BRIEFING REPORT · 2015. 2. 2. · BRIEFING REPORT REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO...
Transcript of BRIEFING REPORT · 2015. 2. 2. · BRIEFING REPORT REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO...
BRIEFING REPORT
REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO
HARMONIZATION OF THE RED SEAL PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
FOR THE HAIRSTYLIST TRADE
December 22, 2014
Submitted to APGST by:
North Pacific Inc.
208 – 3855 Henning Drive
Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6N3
(604) 306-7929
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Purpose of the Report 1
2. Project Background 1
3. Practical Assessment for Red Seal Endorsement 2
4. Hairstylist Practical Assessment Harmonization 2
5. Jurisdictional Features – Implementers:
Yukon 4
Alberta 6
Northwest Territories 7
Saskatchewan 8
Manitoba 9
Quebec 11
New Brunswick 13
Nova Scotia 15
Prince Edward Island 17
Newfoundland and Labrador 18
6. Key Considerations - Non-Implementers:
British Columbia 21
Ontario 22
7. Observations and Conclusions 23
8. Recommendations 25
APPENDIX ‘A’ The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table 26
APPENDIX ‘B’ Respondents 27
APPENDIX ‘C’ Hairstylist Benchmarks 28
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 1
REVIEW OF JURISDICTIONAL EXPERIENCES RELATED TO HARMONIZATION
OF THE RED SEAL PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE HAIRSTYLIST TRADE
1) PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
This Briefing Report presents the findings of a documentary review of available publications
(hard copy and web-based) and interviews with representatives from various Provincial and
Territorial jurisdictions in Canada, both those offering and currently not offering a Red Seal
Practical Assessment for Hairstylist trade certification. These activities were conducted by North
Pacific Training and Performance Inc. as part of a contract with the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills
Table. This Report’s purpose is to identify common and variable elements of assessments in the
various jurisdictions as well as the challenges and lessons learned across multiple jurisdictions in
harmonizing the Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade nationally and to identify
recommendations for other trades in moving toward national harmonization.
2) PROJECT BACKGROUND
In February 2014, the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST) received funding from
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to develop and pilot a voluntary, national
mobile crane operator (lattice boom friction and hydraulic) demonstration of skills test (DOST)
for Canada.
Harmonization via the DOST will increase mobility for operators, reduce red tape for employers,
lower costs for industry and jurisdictions, and improve workplace safety for all. A harmonized
DOST standard will complement the existing Red Seal National Occupational Analysis (NOA) for
mobile crane operators.
APGST is working closely with the Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council (CHRSC) to
execute this project. The CHRSC is dedicated to the harmonization of hoisting and rigging
standards across Canada.
North Pacific Training & Performance Inc. (North Pacific) was engaged by APGST to prepare this
briefing report on the implementation of practical assessments for the Red Seal endorsement
for the Hairstylist trade in Canada. Based on the experience of jurisdictions with the Hairstylist
trade, North Pacific will provide recommendations for the mobile crane operator trade (and
other trades) for developing and implementing harmonized practical assessment at the national
level.
North Pacific is a Vancouver-based firm, specializing in competency-based design and
development of industry training and certification standards and systems. North Pacific has
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 2
completed several successful projects specifically related to mobile crane operator
apprenticeship training and certification standards in British Columbia and Washington State.
Under contract to the BC Industry Training Authority, North Pacific has also completed a series
of consulting projects related to the development of occupational qualifications and
apprenticeship training standards for the Hairstylist trade in British Columbia.
3) PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT FOR RED SEAL ENDORSEMENT
Since 2010, CCDA has been engaged in an initiative to review and recommend improvements to
the Red Seal Program in Canada. The Strengthening the Red Seal initiative has been exploring
enhanced standards and methods of assessment (additional to multiple-choice, written exams).
