Background

What It Means:

  • Trades professionals in 13 compulsory trades and 2 non-compulsory trades will no longer need to renew their Certificates of Qualification or identification cards every five years.
  • Renewal will continue only for the blaster trade, where re-certification is required to do re-certification training.
  • The change reduces administrative burden and saves trades professionals time and money.
  • Previously, Nova Scotia and Ontario were the only jurisdictions in Canada requiring trade certification renewals.

What You Need to Know:

  • Trades professionals no longer need to pay the $73.53 renewal fee or spend time submitting renewal applications.
  • Trades professionals can still voluntarily replace their certificates or ID cards. This will be done through the replacement process at cost of $36.82 for both and $14.76 for the identification card only.
  • Employers and industry stakeholders should note that credentials remain valid without an expiry date.

Why This Change Is Being Made:

  • The change eliminates unnecessary red tape and aligns Nova Scotia with most other provinces and territories.
  • Administrative processes for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency will be simplified, allowing staff to focus on other supports and services for trades professionals.
  • The change keeps safety standards in place for trades like Blasters that require ongoing re-certification.

What Happens Next:

  • The change is effective immediately for all affected trades except Blaster.
  • Trades professionals and employers do not need to take any action unless they wish to voluntarily update credentials.
  • The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency will re-issue credentials without an expiry date over the coming months. There is no cost to this for the tradesperson.
     

Q&A

  1. Why is this change being made?

    The change reduces red tape, saves time and money for trades professionals, and streamlines administrative processes while maintaining safety standards.
     
  2. Which trades are affected?

    The change affects 13 compulsory trades and 2 non-compulsory trades. The Blaster trade will still require renewal due to the requirement for re-certification training. 
     
  3. I have already submitted my renewal, what should I do?

    Agency staff have been tracking renewal applications and will be issuing credentials without an expiry date over the next several months. You can also expect a refund to be processed on your fee. Please watch your emails for your link to the digital credentials through MyCreds.
     

  4. My certificate and identification card are going to expire in the next few years, what should I do?

    Agency staff will be issuing certificates and identification cards to journeypersons over the next 24 months that do not have an expiry date. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. You can contact us to update your information.

  5. Do trades professionals still have the option to update their credentials?

    Yes. Trades professionals can voluntarily update their certificates or identification cards through a replacement application.
     
  6. How will this affect administrative work at the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency?

    Eliminating mandatory renewals will reduce administrative work and allow staff to focus on other services and supports for apprentices and employers.
     
  7. When does this change take effect?

    The change is effective immediately for all affected trades except the Blaster trade, which will continue to follow the existing renewal requirements.