FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Gold Seal Certification Program.

General

What’s the difference between a GSI and a GSC? 

A GSI is an intern going through the Gold Seal Certification process and a GSC is an individual who has completed the process and passed the Gold Seal exam. 

Every applicant must complete an enrollment application when they begin their journey to Gold Seal Certification. Once the enrollment application has been reviewed and approved, applicants will be considered a Gold Seal Intern (GSI). Internships are valid for five years from the date of approval. Within this five-year period, applicants must complete a Gold Seal Certification application, and once approved, will be invited to book their Gold Seal exam. Once they have successfully passed the exam, they will be granted their Gold Seal Certification and will be considered a GSC. 

What is a Gold Seal Certification (GSC) application? 

This application is completed after the applicant has obtained the required 100 Gold Seal credits. It is a combination of industry experience and education/training. The following must be included in the application, with details available on pages 16-18 of our Gold Seal application guide: 

• Experience: A minimum of 50 credits (five years) up to a maximum of 75 credits (up to eight years) in industry experience.  
• Education and training: A minimum of 25 credits 
  • Formal education: Optional
  • Mandatory training: Five credits
    • Construction Industry Ethics course (three credits) 
    • Designation-specific course (two credits)
  • Safety training: Optional 
  • Additional training: Optional 

How do I log in to the member centre?

Currently, the Member Centre is not for Gold Seal applicants. We use online forms, and if you would like to apply, please refer to our website or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions about your current status. 

Can I get multiple GSCs? How do I do this? 

Once an applicant has received a GSC in one of the viable designations, they are able to pursue another GSC in a different designation. This applies to existing Gold Seal Certified professionals who have changed positions since being certified and are now employed in one of the other certifiable designations. The process remains the same as the applicant’s original application; applicants will be required to complete a new Gold Seal Certification enrollment and GSC application, as well as pay the respective application fees. They must also write the exam for the new designation. 

I’m a Gold Seal Intern, but I don’t know how many credits I currently have. What do I do? 

Please contact [email protected], and the Gold Seal team will review your current status and provide you with an updated statement on your credits as well as the next steps. You can also download the credit self-assessment tool to determine your approximate credits. 

How much does the Gold Seal Certification application cost?

The total application cost to obtain your GSC is $650 plus tax and is broken down as follows: 

• Enrollment application: $425 plus tax 
• GSC application: $100 plus tax 
• Exam registration: $125 plus tax  

Gold Seal Certification – experience

Can I use my experience in an assistant’s position for experience credits in my Gold Seal Certification application? 

Yes. Applicants require a minimum of five years of experience in the chosen designation, three of which must have been in a full position in Canada. Applicants that have at least three years of experience in a full position can claim two years in a relevant assistant’s position to obtain their minimum five years’ experience. If applicants have more than five years of experience, they may claim up to a total of three additional years in an assistant’s position (7.5 years max) to meet the maximum 75 experience credits. 

Can I skip the enrollment application if I already meet the minimum requirements to complete a GSC application? 

No. All applicants must first complete the enrollment application to begin their certification journey. However, once approved, there is no wait time for completing a GSC application if the applicant has all the required 100 credits. Once applicants receive their enrollment approval, if they meet the requirements, they may complete their GSC application at any time. 

How long am I a Gold Seal Intern for? 

The Gold Seal internship period is five years from the time of enrollment approval. Interns are provided with their expiration date in the enrollment approval email. 

What needs to be included in the letter of reference from my current employer? 

The letter of reference required for your Gold Seal Certification enrollment application must include an applicant’s company details including the name and contact information of their direct supervisor, job title, length of employment, start date, and the applicant’s main duties. The letter must also be signed by an applicant’s direct supervisor. Please email [email protected] if you would like a sample letter of reference. 

I need to change my designation. Who do I contact?

To change your designation during your Gold Seal Internship, please contact [email protected]. Designations cannot be changed once approved to write the exam.  

