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The CRPA(R) designation is the highest level of competency recognized by the CRPA at the Canadian level. To attain the level of Registered Radiation Safety Professional (RRSP), members must demonstrate academic achievement and experience in radiation sciences field (be approved for Recognition) and successfully complete an in-person exam administered by the CRPA based on identified core competencies.
The purpose of the designation is to ensure that a regulator, employer or member of the public can have confidence in the qualifications of a RRSP with the CRPA(R) credential.
Retaining the designation requires maintenance of CRPA membership, payment of a Registration maintenance fee and continuing education and professional development monitored through the maintenance of registration program.
Benefits of the CRPA (R) designation:
In 2003, CRPA approved the establishment of a professional certification system for Radiation Safety Professionals. Initially CRPA planned to create many levels of competency with only the last level being called Certification. In 2009 during a general meeting of CRPA(R)s held in Montreal it was decided to abandon the project of a second level of registration and to give formal recognition to our registered professionals who since then have been designated as Registered Radiation Safety Professionals (RRSP).
The Radiation Safety Competency Profile was approved in principle at the Annual General Meeting on May 27, 2003 held in Kananaskis, Alberta. This profile reflects the Core Level Competencies that will define the process for developing the content of a registration examination as well as criteria to be used in the process of evaluating professional training programs in the area of radiation safety. It is not meant to be a specific description of what you do at your specific job, but rather is intended to represent the basic competencies common to Radiation Safety Officers in any job.
The Curriculum Guide can be used when developing course material to meet the competency requirements.
The Registration Process is explained in detail in the CRPA Professional Registration Process document.
Members wishing to write the CRPA(R) registration exam must first reach Recognition stage before being eligible to write the exam. This step involves completing the Recognition application, paying the non-refundable application fee ($50 CDN + HST) and providing supporting documents. Please read the CRPA Professional Registration Process document carefully with regard to required and acceptable supporting documentation.
For those who achieved Recognition on or after June 1st, 2023, there is a 5-year time limit from the date of Recognition to successfully completing the Registration process (passing the exam).
Once you have attained Recognition, you may register the write the exam. The examination fee is $300 CDN + HST. The fee to re-write the exam is $150 CDN + HST.
The exam may be written in English or French and must be written in person.
The Recognition Application fee and Exam Registration fee are in addition to annual membership dues.
Contact the Secretariat if you have questions regarding the RRSP registration process.
Once you have attained Registration with the Canadian Radiation Protection Association, it is mandatory to meet the established criteria for maintenance of that registration:
Credit Summary Worksheet
The categories in the Credit Summary Worksheet are suggested guidelines and CRPA(R)s are encouraged to submit any professional or service contributions that relate to radiation safety. This will allow the RRSP Maintenance Subcommittee to expand categories to meet changes in the radiation safety profession.
Determination of the credit point value and acceptance of credit points rests with the RRSP Maintenance Subcommittee and all decisions are final.
It is the responsibility of the CRPA(R) professional to record their points and retain verification for proof of completion. The RRSP Maintenance Subcommittee will audit submitted credit summary reviews on a random basis. When a candidate is contacted for an audit they are required to submit documents that verify submitted point credits.
Registration Maintenance Fee
A prorated fee (minimum $125 CDN, maximum $150 CDN, + HST) is due every three years at the time of review submission. This fee is in addition to annual membership dues.
Renewal notifications will be sent via email several months prior to the CRPA(R) expiry date.
If a member chooses not to follow the maintenance program, they can opt to rewrite the CRPA(R) examination every three years to maintain their registration. The Exam re-write fee would apply ($125 CDN + HST) in lieu of the Registration Maintenance fee.
Details on RRSP Maintenance can be found in Section 5 of the CRPA Professional Registration Process Document.
Contact the Secretariat should you have questions regarding the RRSP Maintenance process.
Date and Location(s) of the Fall 2024 Exam to be determined.
The Spring 2025 Exam will take place on May 26, 2025 in Hamilton, Ontario.
Deadline for Submission: To be determined
Recogntion Applications are currently closed and will open in the Fall of 2024
Deadline for Exam Registration: To be determined
Exam Registration is currently closed and will reopen for the Fall 2024 exam.
Unsure about what to study or how to study for the CRPA(R) exam? There is a pre-recorded webinar entitled “CRPA(R) Exam Prep Course” available to members only via the Professional Development Sessions section (under On Demand Sessions) on the Members’ website . The cost is $60 CDN + HST. The course is available in English only.