How to Become a Construction Craft Worker in Nova Scotia

• 4 steps without a listed fee

1. Enter apprenticeship agreement

   You and your employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement and complete, sign and submit an application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

   Source

   “Once a potential apprentice and an employer decide to enter into an apprenticeship agreement, an application package must be completed, signed and submitted to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
2. Submit forms and documentation

   You submit the required forms along with proof of previous trades training and proof of previous work experience.

   Source

   “Proof of previous trades training (certificates/diplomas, transcripts) - Proof of previous work experience (employer letters should be signed and on company letterhead, and include dates of employment, number of hours of hands-on-work experience and a description of the job duties/tasks)”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
3. Arrange a meeting

   After submitting the complete application package, you contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade and region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.

   Source

   “After you've submitted the complete application package to the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, please contact the Industry Training Consultant for your trade/region to arrange a meeting with the Consultant, the employer and the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
4. Sign and receive documents

   The Industry Training Consultant has the employer and apprentice sign the form, an Agency Director or Designate signs the agreement, and the Agency sends a signed copy, a logbook and an apprentice ID card to the apprentice.

   Source

   “An Agency Director/Designate will sign the agreement; - The Agency will forward a signed copy of the agreement to the apprentice and employer; and - The Agency will forward a logbook and a Nova Scotia Apprentice ID Card to the apprentice.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice

Official page for this route

• 2 steps without a listed fee

1. Carry your apprentice ID card

   If you are an out-of-province apprentice planning to work temporarily in Nova Scotia, you make sure you carry your apprentice ID card.

   Source

   “If you are an Out-of-province/territory apprentice planning to work TEMPORARILY in Nova Scotia: Make sure you carry your apprentice ID card.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/labour-mobility/apprentice-mobility
2. Work without registering again

   You do not have to register again in Nova Scotia and there are no further requirements to work as an apprentice in the province.

   Source

   “You do NOT have to register again in Nova Scotia. There are no further requirements for you to be able to work as an apprentice in Nova Scotia.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/labour-mobility/apprentice-mobility

Official page for this route

• 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
• 1 step without a listed fee

1. Apply through trade qualification

   If you have worked in the trade and have significant experience but are not a registered apprentice or certified, you use the trade qualification process to challenge the certification examination.

   • Trade Qualifier fee: $350 (includes the examination fee; waived for construction trades until October 2026)
     Source

     “The new Trade Qualifier fee of $350 includes the examination fee. - The fees for the construction trades will be waived until October 2026, and this new fee will be in place following that fee waiver period.”

     nsapprenticeship.ca/agency/news-events/reduction-trade-qualifier-fees
   Source

   “Trades persons who have worked in a skilled trade and have significant experience, but are not a registered apprentice or certified in the trade, can use the trade qualification process to challenge the certification examination.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/agency/news-events/reduction-trade-qualifier-fees
2. Challenge the certification exam

   You challenge the trade qualifier exam, which is the certification examination for the trade, to become certified.

   Source

   “If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.”

   nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/construction-craft-...

Official page for this route