Two pilot projects – one for Cook and one for Heavy Duty Equipment Technician – have
demonstrated the value of implementing multiple assessment pathways to better meet both
industry and candidate needs. The piloted assessment methods included Practical Assessments
along with competency interviews and reviewing portfolios of evidence. In general, these
enhanced assessment methods were proven to be effective in differentiating the actual skill
levels of candidates.
In a CCDA survey of over 1,300 subject matter experts (including tradespeople, employers,
educators and labour representatives), Practical Assessment was favoured over all other forms
of assessment as the “single most important” approach to competency evaluation for
apprentices (by 41% of respondents, compared to 31% who preferred a written multiple-choice
examination). Respondents rated Practical Assessment highest for both apprentices and trade
qualifiers (challengers). Overall, there is strong support for the national standardization of
Practical Assessment.
4) HAIRSTYLIST PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT HARMONIZATION
In 1986, the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) put in place a policy
statement (Policy 16.10) requiring practical assessment for the certification of two trades:
Hairstylist and Welder. CCDA provided no criteria or standards to clarify this policy. In
response, each Canadian jurisdiction offering the Red Seal Endorsement has offered some form
of Practical Assessment requirement. In the case of the Welding trade certifications, two
national standards organizations (the Canadian Welding Bureau and the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers) offer practical standards definitions and assessments that were adopted
(inconsistently) across the various jurisdictions. For Hairstylist, a variety of formats of practical
skills assessment was put in place in each jurisdiction, varying from assessment by training
providers as a part of technical training, to assessment forms completed by supervising
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 3
journeypersons, to assessment as part of licensing requirements by a trade association. While
universal in their implementation and general intent, these assessments have been highly
variable with respect to included competencies, standards of evaluation and overall reliability.
In 2011, the Interprovincial Standards Examination Committee (ISEC) set out to harmonize the
content and processes for Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade. Saskatchewan, as the
lead jurisdiction for the Hairstylist trade, facilitated discussions and consultations, over a period
of two years, to examine alternatives and to identify issues and challenges related to
implementing a national Red Seal Practical Assessment.
The prospect of harmonization met with significant resistance across the various jurisdictions for
a several key reasons:
Differing capabilities across various jurisdictions to implement, administer and maintain
the infrastructure for providing Practical Assessments;
For most jurisdictions, harmonization meant significant changes to what they already
had in place and the attendant costs of re-tooling their systems;
Differing industry structure and relationships among key stakeholders in the different
jurisdictions (i.e.: the predominance of industry associations in the Maritime region);
and
Differing requirements for licensing and mandatory trade certification.
The main problem they faced was that the lack of an agreed definition of what Practical
Assessment is and how it should be conducted.
ISEC members ultimately agreed to implement a set of Benchmarks (see Appendix C), tied to the
Hairstylist NOA, that identifies the competencies to be included in Practical Assessment and
includes basic assessment standards. Each jurisdiction must demonstrate that they “meet or
exceed” all of the Benchmarks in conducting their Practical Assessments.
ISEC members acknowledge the concept and development of benchmarks as a breakthrough
solution to their consensus challenges. Given they each had an interest in implementing a
harmonized approach to Practical Assessment, the Benchmarks capture the core and common
competencies and represent a credible standard for certification of newly trained
journeypeople. The Benchmarks have now been adopted and successfully implemented in most
jurisdictions (excepting in B.C. and Ontario). Currently, there are no commitments on a national
level to move any further toward a harmonized Practical Assessment for Hairstylist than what
these Benchmarks represent.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 4
5) IMPLEMENTING JURISDICTIONS – KEY DIFFERENTIATING FEATURES
YUKON
The information presented below was gathered via email correspondence with a representative
of Yukon and via documentary research. No interview was conducted.
The training program and certification standards for the Hairstylist trade in the Yukon are
directly linked to and dependent upon the Alberta Industry and Training program, under the
Alberta Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education.
Yukon uses the Alberta curriculum and the Alberta exams and practical assessment for
Hairstylist.
YUKON COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration Yukon uses the Alberta practical examination. Most apprentices
complete the practical assessment as a part of their technical training
while in Alberta.
