How to Become a Blaster in Nova Scotia
Do you need certification?
Certification required
Blaster is a compulsory trade in Nova Scotia. You need a certificate, or registration as an apprentice, to work in the trade.
- Protected titles
- Blaster
Show the source
“To work in the Blaster trade, an individual requires a license or permit under the regulatory authority in Nova Scotia, the Occupational Health and Safety Division.”
From nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/trades, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Certification required See the source
- Routes
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Your roadmap
The steps are not listed yet.
Check the current steps with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
Requirements
Other
To work in the Blaster trade in Nova Scotia, an individual must hold a license or permit from the Occupational Health and Safety Division.
Source
“To work in the Blaster trade, an individual requires a license or permit under the regulatory authority in Nova Scotia, the Occupational Health and Safety Division.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/tradesAnyone taking the Blasting Safety Course to work as a Blaster Assistant must meet the safety requirements for that role.
Source
“The Blasting Safety Course (online) is open (for a fee) to anyone who plans to work as a Blaster Assistant and meets the safety requirements for this role.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/blaster
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
A tradesperson with a Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian jurisdiction in a compulsory certified trade such as Blaster must apply for an Equivalency Card via AMS, with no exam or assessment mentioned. Source
“If your CQ was issued in another Canadian jurisdiction AND is in one of Nova Scotia's compulsory certified trades, including Blaster, you must apply for an Equivalency Card via AMS.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/tradespersons/trade-certificates
Apply for Equivalency Card
Source
“If your CQ was issued in another Canadian jurisdiction AND is in one of Nova Scotia's compulsory certified trades, including Blaster, you must apply for an Equivalency Card via AMS.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/tradespersons/trade-certificates
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Exams
-
certification exam
Source
“To obtain a CQ, an individual must successfully complete a formal assessment process, which is usually the certification exam for their designated trade.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/tradespersons/trade-certificates
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | — | — | — | Undetermined |
| Canada | $27.00 | $37.50 | $49.00 | — |
Blasters in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Certification required
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Certification required
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Certification required
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Trades in Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/trades · fetched October 9, 2026
- Blaster | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/blaster · fetched October 9, 2026
- TRADE CERTIFICATES | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency nsapprenticeship.ca/tradespersons/trade-certificates · fetched October 9, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a blaster in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Certification, or registration as an apprentice, is required to work in the trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is managed by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
Which exams are required?
certification exam.
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