Exposure Device Operators

CNSC uses Certification of Exposure Device Operators (G-229) (PDF) to evaluate applications for certification as an Exposure Device Operator (EDO).

Lost your EDO/Qualified Operator (QO) certificate?

How to Apply for Certification as an Exposure Device Operator

Submit a completed application for certification to:

Accounting Operations Section
Finance and Administration Directorate
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5S9

Before you submit your application

For an application to be complete, you should submit the following information:

• A completed application form (PDF).
• The $1,000.00 application fee in a cheque or money order made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
• A copy of the training certificate you received after successfully completing a 40-hour Exposure Device Operator vocational training program. 
• A copy of your Natural Resources Canada letter stating that you have successfully completed the Exposure Device Operator written examination.
• A letter from your employer stating that you have successfully completed a 320-hour Exposure Device Operator apprenticeship program.
• This letter should provide details of the Exposure Device Operator apprenticeship program that you completed, including the names of your supervisors and the topics that were trained during the program.  For more information on what should be submitted, see the sample Exposure Device Operator Apprenticeship Program letter (PDF).
• A copy of the practical examination that you successfully completed with your employer or at a recognized testing centre.

This practical examination should cover the topics listed in Step 4 of How to become a Certified Exposure Device Operator (see below).  For more information on what should be submitted, see the sample Exposure Device Operator practical examination (PDF).

How to become a Certified Exposure Device Operator

Regulatory Guide G-229

CNSC uses Regulatory Guide G-229, Certification of Exposure Device Operators (PDF) to evaluate applications for certification as an Exposure Device Operator (EDO). Information contained in Regulatory Guide G-229 about CNSC recommended EDO training and experience is listed below. 

1. Complete a 40-hour EDO Vocational Training Course

EDO candidates should complete 40 hours of classroom vocational training in radiation safety and in the theory and practice of gamma radiography. 

This vocational training program should cover the following subjects:

• the principles of gamma radiography
• all applicable aspects of radiation protection and radiation safety principles
• the principles of operation of industrial exposure devices and their normal operating and emergency procedures
• relevant sections of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and of the applicable regulations, as listed in paragraph 3.2 of Regulatory Guide G-229, Certification of Exposure Device Operators

A detailed list of topics that should be covered in the vocational training program is provided in Appendix A of Regulatory Guide G-229, Certification of Exposure Device Operators (PDF).

CNSC recommends that EDO candidates complete the vocational training program at a recognized educational institution or at a licensed gamma radiography facility where that licensee has the resources to properly manage the program. Alternatively, this training program may be completed by correspondence with a recognized educational institution. 

Although CNSC suggests that EDO candidates to complete this program before entering the apprenticeship program, the vocational training program may be completed during the first few weeks of the apprenticeship program.

2. Complete the EDO Written Examination

When the vocational training program is completed, EDO candidates must pass a written examination.

The EDO written examination consists of:

• 60 multiple-choice questions each worth 1 point
• A number of essay questions with a total worth of 40 points.

The pass mark of the examination is 75 percent overall, with a minimum of 20 points on the essay questions.

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
• Radiation exposure control
• Exposure devices:
  • principles of operation,
  • normal operating procedures,
  • emergency procedures, and
  • transportation requirements

• Nuclear Safety and Control Act and applicable regulations

For sample examination questions, see Appendix C of Regulatory Guide G-229, Certification of Exposure Device Operators (PDF).

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.

How to Register For the Written Examination

To register for the examination, go Natural Resource Canada’s Certifying Agency Web site Forms section, under Exposure Device Operators and complete the application form.  Submit this form to the NDT certifying Agency at Natural Resources Canada. This application form and registration instructions are available from:

Web site: http://www.nrcan-rncan.gc.ca/mms-smm/ndt-end/index-eng.htm

NDT Certifying Agency
CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory
Minerals and Metals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
183 Longwood Road South
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8P 0A5
Tel.: 1-905-645-0653 or 1-866-858-0473
Fax: 1-905-645-0836
E-mail: NDT@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Along with the application to register for the examination, EDO candidates should include evidence of their completion of the vocational training program. 

There is a fee for writing the exam, as listed at the bottom of the Exposure Device Operator Examination application form.

3. Complete a 320-Hour EDO 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.

4. Complete an EDO Practical Examination

At the completion of the EDO apprenticeship program, EDO candidates should pass a practical examination to determine whether they have acquired the skills and attitudes required to operate an exposure device in a safe manner.

The practical examination should be conducted under the supervision of an experienced certified EDO at the licensed facility where the EDO candidate has completed the apprenticeship program. Alternatively, EDO candidates may apply to the NDT Certifying Agency to complete the practical examination at one of its test centres.

During the practical examination, the EDO candidate should demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the certified EDO supervising the examination, competence in performing each of the following tasks:

• Determine safe surface dose rates on the exposure device
• Take an exposure device from storage and attach all necessary equipment in preparation for use
• Prepare for exposure by establishing working areas and erecting safe exposure barriers to prevent unauthorized entry
• Cycle the source assembly to the exposed position and return it to the fully shielded position
• Use the appropriate survey meters to verify that the source assembly has returned to the fully shielded position
• Lock the exposure device, detach all associated equipment and return the locked exposure device to its storage location
• Prepare an exposure device for transportation as specified in the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations.

CNSC expects EDO candidates who fail to perform competently one or two of the tasks listed above to receive remedial practical instruction on these tasks before retaking the corresponding part of the examination.

In addition, EDO candidates who fail to perform competently more than two tasks listed above do not have, in the opinion of CNSC, the skills and attitudes required to safely operate exposure devices. As a result, CNSC expects those candidates to repeat the entire apprenticeship program before retaking the entire examination.

Alternative Training and Experience

CNSC will assess each EDO application on a case-by-case basis, and may consider alternative types of education, training, and experience to those listed above.  However, these alternatives should give CNSC reasonable assurance that the EDO candidate has the knowledge and skills required to safely operate an exposure device.

Lost your EDO/Qualified Operator (QO) certificate?

Have this request form (PDF) filled out by a licensed gamma radiography facility representative and send it to CNSC:

Mail:
Director, Personnel Certification Division
Directorate of Safety Management
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5S9

Fax: 613-995-5086

Please note: There is currently no fee for a replacement certificate.