Training providers administer the practical assessment as a part of
technical training.
Apprenticeship Yukon only administers the practical assessment if an
apprentice needs to re-take a test or challenges as a trade qualifier.
Apprenticeship Yukon has also administered the test to a small group
of students for whom Hairstylist training was part of their high school
equivalency in the Independent Learning Centre.
Licensing Not Required.
Hairstylist is not a mandatory trade in Yukon and the trade does not
require certification or licensing.
Assessors When required, Apprenticeship Yukon contacts an assessor who
arranges with the apprentice to set up a time for the assessment.
Apprenticeship Yukon identifies an industry representative to act as
the assessor. The assessor must have at least 5 years of industry
experience and a Red Seal endorsement.
Only one apprentice at a time generally takes the test.
Apprenticeship Yukon pays the assessor an hourly fee for which the
assessors submit an invoice.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 5
YUKON COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Location(s) for PA Training providers administer the exam at the end of technical training
in Alberta.
If necessary, Apprenticeship Yukon uses a salon in Whitehorse (not the
candidate’s work site).
Pre-requisites for PA Apprentices:
Successfully complete technical training - first period (1,400
hours) plus second period (1,400 hours), plus
Required work experience, plus
Pass the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam
For Trade Qualifiers (Challengers):
Application process, plus
Training certificates and/or trade qualification certificates, plus
Required hours of work experience (4,200 hours)
Trade experience validation form signed by employer(s)
Assessment Process Practical Assessment is 5.5 hours, limited to a maximum of 6 hours.
An overall mark of 70% is required to pass.
Within Yukon, the ratio is one assessor per candidate.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 6
ALBERTA
The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. We made contact
with a jurisdictional representative of Alberta. However, they specifically refused to participate
unless and until directed to do so by CCDA.
Certification of Hairstylists in Alberta is governed by Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board
(AITB), under the authority of the Alberta Ministry of Innovation and Advanced Education. The
AITB’s primary responsibility is to establish the standards and requirements for training and
certification for programs under the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act.
Alberta’s apprenticeship and industry training system relies on a network of industry
committees, including local and provincial apprenticeship committees in the designated trades,
and occupational committees in the designated occupations. Standards are developed with
guidance from the local and provincial Hairstylist Apprenticeship Committee members.
ALBERTA COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration AITB staff administer and invigilate the Practical Assessments for
Hairstylists.
Licensing Hairstylist licensing in Alberta is mandatory.
Assessors N/A
Costs of PA Candidates pay $75 for the Practical Assessment.
Subsequent attempts are also $75.
Frequency of PAs In urban centres, the PA is available weekly. In other locations, it is
offered on a demand basis.
Approximately 1,150 candidates attempt the PA each year.
Location(s) for PA The PA is offered in 8 locations across the province.
Pre-requisites for PA Candidates must successfully complete their technical training plus
2800 hours of documented work experience.
Assessment Process The Hairstylist Practical Assessment takes 5.5 hours to complete.
A minimum of 3 trained Assessors is required to conduct a PA, with a
ratio of approximately 1 Assessor for every 6 candidates.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 7
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was
conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Northwest Territories.
Certification of Hairstylists in Northwest Territories is governed by the Department of Education,
Culture and Employment (ECE), through the Advanced Education Division. The ECE appoints
members to the Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification Board (ATOCB).
Standards are developed under the guidance of the ATOCB.
NWT COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration Practical Assessments are administered by the ECE.
Licensing Licensing is voluntary.
Hairstylist is not a mandatory or regulated trade in Northwest
Territories.
Assessors Practical Assessments are conducted by a team of three specially
trained subject matter experts.
Costs of PA Registered Apprentices pay $200 for the Practical Assessment, with the
costs of travel and accommodation being covered by Government of
the Northwest Territories.
The cost for subsequent attempts remains $200, but sponsorship of
expenses is not available.
