Nova Scotia cuts 5-year renewal requirement for most trade workers
Posted Oct 8, 2025 04:59:13 AM.
Last Updated Oct 8, 2025 11:03:49 AM.
The provincial government announced changes aimed at making it easier and cheaper to work in the skilled trades.
Nova Scotia said it is eliminating the five-year certification renewal requirement for journeypersons in most trades, a move intended to save time, money, and paperwork. This requirement will remain in place for the blaster trade, the press release reads.
In addition, the province is also reducing the fee required to challenge their certification exam from $644 to $350.
These changes are effective immediately.
Michelle Bussey, CEO of Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency welcomed the news.
“These changes simplify the certification process and remove unnecessary administrative steps for both tradespeople and our staff,” she said. “By reducing red tape, we can put more focus on apprentices, employers and reducing response times.”
These changes follow the province’s recent move to recognize provincial certification from Alberta and Quebec for professionals in red seal skilled trades, allowing them to work in Nova Scotia without additional applications or approvals.
