Overview
Due to recent legislative changes in Quebec, The Open Group is no longer able to offer certification examinations within the province. This article explains the reason for this restriction and outlines available alternatives for candidates residing in Quebec.
Why Exams Cannot Be Offered in Quebec
The Government of Quebec’s Bill 96 introduces strict language requirements for conducting business and educational activities within the province. Under this legislation:
- All educational transactions must be completed in French.
- While some of The Open Group exams are available in French, most exams and their supporting materials (including Open Book reference standards) are available only in English.
Because The Open Group cannot meet the full French‑language requirements for all exam components, exams can no longer be delivered within Quebec.
Available Workarounds
The nearest Pearson VUE test centres outside the Province of Québec (within Canada) are typically located in Ontario, with Ottawa (Ontario side) being the closest option for most candidates in western Québec, followed by Cornwall and Kingston, depending on your location.
Below are the closest practical options, ordered by proximity for most Québec residents.
We recognize that this option may not be feasible for all candidates.
1. Test at a Center Outside Quebec
Closest Option for Most Québec Candidates
Ottawa, Ontario (Non‑Québec)
Ottawa is immediately across the provincial border from Gatineau and western Québec and has multiple Pearson Professional Centres on the Ontario side, which are valid for in‑person testing.
Common Ottawa Pearson VUE centres include:
- 11 Holland Avenue, Suite 512, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S1
- 1420 Blair Towers Place, Suite 850, Ottawa, ON K1J 9L8
These centres are frequently used by Québec candidates and are among the closest possible in‑Canada alternatives.
Alternative Close Options (Eastern Ontario)
If Ottawa is not convenient, these Ontario locations are often the next nearest choices:
Cornwall, Ontario
- Located near the Ontario–Québec border east of Montréal
- Suitable for candidates from Montréal’s South Shore or eastern regions
- Availability varies depending on exam program
Kingston, Ontario
- Approximately halfway between Ottawa and Toronto
- Well‑established testing location with regular availability
- Practical option if Ottawa centres are fully booked
Nearest In‑Canada Pearson VUE Test Centre (Québec City)
If you are based in Québec City, the nearest Pearson VUE test centre outside the Province of Québec (within Canada) is in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Ontario centres (such as Ottawa) are significantly farther than New Brunswick options.
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Location:
- Pearson VUE Testing Centre – Fredericton
- 225 Woodstock Road
- Delta Hotels by Marriott
- Fredericton, NB E3B 2H8
This is an official Pearson VUE test centre offering a wide range of professional certification exams and is the closest confirmed location outside Québec for candidates in the Québec City area.
How to Confirm Availability (Important)
Not all Pearson VUE centres offer every exam program, so candidates should always confirm availability via the official locator:
Pearson VUE Test Center Locator
https://www.pearsonvue.com/test-centers
Steps:
- Select your exam program
- Enter a city (e.g. Ottawa, ON)
- Confirm available dates and times
- Book as normal
2. Take the Exam Online Using Pearson OnVUE
Pearson’s OnVUE online proctoring service remains available with an unofficial workaround.
- All of The Open Group exams can be taken via OnVUE
- Proctors are English‑speaking
- To proceed, you must temporarily set your Pearson profile address to a location outside Quebec
This is currently the most practical workaround for candidates who wish to test from home.
We Apologize for the Inconvenience
The Open Group understands the impact of this restriction and regrets any disruption it may cause. We will continue to monitor the situation and explore options as regulations evolve.