Frequency of PAs Practical Assessment is available only once or twice per year,
depending on demand.
Location(s) for PA Practical Assessment is available only in Yellowknife.
Pre-requisites for PA Candidates must pass the Red Seal examination before applying for the
Practical Assessment.
Assessment Process The duration of the Practical Assessment is approximately 6 hours.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 8
SASKATCHEWAN
The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of
Saskatchewan, via email correspondence and via documentary research.
Hairstylist certification in Saskatchewan is governed by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and
Trade Certification Commission (SATC). Standards are developed under the guidance of the
Hairstylist Trade Examination Board, and reviewed and approved by SATC.
SASK COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration The SATC administers and invigilates the PA.
Licensing Hairstylist licensing is mandatory in Saskatchewan.
Assessors The Hairstylist Trade Examination Board provides markers for the
assessment.
Costs of PA The apprenticeship fee is $150 and includes the first attempt at the
written and practical assessment.
Trade Qualifier (Hairstylist) fee us $250 and includes the first attempt
at the written and practical assessment.
Subsequent attempts for both groups are $160.
Frequency of PAs Approximately 25 PA testing sessions are scheduled in a typical year.
Location(s) for PA The PA is offered in five locations around the province: Saskatoon,
Regina, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Estevan.
Pre-requisites for PA Candidates must successfully pass the Red Seal written examination
before applying for the PA.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 9
SASK COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Assessment Process The duration of the PA is 6.25 hours, plus breaks. The morning
segment is 3 hours and 15 minutes, while the afternoon is 3 hours. A
lunch break is provided.
A minimum of 3 Assessors (Certified Hairstylist Markers) participate in
each PA, for each group of minimum 7 candidates.
MANITOBA
The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was
conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Manitoba.
Certification of Hairstylists in Manitoba is governed by the Manitoba Apprenticeship and
Certification Board (MACB). The Board is comprised of five Employers, five Employees, one
Apprentice and two members of the public; all of whom are appointed by the Province.
Standards are developed under the guidance of the Provincial Advisory Committee for the
Hairstylist trade, and reviewed and approved by the Manitoba Program Standards Standing
Committee, a committee of the MACB.
MANITOBA COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration The Practical Exams are scheduled and administered by the Private
Vocational Schools and conducted by an Apprenticeship Manitoba
appointed Examiner.
Licensing Mandatory
Assessors There are 17 Practical Examiners trained and certified by
Apprenticeship Manitoba.
The examiners are appointed and paid for by Apprenticeship
Manitoba.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 10
MANITOBA COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Costs of PA The PA is considered as part of the technical training which is entirely
delivered by Training Providers accredited by Apprenticeship Manitoba
(Private Vocational Institutions and public high schools). The cost of
the PA is included in the tuition paid to the school by the candidate.
Candidates who are required to re-take the PA, or any component of it,
pay $75.00.
Trades qualifier candidates or challengers pay $75.00.
Waiting Periods Candidates who fail more than twice are advised to seek upgrading on
the components failed.
Frequency of PAs Generally they are scheduled at the completion of the technical
training. There is at least one a month all year. In 2013, there were
481 full exam candidates and 66 partial exam candidates.
Location(s) for PA Generally the schools handle their own clients. 20 different schools
are accredited.
Pre-requisites for PA Completion of Technical Training Program – 1,400 hours
Assessment Process Candidate provides models (one male, one or two female) and
performs specified tasks in time limited segments. Examiner scores a
maximum of 100 points for each task (section), separated into
weighted performance criteria. All tasks are mandatory. PA duration
is approximately 7 hours.
The ratio is no more than 8 full examination candidates and 2 partial
examination candidates per examiner, assuming that the school has
sufficient equipment stations.
Candidate Results of PA Section scores are averaged for a final percentage mark. Failure of a
section requires retesting of that section only.
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QUEBEC
The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was
conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Quebec.
