Nova Scotia Contractor License Requirements

In Nova Scotia there are 61 designated trades for which Certificates of Qualification are required by the Labour and Workforce Development - Apprenticeship Training and Skill Development Division. Before someone can legally work in specific fields in Nova Scotia they have to have trades licenses. These are: septic tank installer, well driller, welder, brick layer, oil burner technician, gas burner technician, plumber, electrician, refrigerator and air conditioning. There is presently no required licensing for residential builders.

Electricians

Presently electricians in the Province of Nova Scotia only have to have a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) and is seeking input on its plans to provide a license for the construction electrician trade. The license will not replace the C of Q but both will be required. The C of Q is similar to a high school diploma or university degree as it is an earned attainment. The licensing is the province’s permission to carry out the trade similar to nurses and airline pilots and will enable a high standard of performance in the electrician trade. The change is expected to come about in early 2010.

Septic Tank Installer

Applicants for septic installation must successfully complete a course conducted by a recognized outside agency before going through the application process. Proof of having attained the Certificate of Completion must accompany the application. The requirements have to be approved  by the Nova Scotia Environment whereupon the license will be issued.

Well Drilling

To be approved as a well driller the applicant has to be interviewed and tested by the Nova Scotia Well Construction Advisory Board. This includes a field test. Applicants who have successfully passed their field tests will receive their certification.

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Designated trade requiring compulsory certification. A person must either hold a Certification of Qualification (C of Q) or be a registered apprentice to work as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. Residential air conditioning mechanics can work on HVAC systems that use no more than 240V single-phase power. This would have a 60 amp maximum circuit capacity and five tons (60,000 BTUs) of maximum cooling. However, a qualified mechanic must also go through an apprenticeship program

Sheet Metal Worker

A sheet metal worker designs, assembles, installs and maintains systems composed of sheet metal. This includes knowledge of blueprints and sketches. There is no compulsory certification for a sheet worker at this time but a voluntary qualification will help find employment.

Construction Electrician

A compulsory Certification of Qualification is required to be a construction electrician in Nova Scotia. This includes the electrical work in bathrooms and kitchens. A supervised apprentice can participate in wiring and electrical hookups but the journeyman must sign off on the project when it has been completed.

Plumber

Plumbers in Nova Scotia must hold a Certification of Qualification or be a Registered Apprentice under a journeyman in order to work in the plumbing trade. This includes installing, pressurizing and  repairing pipe systems and other equipment that handles water, gas and sewage. Since kitchen and bathroom renovations require both water and drainage systems a certified plumber is need for these renovations.

Oil Burner Mechanic (Residential)

In Nova Scotia oil is still a popular heating fuel. Because of its combustible nature an oil burner mechanic is a designated trade requiring a Certification of Qualification or be registered apprentice under a qualified journeyman. Certified oil burner mechanics install, service and repair all oil burners - high pressure, low pressure and vaporizing – with output ratings up to 400,000 Btuh. This includes residential and small commercial units.

Gas Fitter (Licensed Trade)

Because of its explosive nature certification as a gas fitter is enforced by the Fire Marshall's Office. To get this certification individuals and companies must demonstrate that their employees have the appropriate experience for mandatory licensing by the Ministry of Environment & Labour.

Gas Technician 1 – This is a qualified tradesperson who may inspect, install, purge, alter, activate, repair, service or dispose of any natural gas or propane appliance. This also includes the equipment and accessories that are essential to its operation.

Gas Technician 2 – Not as qualified as a Gas Tech 1 this worker may install, , purge, alter, activate, repair, service or dispose of any natural gas or propane appliance that has an input of 400,000 Btuh or less. This also includes the equipment and accessories essential to its operation. Therefore this person can work on gas lines and appliances in kitchen renovations.

Gas Technician 3 – This person must be under the direct supervision of an onsite  journeyman who is the holder of a Gas Tech 1 or Gas Tech 2 certificate. He or she may install, activate or purge gas pipe or tubing that is less than 2 inches in diameter. This also includes reactivating a previously installed or converted natural gas or propane appliance. When renovating a kitchen to included gas appliacnes a gas fitter has to install the lines and hook-ups.