Become a Certified Safety Codes Officer in Alberta
Help keep Alberta a safe place to live, work, and play.
What You Need to Know
Safety codes officers review construction plans, conduct site inspections, and enforce Alberta’s safety codes. They work for accredited municipalities, corporations, or agencies and are certified in 11 specific disciplines like Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Fire, and others.
Certification is required to perform these duties in Alberta. To become certified, you’ll need discipline-specific education and experience, complete required training and practical requirements, and maintain your certification through continuing education.
Hold an equivalent certification from another jurisdiction?
You may be eligible to transfer your certification to Alberta. Learn about transferring your certification →
Your Path to Certification
1. Apply for Admission
To be accepted into a certification program, you need to meet entrance requirements for your chosen discipline. Each discipline requires specific education and experience.
→ Find your discipline's requirements
Ready to apply?
Application fee: $50
Review time: Typically 7 to 10 business days
How to apply: Log into Council Connect → My Applications tab → Start Pre-Qualification Application
Questions about your application? Contact certification@safetycodes.ab.ca
2. Complete Your Training
Once admitted, you'll complete discipline-specific training requirements. The training path varies by discipline but typically includes:
- Base competency courses on Alberta's safety codes system and your role as an SCO
- Technical courses on the codes and standards for your discipline
- Supervised mentorships and practicums in the field
Some disciplines lead to probationary certification after coursework, followed by further supervised work experience before full certification.
Already a certified SCO? If you're adding a new level or discipline, you'll typically skip foundational courses and move directly to technical training.
Learn more about training:
3. Apply for Certification
When you've completed your training requirements, apply to receive your certification. Most disciplines grant probationary certification at this stage, allowing you to begin working with an accredited organization. You'll then complete supervised field experience to earn full certification.
Ready to receive your certification?
Application fee: $75
Review time: Typically 7 business days
How to apply: Log into Council Connect → My Applications tab
Questions about your application? Contact certification@safetycodes.ab.ca
4. Maintain Your Certification
To keep your certification active, you must renew every three years by completing continuing education and code update training requirements.