The Professional Hairdresser or Barber standard for Quebec is reviewed and approved by the
Sectoral Workforce Committee for personal care services which is named by the Commission of
Labour Market Partners under the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity.
Training and certification for Hairstylists is available in Quebec via the Diploma in Hairdressing
(DEP) program.
QUEBEC COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Licensing Licensing is voluntary.
Hairstylist is not a mandatory or regulated trade in Quebec.
Assessors Skills assessment is carried out by an expert assessor or evaluator
designated by the Sectoral Workforce Committee.
Location(s) for PA Practical evaluation is conducted either in the workplace, in a
simulated context, or in a specific production environment.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 12
QUEBEC COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Pre-requisites for PA There are two programs that qualify Hairstylist candidates for the
Practical Assessment to evaluate or to recognize their skills:
The ALMP (apprenticeship program in the workplace) is
essentially a classic apprenticeship program and is managed by
Emploi-Québec, leading to a Certificate of Qualification.
The RCMO (recognition of workforce skills) is a challenge
program for experienced hairdressers, whether employees or
self-employed.
The eligibility requirements for practical assessment include passing a
theoretical written examination, plus:
Completion of the DEP in a publicly-funded college program
and three years of industry work experience
Completion of a private training provider program and four
years of industry work experience
No degree / training and five years of industry work
experience.
Assessment Process Assessment for certification includes both a theoretical and a practical
examination. Following these reviews, the expert appraiser or
evaluator produces a report confirming the mastered skills and
indicates, if appropriate, those that are missing.
Duration of the practical assessment is approximately a half-day.
The skills assessment rules are established by Sectoral Workforce
Committee for Hairstylist.
Assessment for certification includes the following components:
competency interview;
theoretical knowledge examination;
review and analysis of portfolio of experience;
practical evaluation of competencies.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 13
QUEBEC COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Candidate Results of PA To pass the practical assessment, the candidate must demonstrate that
they have mastered all the essential skills covered by the professional
standard. Those who have not mastered all the essential skills covered
by the professional standard can receive a certificate of competence
for those they can demonstrate. Subsequently, they can acquire the
missing skills and get the CQP.
NEW BRUNSWICK
The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of New
Brunswick, via email correspondence and via documentary research.
The Hairstylist trade in New Brunswick is governed by the New Brunswick Apprenticeship Board
(NBAB). Licensing of Hairstylists is governed by the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick
(CANB), a self-governing, regulatory authority. The CANB is the sole licensing and regulatory
body for New Brunswick Hairstylists. Apprenticeship training is not available for the Hairstylist
trade in NB. (Certification only)
NB COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration The Practical Assessment is provided by CANB Examining and Licensing
Committee.
The Committee consists of:
Five licensed cosmetologists elected by the membership of the
Association; and
Four members appointed by the Board of Directors.
The members of the Committee elected by the membership of the
Association may not be owners of schools of cosmetology or
instructors in schools of cosmetology.
NBAB does periodic checks to ensure that all the Benchmarks are being
met.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 14
NB COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Licensing Hairstylist is a voluntary designated trade under the NB Apprenticeship
Act.
Apprenticeship training is not available for the Hairstylist trade in NB.
(Certification only)
Under a private member’s bill, licensing by the CANB is mandatory in
New Brunswick. To become a licensed Hairstylist, students must write
the CANB Licensing Exams, including a Practical Assessment.
The NBAB “accredits” the CANB Practical Assessment as meeting the
benchmarks, as required.
Candidates must take training recognized by CANB and pass the CANB
practical and written exams prior to receiving a “license” from the
association. Licensed Hairstylists may then challenge the Red Seal
Endorsement by applying to NBAB to write the Red Seal written
examination. NBAB recognizes the CANB license, together with the
work experience hours required, as a pre-requisite to challenging the
Red Seal.
Costs of PA Candidates pay $100 for the first attempt Practical Assessment.
For subsequent attempts, candidates pay $20 for each element of the
Practical Assessment (to a maximum of $140) they must re-take.
