Nova Scotia has cut red tape for thousands of skilled trades workers by eliminating the requirement to renew their certifications every five years.
The change, effective immediately, applies to journeypersons in most compulsory trades such as plumber, construction electrician and boilermaker. Previously, workers paid $73.53 every five years to renew their credentials.
The province has also reduced the cost to challenge certification exams for experienced workers in more than 70 trades occupations. The fee dropped to $350 from $644.15, bringing Nova Scotia closer to rates in other provinces.
Lower costs for certification challenges
The reduced exam fee applies to experienced professionals who use the trade qualification process to challenge their certification examination without completing a full apprenticeship. This includes newcomers to Canada who have trade experience from other countries.
“Eliminating renewals and lowering fees removes unnecessary red tape for trades professionals,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “These common-sense changes save time and money, while helping more people gain certification and grow our skilled trades workforce.”
Between 2019 and 2024, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency processed 11,829 renewals. The agency will now redirect staff time from processing renewals to supporting apprentices and improving service standards.
Exception for blaster trade
The five-year renewal requirement remains in place only for the blaster trade. All other compulsory trades are now exempt from the renewal process.
In Nova Scotia, trades professionals in compulsory trades must be either a registered apprentice or certified to work legally. Red Seal is a national standard of excellence in a trade.
Automatic recognition expanded
The changes follow another policy shift announced in July 2025. Nova Scotia now automatically recognizes provincial certifications from Alberta and Quebec for professionals in Red Seal skilled trades.
Workers certified in those provinces can now work in Nova Scotia without submitting applications or waiting for approvals, even without a Red Seal endorsement.
“These changes simplify the certification process and remove unnecessary administrative steps for both tradespeople and our staff,” said Michelle Bussey, CEO of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency. “By reducing red tape, we can put more focus on apprentices, employers and reducing response times.”
