practices.
For general contractors, the requirement is:
16 hours every two years, including
• 8 hours in the “Building” category
• 8 hours of “Elective” training

This structure provides flexibility while ensuring contractors remain competent in their field.

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Qu’est-ce qui compte comme formation « Au choix » ?

The elective portion allows contractors to choose training topics that support their professional activities, as long as the courses are recognized by the RBQ.

• Business management
• Leadership & communication
• Marketing or sales
• Occupational health and safety
• Compliance and regulations
• Technology and innovation in construction

However — and this is the key point — elective training does NOT exclude building construction courses.

👉 If a building construction course is recognized by the RBQ and listed in its continuing education directory, it can be used as elective training.

In other words:
The subject matter does not disqualify a course from being “elective.” Recognition by the RBQ is what matters.

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Why Choose Building Construction Training for Your Elective Hours?

While elective hours can be taken in a wide range of subjects, many contractors choose to stay within their core expertise — and for good reason.

1. Immediate practical value: Everything you learn can be applied directly on your job sites or in project planning.
   
2. Stronger technical expertise: Repeated exposure to construction-focused training reinforces best practices and technical accuracy.
3. Better compliance and risk management: Building courses often include updates on codes, standards, and regulations.
4. Higher engagement: Contractors tend to be more engaged when training aligns with their daily reality.

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All Academy of Building Training Is Construction-Focused

At Académie du Bâti, all courses are: 100% focused on building construction, recognized by the RBQ and designed for real-world application by contractors. This means you can complete:

• your 8 mandatory Building hours, and
• your 8 Elective hours

using construction-based training only.

Below is an overview of the types of training offered through Académie du Bâti (hours may vary by course):

👉 All these courses are eligible under RBQ continuing education and can be applied toward either required or elective hours, depending on your training plan.

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Practical Tips to Validate Your Hours

To avoid issues at renewal time, keep these best practices in mind:

• Always verify RBQ recognition before registering for a training course. Please note that all courses available on the Académie du Bâti website are recognized for RBQ continuing education hours under the Building category.
• Consult your training record through clicSÉQUR express to see how many hours have already been recorded. At Académie du Bâti, we submit the training hours to the RBQ on your behalf. You only need to verify that the hours appear correctly in your file.
• Plan your training early — avoid last-minute pressure. Our courses are available 24/7
• Choose courses that combine theory with real-world application

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Yes — the 8 “elective” hours required by the RBQ can absolutely be taken in building construction, as long as the training is RBQ-recognized.

This flexibility allows general contractors to invest their time in courses that truly support their professional practice. At Académie du Bâti, all training is construction-focused, RBQ-recognized, and designed to help you meet your obligations while strengthening your expertise.