Becoming Eligible for EDO Certification

Prior to applying for EDO certification, you must successfully complete the following four steps: 

Vocational Training Course

You must complete a 40-hour classroom vocational training course in radiation safety and the theory and practice of industrial radiography.

An acceptable course must include the following topics:

  • principles of gamma radiography
  • all applicable principles of radiation protection and radiation safety
  • principles of operation of industrial exposure devices, and procedures for using them under normal conditions and during emergencies
  • relevant sections of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and applicable regulations, as listed in paragraph 3.2 of Regulatory Guide G-229 (PDF)

Refer to section 6.0 of Regulatory Guide G-229 for more information on vocational training institutions and programs.

You must provide the CNSC with the original certificate from your training institution, or a true copy signed by a Notary (designated officer).  A scanned copy of the original from the licensee will also be accepted. 

The certificate must confirm the following information:

  • completion of 40 hours of instruction
  • completion of topics listed in appendix A of Regulatory Guide G-229
  • candidate’s full legal name
  • contact details for the vocational institution

The CNSC suggests completing this vocational training before entering the required apprenticeship program. However, you may also complete the vocational training during the first few weeks of apprenticeship. 

Written examination

After completing the vocational training, you must pass a written examination. This test is made up of multiple-choice questions and several essay questions.

For sample examination questions, see appendix C of the Regulatory Guide G-229.

The written examination will assess the knowledge of EDO candidates in the following areas:

  • fundamental properties of matter
  • radiation and radioactivity
  • radiation units
  • radiation detection and measurement
  • biological effects of radiation
  • control over radiation exposure
  • exposure devices:
    • principles of operation
    • normal operating procedures
    • emergency procedures
    • transportation requirements
  • the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and applicable regulations

EDO candidates who fail the written examination should wait at least 30 days before retaking the examination. This time should be used by EDO candidates to review the vocational training program.

EDO candidates who fail the written examination on two consecutive attempts should repeat the entire vocational training program before reapplying for the examination.

To register for the examination, complete Natural Resource Canada’s application form (PDF). Submit the form, along with proof of completing your vocational training, to the NDT Certifying Agency:

NDT Certifying Agency
CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
183 Longwood Road South
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8P 0A5

Tel.: 905-645-0653 or 1-866-858-0473
Fax: 905-645-0836
Email: NDT@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

There is a fee for the writing examination, as listed at the bottom of the application form. Further information about the application form and registration instructions can be found on the Natural Resources Canada Web site.

If you pass the written test, Natural Resources Canada will send you a letter, which you must include with your application to the CNSC for EDO certification.

For questions related to the expiry of your NRCan identification card, please read about NRCan's certification renewal process.

Apprenticeship Program

EDO candidates should complete a minimum of 320 hours of apprenticeship as an EDO trainee at a licensed gamma radiography facility under the direct supervision of an experienced certified EDO appointed by the licensee.

The apprenticeship program should cover the following topics:

  • Principles of operation of specific exposure devices and associated equipment
  • Supervised operation of specific exposure devices and associated equipment
  • Use of remote handling tools
  • Personal dosimetry
  • Use of survey meters
  • Specific emergency procedures including practical exercises
  • Human factors considerations resulting from the working environment, substance abuse, fatigue and stress

This period of apprenticeship should be with the same licensee and completed within six months.  EDO candidates should begin their apprenticeship program no later than three months after completing the written exam.

Practical examination

After completing an apprenticeship, you should pass a practical examination, which will test your skill level in the safe operation of an exposure device.

This examination must be conducted under the direct supervision of an experienced certified EDO, at the licensed facility where you completed your apprenticeship program. You may also apply to the NDT Certifying Agency to complete the exam at one of its test centers.

During the practical examination, you will be required to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the certified EDO supervising the examination, that you are competent in the following tasks:

  • determination of safe surface dose rates on the exposure device
  • removal of an exposure device from storage and attachment of all necessary equipment in preparation for use
  • preparation for exposure, by establishing working areas and erecting safe exposure barriers to prevent unauthorized entry
  • cycling of the source assembly to the exposed position, and return of the assembly to the fully shielded position
  • use of appropriate survey meters to verify the source assembly has returned to the fully shielded position
  • locking of the exposure device, detachment of all associated equipment and return of the locked exposure device to storage
  • preparation of an exposure device for transportation, as specified in the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations

If you do not competently perform one or two of the examination’s tasks, the CNSC expects you to take extra practical instruction and retake the corresponding part of the exam.

If you fail to competently perform more than two of the tasks listed above, the CNSC will consider you to lack the skills required to safely operate an exposure device. You would therefore need to repeat the entire apprenticeship program and retake the full examination.