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Last chance to receive the discounted rate on Alarm and Security Technician Designation

In order to receive the discounted rate of $130 for the Trade Qualification Program (vs $654.86 after the cutoff date) you must submit your application by November 30th, 2009.  Previously, the Government of Nova Scotia was honoring the discounted rate only if they had met with applicants and approved the application prior to November 30th.  As of today, they will honour the discounted rate as long as they have received the application by November 30th.

You must ensure that the following completed documents are mailed or faxed to 902-424-8334 to the Department of Labour And Workforce Development Division by November 30th, 2009:

  1. Trade Qualification Program (Applicant Information Form)
  2. Trade Qualification Program (Application to Qualify to Write the Trade Examination) along with all the required documentation and
  3. Exam fee of $130 dollars (non refundable)

NOTE: Please read the Trade Qualification Program Guidelines and Process Information Package before completing any forms/applications.

Any applications received after November 30, 2009 will be charged the regular Trade Qualification fee of $654.86.

The exam fee will not be refunded, so it is imperative that you meet all of the required qualifications.
 
Qualifications:

To qualify to write the Certificate of Qualification exam, you must be able to provide documented proof of the following:

  • 9,000 hours of hands-on experience working in the trade; and
  • References from two qualified individuals who are able to vouch for your skills in the trade (i.e., employers or co-workers).

      or

  • Successful completion of CANASA Alarm Technician Course Level One (ATC1); and
  • 6,000 hours of hands-on experience working in the trade.  

Questions?

Don Adams / Industrial Training and Certification Officer
Department of Labour And  Workforce Development Division
EMail: adamsdc@gov.ns.ca / 902-424-8334

The time to get your designation is now!

In the year 2000 the Alarm and Security Technician became a recognized trade in the province of Nova Scotia. Since June 2008, Nova Scotians who have substantial experience working in the alarm and security trade have the option to gain recognition for their skills through a certification process.

To sum it up, tradespeople who have 9000 hours of hands-on experience working in the trade or 6000 hours and have taken their CANASA Alarm Technician Course, Level 1 (ATC1) can write the certification exam without completing a full three-year apprenticeship program. These people will need to provide two letters of recommendation with their application.

Time is running out for those who wish to take advantage of a reduced rate to write the exam. The introductory fee of $130.97 which covers the review of the application, the verification of your work experience and references, along with the writing of the trade examination is valid until November 30, 2009. The regular fee after the cut-off will be $654.86.

If you don’t already have your CANASA Alarm Technician Course Level One (ATC1) completed, it is available as a self-study program. Visit the CANASA website under Education for more information. The content of the ATC1 program is part of the trade examination, so having your ATC1 certification not only reduces the number of hours required to qualify but also greatly increases your chance to successfully complete the certification examination.

Once you feel you are ready to complete the certification exam, simply contact Don Adams from Labour and Workforce Development at (902) 424-8334 or adamsdc@gov.ns.ca to schedule an interview. Don will be holding information and application processing sessions on November 9, 10, 12 and 13, 2009.

Please visit www.canasa.org/nscertification for more information.