Canadian Electrical Code 2021 Code Update Training

FAQ for Master Electricians and Electrical Group A SCOs

Code update training on the Canadian Electrical Code 2021 is required for Electrical Group A SCOs and Master Electricians and must be completed by March 31, 2022.

This page contains some frequently asked questions on obtaining the training as well as the requirements for certification renewal.

Do I need both the 2018 Electrical Code Update and the 2021 Electrical Code Update to renew?

  • Until the 2021 code comes into force in 2022, MEs and SCOs must operate under the 2018 Code.
  • Any Master Electrician or Electrical Group A SCO renewing before the 2021 Canadian Electrical Code comes into force on February 1, 2022 must provide proof of completing the 2018 Code Update Training.
  • The 2021 Canadian Electrical Code update requirement will not be enforced until March 31, 2022, so you will be able to renew without it as long as you provide it to us before the deadline.

Who provides the courses?

Do I need to submit the certificate to you?

  • Yes, you must submit proof of completion to us.
  • All of the approved code update courses are offered by third-party providers, not the Safety Codes Council itself, and due to privacy laws, these providers cannot share this information with us directly.
  • To submit your proof of completion:
    1. Once logged into your Council Connect account, click the “Renew” button next to your certification.
    2. On the next screen select the “Code Update 2021 (25th edition)” tab.
    3. Click the blue button that says “Add Document” and upload your proof of training.
    4. Note: If you are both a Master Electrician and an Electrical SCO, you will only have to do this once.

I have questions about the content of the code update courses (how long does it take, is there an exam, etc.) Who do I ask?

  • As the approved code update courses are all provided by third parties, you will need to contact the provider of the course directly to get accurate and up-to-date answers about their courses.
  • For a link to the course providers’ websites, please refer to Code Update Training.

What happens if I do not complete the code update training by March 31, 2022?

  • If you do not complete the course and submit proof of completion to the Council by the deadline, your certification will be suspended.
  • For Master Electricians, this will mean you cannot legally pull permits until you complete the required training.
  • For Safety Codes Officers, this will result in your DOP being cancelled.
  • Extensions for this requirement will only be granted under exceptional extenuating circumstances.

Are there exemptions to doing the code update training?

  • Under some circumstances, the Administrator may grant equivalency: for example, if an individual was involved in the development of the code, the development of code update training, or some other activity that demonstrates equivalency.
  • These will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • To request a granting of equivalency, please e-mail certification@safetycodes.ab.ca.

Does the Council accept training that is not on the pre-approved list, or from an out of province provider?

  • If you have taken a course on the 2021 Electrical code that you think is equivalent to the approved training, please email us proof of completion as well as a syllabus or course outline.
  • We will assess on a case-by-case basis.

I am planning to write the Master Electrician exam updated to the 2021 Code once it is available, do I still need to do the code update training?

  • No, you will not be required to complete the code update training.

Where can I do the code update training? Is it in-person or online?

  • Please view the Code Update Training page for approved providers.
  • There are options for self-paced, webinar and in-person courses available.
  • Contact the providers directly for more details on format and registration.

How much does the training cost?

  • As all courses are provided by approved third-party providers, they vary in cost.
  • Information can be found directly on providers’ websites, which are listed here.

I am not currently working as an Electrical SCO or ME. Do I still need to take the code update training? I am not pulling permits or doing inspections.

  • The code update training is required for any ME or Electrical SCO who wishes to remain certified.
  • If you are not expecting to work in your profession, you may request to have your certification voluntarily cancelled and reinstate when you wish to actively use it again.
  • Please note that there is an additional fee of $25 for reinstatements, and that at the time of reinstatement, you will still have to provide proof of this training.

Do I have to take code update training every year?

  • No, code update training may only be required after a new code comes into force, which happens every three years.
  • The decision on whether to require training is made by the Administrator of Certification.

Does this code update training count towards SCO continuing education credits?

  • Yes, it counts for 5 credits for your SCO Continuing Education requirements.
  • Please ensure that you self-report these credits under your Council Connect account.

Where do I upload proof of code update training?

  • You can upload proof that you completed an approved code update training course to your Council Connect profile:
  1. Once logged into your Council Connect account, click the “Renew” button next to your certification.
  2. On the next screen select the “Code Update 2021 (25th edition)” tab.
  3. Click the blue button that says “Add Document” and upload your proof of training.
  4. Note: If you are both a Master Electrician and an Electrical SCO, you will only have to do this once.