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The NCSO® / NHSA™ Designation

NCSO & NHSA Designations

Why Get Your NCSO® / NHSA™

NCSO® and NHSA™ designations are valuable for workers who are looking to enhance their safety management skills and credentials, and for those aspiring to take on more significant roles in health and safety admin within their organizations.


NCSO Designation

NCSO® (National Construction Safety Officer)

NCSO® (National Construction Safety Officer) is a professional designation recognized by all provincial and territorial construction safety associations across Canada — members of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations.

Individuals certified under the NCSO® designation will have demonstrated the skills to:

  • Assist management to implement, maintain, and monitor a company’s health and safety system.
  • Review and identify various health and safety issues specific to the work site and company operations.
  • Communicate effectively with government, occupational health and safety officers, management, and workers regarding all aspects of health and safety.

NCSO® certification is designed to recognize the skills of those who regularly perform a safety function in the field or on the jobsite. Certification requires an applicant to possess a minimum of three years of construction field experience.* Those seeking an NCSO® designation are required to conduct a Certificate of Recognition (COR®) health and safety student audit of their company as part of their certification.

*Those without three years of construction field experience may consider the NHSA™ (National Health and Safety Administrator) certification, which recognizes the skills of those who undertake safety functions for their company at an administrative level.

NHSA Designation

NHSA™ (National Health and Safety Administrator)

NHSA™ (National Health and Safety Administrator) certification is a professional designation recognized by all provincial and territorial construction safety associations across Canada — members of the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations.

NHSA™ certification is designed to recognize the skills of those who undertake safety functions for their company at an administrative level, often administrators or human resources professionals who perform functions such as managing claims, promoting safety, ensuring the company follows health and safety regulations, maintaining safety records or compiling safety statistics.*

Individuals certified under the NHSA™ designation will have demonstrated the skills to:

  • Assist management to implement, maintain, and monitor a company’s health and safety system.
  • Review and identify various health and safety issues specific to the work site and company operations.
  • Communicate effectively with government, occupational health and safety officers, management, and workers regarding all aspects of health and safety.

*Those with three years of construction field experience may consider the NCSO® (National Construction Safety Officer) certification, which recognizes the skills of those who undertake safety functions for their company on the jobsite.

NCSO Designation NHSA Designation

NCSO® certification or NHSA™ certification, which one is right for you?

NCSO® certification is designed to recognize the skills of those who regularly perform a safety function in the field or on the jobsite. Certification requires an applicant to possess a minimum of three years of construction field experience. Only those seeking an NCSO® designation are required to conduct a Certificate of Recognition (COR®) health and safety audit of their company as part of their certification.

NHSA™ certification is designed to recognize the skills of those who undertake safety functions for their company at an administrative level, often administrators or human resources professionals who perform functions such as managing claims, promoting safety, ensuring the company follows health and safety regulations, maintaining safety records or compiling safety statistics. The NHSA™ designation does not require construction field experience or completion of a COR® health and safety audit.


The Designation Process

Steps to achieving your NCSO® / NHSA™

NCSO® / NHSA™ Courses

Listing of compulsory and elective courses

The Safety Proficiency Assignment (SPA)

4-Part assignment required to achieve NCSO® / NHSA™ designation

The NCSO® / NHSA™ Exams

Exam details, policies, and registration

Exam Prep Session Schedule

Prepare for your exams

Designation Maintenance

Keep your NCSO® / NHSA™ designation up-to-date

NCSO® / NHSA™ Resources

NCSO® / NHSA™ forms, files, and guides

Qualified Designation Holders

Listing of qualified NCSO® and NHSA™ designation holders.

NCSO / NHSA Designations

Start your NCSO® / NHSA™ application:

Not Sure if You Qualify for NCSO® or NHSA™?

If you are unsure whether you qualify for the NCSO® designation, you can submit a copy of your resume, filled out work experience template (PDF), or work experience letter (PDF) for the NCSO® Coordinator to review to ncso@bccsa.ca. Please note that field experience is NOT required for NHSA™ applicants.

NCSO/NHSA Presentation

NCSO®/NHSA™ Presentation at Your Workplace

Did you know we can deliver a personalized presentation at your company about becoming an NCSO®/NHSA™ The presentation is tailored to your team's needs and outlines how the NCSO®/NHSA™ certification can strengthen your safety program and support your employees' professional development.

Interested in scheduling a presentation? Email us at ncso@bccsa.ca to arrange a Zoom or in-person presentation that works with your schedule.

Need Help? Have a NCSO® / NHSA™ Question?

We have staff who can help make your NCSO® / NHSA experience as straightforward as possible!

  • BCCSA NCSO® / NHSA Program
  • Phone: (604) 636-3675
  • Toll Free: 1 (877) 860-3675
  • E-mail: ncso@bccsa.ca

  • Mon – Fri:  8:00am – 4:00pm
  • Weekends & Holidays:  Closed

AI DISCLAIMER

AI Disclaimer

The BCCSA AI Assistant provides general guidance and information based on available data. It is not a substitute for professional, legal, or safety advice.

While we aim for accuracy, AI can make mistakes. Responses may not always reflect the latest information, rules & regulations, industry best practices, or site-specific conditions. Always verify critical information with official sources or a qualified expert before making decisions.

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