The CFCSA (Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations) recently conducted a national survey with stakeholders from across Canada to gather feedback on the NCSO® and NHSA™ designations. Input from provincial and territorial construction safety associations helped identify opportunities to improve consistency while maintaining the credibility of these national credentials. As a result, several important updates have been implemented:
Updated Recertification Process
The recertification process has been refined to make timelines clearer and more consistent across jurisdictions.
Previously, certificate holders had a six-month grace period after expiry to complete recertification. This window has now been reduced to 90 days, reinforcing the importance of maintaining active certification.
Participants will continue to receive email reminders before expiry, along with regular updates to help them stay on track and meet recertification requirements on time.
Refined Field Experience Requirements (NCSO®)
Effective immediately, the NCSO® program will continue to emphasize real-world experience as a cornerstone of the designation. Candidates must have three years or 6,000 hours of construction field experience within the past ten years, with at least two of those years completed within Canada.
These requirements are designed to preserve the NCSO®’s credibility as a Canadian standard—ensuring that certification reflects meaningful, hands-on experience within our country’s construction environment.
No Additional COR® Audit Requirement
Following the national survey and extensive discussions by the CFCSA National NCSO®/NHSA™ Committee and CFCSA Heads of Delegation, it has been confirmed that candidates pursuing their initial NCSO® certification WILL NOT be required to complete an additional COR® audit after finishing their COR® training (specifically the PLCA course).
In addition, for recertification/renewal, NCSO® holders WILL NOT be required to complete a COR® audit. This change helps streamline the recertification process while ensuring that the program remains credible, accessible, and aligned with national standards.