Our PC government is making it easier and more affordable to work in the skilled trades by removing red tape and reducing costs for thousands of professionals throughout Nova Scotia.
Effective immediately, journeypersons in most compulsory trades—such as plumbers, construction electricians, and boilermakers—no longer need to renew their certifications every five years. This change will save time, money, and paperwork for tradespeople across the province.
In addition, experienced workers in more than 70 trades will now pay less to challenge their certification exam. The cost has been reduced from $644.15 to $350, bringing Nova Scotia in line with other provinces and making it easier for skilled professionals, including newcomers, to become certified.
“Eliminating renewals and lowering fees removes unnecessary red tape for trades professionals,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “These common-sense changes save time and money, while helping more people gain certification and grow our skilled trades workforce.”
These steps also reduce administrative work for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, allowing staff to focus on supporting apprentices and improving service standards.
This builds on earlier efforts to streamline the system. As of July 2, Nova Scotia began automatically recognizing certifications from Alberta and Quebec for professionals in Red Seal trades—meaning tradespeople certified in those provinces can work here without additional applications or approvals.
Together, these changes build up Nova Scotia’s skilled trades sector and will help unlock our province’s full potential.