Exposure device operator candidates

To become a certified EDO, you need to be at least 18 years of age and complete vocational training, on-the-job training, a practical examination, and a written examination. For the official guide and all the details, refer to CSA PCP-09, Exposure Device Operator Personnel Certification Guide – Revision 1.

On this page

• How to apply
• Where to submit
• Vocational training
• On-the-job training
• Practical examination
• Written examination
• Fees
• Processing time

How to apply

Submit the following information to apply for certification:

1. A completed CNSC application form for certification as an EDO (FORM-EDO-I)
2. A copy of a letter or certificate from a vocational training institute demonstrating that you have successfully completed a 40-hour EDO vocational training program
3. A completed CNSC EDO on-the-job training attestation form (FORM-EDO-I-OJT)
4. A copy of the EDO practical examination that you successfully completed within the past 12 months and that was administered by an authorized examiner (sample EDO practical examination)
5. A copy of a letter from Natural Resources Canada stating that you successfully completed the EDO written examination (for more information about the examination, visit the NRCan National Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Certification Body website)
6. The application fee of $1,199.43 (as of April 1, 2024)

Where to submit

Submit the information to the CNSC by email, mail or fax:

Email: forms-formulaires@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

Mail:
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Personnel Certification Division
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
280 Slater Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5S9

Fax: 613-995-5086

Vocational training

EDO candidates must provide documentary evidence of the satisfactory completion of an EDO vocational training program consisting of a minimum of 40 hours of formal instruction in radiation safety, regulatory requirements, and in the theory and practice of industrial gamma radiography.

Following a course, EDO candidates should receive a letter or a certificate with the following information:

• Their full legal name
• An attestation that they have satisfactorily completed a 40-hour vocational training course in accordance with CSA PCP-09
• The date the training was satisfactorily completed
• The full name and signature of the training provider and their contact information

Note: CSA Group, the CNSC and NRCan NDTCB do not evaluate or endorse any training organizations, or the training programs they provide.

On-the-job training (OJT)

EDO candidates must provide verifiable documentary evidence of the satisfactory completion of an OJT program consisting of a minimum of 320 hours of formal instruction and hands-on experience with the controlled use and operation of an exposure device. Candidates must complete the OJT program with a company licensed to operate exposure devices and under the constant direct visual supervision of a certified EDO.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to complete the OJT program with the same licensee and within 2 years. The CNSC considers results of the OJT program to be valid for 2 years following completion of the program.

Practical examination

EDO candidates must provide documentary evidence of successful completion of the EDO practical examination. The practical examination should be attempted after completing both the vocational training program and the OJT program.

Candidates who fail the practical examination must wait 30 days and complete remedial OJT (as well as remedial knowledge-based training, if necessary) before reattempting the practical examination.

In the CNSC’s opinion, candidates who fail the practical examination on 3 consecutive attempts have not demonstrated that they have the knowledge and skills required to safely operate exposure devices. The CNSC expects those candidates to repeat the OJT program before taking the practical examination for a fourth time.

The CNSC expects that the practical examination will be administered by:

1. a certified EDO who administers examinations at an NRCan Authorized Examination Centre, or
2. a certified EDO who has been certified for at least 5 years, or
3. a certified EDO who has been certified for less than 5 years and has been authorized by their licensed employer to conduct practical examinations

Written examination

The EDO written examination is used to determine whether a candidate has acquired the knowledge, skills and abilities to operate an exposure device safely and securely

The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions. Examinations are closed book. No reference materials may be used during the course of the examination. Any required reference materials, including mathematical formulas, are provided to the test candidate along with the examination.

The CNSC will permit a candidate to reattempt the written examination if unsuccessful on their first attempt. The candidate must wait a period of 30 days between examination attempts.

EDO candidates who fail 3 consecutive attempts must repeat the vocational training program prior to making a fourth attempt.

For information on how to apply for the examination, visit the NRCan National Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Certification Body website.

Fees

The application fee is payable by credit card, cheque or money order. The cheque and money order should be made payable to the Receiver General of Canada. An application will not be processed until payment has been received.

Note: DO NOT put your credit card information, or a scan of the card, in your application package or email.

For specific information on payment, see payment details.

Processing time

Processing times are posted on the CNSC's service standard page.

To avoid delays:

• complete the application form using clear, legible print
• include all expected information and supporting documentation
• provide your email address, phone number and street address

To inquire about your EDO application, email the CNSC at edo-oae@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca or call 613-991-3054.