How to Become a Roofer in Nova Scotia
Do you need certification?
Certification is voluntary
Roofer is a voluntary trade in Nova Scotia. You can work in the trade without a certificate.
- Protected titles
- Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“Direct Entry Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed.”
From nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer, checked October 11, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Voluntary certification See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 2 steps
- Licensed in another province: 1 step
- Trained outside Canada: 1 step
- Annual fees
- Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 2 done
- 2 steps without a listed fee
-
Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away, with no experience needed.
Source
“Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer -
Spend most of your time working on the job with the remainder in training.
Source
“Most apprentices spend about 80% of their time on the job and 20% in training.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Licensed in another province
0 of 1 done
- 1 step without a listed fee
-
If you already have experience, you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.
Source
“If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Trained outside Canada
0 of 1 done
- 1 step without a listed fee
-
If you already have experience gained internationally, you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.
Source
“If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
1 step without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Apprenticeship ID card: $20
Source
“As a Youth Apprentice, you will only need to pay the cost of issuing your apprenticeship ID card, which is less than $20.00.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice
Requirements
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
An out-of-province or territory apprentice planning to work temporarily in Nova Scotia does not have to register again and there are no further requirements to work as an apprentice in Nova Scotia. Source
“If you are an Out-of-province/territory apprentice planning to work TEMPORARILY in Nova Scotia: Make sure you carry your apprentice ID card. You do NOT have to register again in Nova Scotia. There are no further requirements for you to be able to work as an apprentice in Nova Scotia.”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/labour-mobility/apprentice-mobility
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Credential assessment
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Exams
-
trade qualifier exam
Source
“you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified”
nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Supervised practice
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $19.00 | $25.00 | $33.64 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $22.00 | $30.97 | $44.24 | — |
Roofers in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Voluntary certification
- Alberta Voluntary certification
- Saskatchewan Voluntary certification
- Manitoba Voluntary certification
- Ontario Voluntary certification
- Quebec Certification required
- New Brunswick Voluntary certification
- Prince Edward Island Voluntary certification
- Newfoundland and Labrador Voluntary certification
- Yukon Voluntary certification
- Northwest Territories Voluntary certification
- Nunavut Voluntary certification
Sources checked
- Roofer | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/discover-trades/roofer · fetched October 9, 2026
- Register as an Apprentice | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency nsapprenticeship.ca/register-apprentice · fetched October 9, 2026
- Apprentice Mobility | Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency nsapprenticeship.ca/get-started/labour-mobility/apprentice-mobility · fetched October 9, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as a roofer in Nova Scotia?
No. Certification is available, but it is not required to work in the trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is managed by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.
Which exams are required?
trade qualifier exam.
Getting Licensed? Get Your Resume Ready Too
Nainly pairs expert resume assessment with a done-for-you career marketing campaign, so your profile keeps reaching decision-makers while you work through the licensing steps.
Schedule a CallFree consultation. No commitment.