Does Gold Seal recognize international work experience?

Yes. Of the minimum of five years of work experience required, three must be in the Canadian construction industry; any remaining experience can be international.

Gold Seal Certification – education and training

How do I keep track of my credits? 

Applicants are required to keep track of their own credits until they are ready to submit their Gold Seal Certification application. Before applying, it is recommended that applicants complete a credit self-assessment to determine their current credit count.

How do I register for the mandatory Construction Industry Ethics course?

Applicants must contact their local CCA partner association to register for the Construction Industry Ethics course. Visit our website for a list of CCA’s partner associations.

What courses do I need to take for my application?

To take courses applicable to your designation, first contact your local CCA partner association. They are your education experts and can guide you as well as register you for available courses. You can also consult the Gold Seal accredited training list for available courses through various course providers.

Does the training I took before becoming a Gold Seal Intern count towards my application?

Yes. The training, however, must be Gold Seal accredited and taken within the past 10 years.

I have another industry-related certification. What do I need to apply for Gold Seal Certification? 

The Gold Seal Certification Program accepts specific equivalencies: MCIOB, NCSO, PQS, and CEC. Please see our application guide for details and information. To apply with an equivalency, please complete this application form. Note that we do not accept any other certifications such as the PMP, CET etc.

Gold Seal Certification exam

How do I prepare to write the Gold Seal exam? 

Since the exam is experience-based, the best way to prepare for the Gold Seal exam is to review the competency self-assessment tool for the relevant designation. This will help you understand the topics that will be covered in the exam. If an applicant performs these duties in their day-to-day position, they will be well prepared to write the Gold Seal exam. There are also sample questions on the exam page that show the structure of the real exam questions. Applicants are also encouraged to watch the exam preparation webinar, available on our YouTube channel, and review any course material. There is no exam preparatory course or study guide.

How often is the exam offered?

The Gold Seal exam is offered four times per year: March, June, September, and November. Please visit our website for exam dates.

Where do I write the exam?

All Gold Seal exams are held online, through the Gold Seal exam portal. Applicants may write the exam from their home or office.

What time is the exam?

The exam is at noon Eastern time on the chosen date.

Can I re-write my exam?

Yes, applicants are welcome to re-write the Gold Seal exam for a fee of $125 plus applicable taxes. There is no limit to the number of times you can re-write the exam. A re-write registration link is sent to unsuccessful applicants after the exam. 

How long does it take to receive my exam results?

Results are instantly provided through the online exam portal upon completion of the exam. The Gold Seal team also emails the results the week following the exam.

How much time do I have to write the exam?

Depending on the exam designation, the exam has 150-180 questions and varies from 3 to 3.5 hours in length. Applicants will be informed of the exact duration of their exam in their exam confirmation email.

What is the pass mark for the exam?

The pass mark for the Gold Seal exam is 70 percent.

Professional, Gold Seal Certified (P.GSC)

How do I apply for my Professional, Gold Seal Certified (P.GSC) designation?

The P.GSC designation is open to GSC candidates who meet the following criteria: 

1. Currently hold the GSC credential. 

2. Proof of having worked for a minimum of two years, in the designation in which they were certified. 

3. Proof of a minimum of 30 Gold Seal credits within the past two years:  

• A minimum of 10 credits (one credit per three hours) from construction-related courses obtained after receiving the GSC is mandatory. Courses must be Gold Seal accredited.

• Seminars, conferences, self-directed study, or professional meetings (one credit per three hours); 

• Involvement in community-based or charitable organizations or mentoring (one credit per three hours); 

• Teaching: includes giving presentations, seminars, and workshops (two credits per hour of teaching); 

• Contributing to activities that improve the construction industry, such as committee work (one credit per hour). 

Does the P.GSC designation expire? 

Yes, it is a renewable designation that is valid for two years. To renew your P.GSC designation, please complete the renewal application form.

For more information, please review the Gold Seal Certification application guide.