Waiting Periods Candidates must wait 30 days between Practical Assessment attempts.
Frequency of PAs The Practical Assessment is offered on demand, but at least three
times per year. Candidates are given 30 days notice of scheduled
opportunities.
Location(s) for PA The Practical Assessment is offered only at the office of the CANB in
Fredericton.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 15
NB COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Pre-requisites for PA Pre-requisites are defined by CANB.
Candidates must complete a recognized training program and apply for
the Practical Assessment by submitting:
Proof of having completed no less than 1600 hours in no less
than 43 weeks in a licensed school under the direct supervision
of a Certified Hairstyling Instructor,
A certified copy of their diploma or certificate from the training
institution,
Proof of employment in the trade,
Birth certificate or driver’s license as proof of identity,
The required fee(s)
NOVA SCOTIA
The information presented below was gathered via documentary research. No interview was
conducted with a jurisdictional representative of Nova Scotia.
The Hairstylist trade in Nova Scotia is governed by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
(NSAA). Licensing of Hairstylists is governed by the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia
(CANS), a self-governing, regulatory authority. The Association is the sole licensing and
regulatory body of Nova Scotia Hairstylists.
NOVA SCOTIA COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration The Practical Assessment is administered by CANS.
Licensing Licensing is mandatory. A practicing hairdresser must be licensed with
CANS.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 16
NOVA SCOTIA COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Assessors Assessors are trained and certified by CANS. Assessors must hold a
current Master Cosmetologist or Master Cosmetologist Instructor
License, be currently active in the industry for 5 years and meet any
other requirements as specified by CANS.
Assessor may not be employed at a school. All examiners are required
to evaluate each student completing the examination.
Costs of PA The total cost for the Red Seal Examination and the CANS Practical
Examination is $110.00.
Pre-requisites for PA To obtain a Nova Scotia Cosmetology license, candidates must
complete 1,500 hours of theory and practical instruction, successfully
pass the Red Seal written examination and pay the fees.
Students trained for a minimum number of hours in a registered school or college offering Cosmetology program(s) as outlined in the Act and By-Laws
Out of province or out of country applicants (Not all applicants need to
write the provincial exam.)
Assessment Process The Practical Examination pass mark is 70 per cent. Candidates who
fail any component or phase / service of the examination may apply to
be re-examined on the next available scheduled practical examination
date.
Duration of the Practical Examination is four to five hours.
Candidates have one year from passing the Red Seal Examination to
successfully complete the Practical Examination and a maximum of
three opportunities to pass. During this year, they can obtain a
Temporary Work Permit to allow students to be employed in a salon or
spa after successfully completing the required number of training
hours. A Permit cannot be issued until all documentation has been
filed with CANS.
Candidate Results of PA Candidates receive their Practical Examination results after
approximately four to six weeks. Results are mailed out and will not be
discussed by phone.
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Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 17
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of Prince
Edward Island, via email correspondence and via documentary research.
Certification of Hairstylists in Prince Edward Island is governed by the Department of Innovation
and Advanced Learning (DIAL) Apprenticeship and Training Section (ATS). Apprenticeship
technical training is not provided by DIAL in PEI.
Standards are developed in consultation with the PEI Hairdressers Association (PEIHDA) and are
reviewed and approved by ATS. The PEIHDA is incorporated under the laws of the Province of
Prince Edward Island. The Association receives its authority from the Hairdressers’ Act. The
Association was incorporated in 1959 and has faithfully served the hairdressing profession since
that time. The primary areas of responsible are: licensing of hairdressers, inspection of salons,
and promotion of the hairdressing profession.
PEI COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Apprenticeship and
Training Section
Licensing Hairstylist trade certification is not mandatory in PEI.
However, in order to work in PEI, hairstylists must be licensed by the
P.E.I. Hairdressers Association.
Assessors Assessors are trained and certified by the PEIHDA.
Pre-requisites for PA Candidates must complete in full the Application for Interprovincial
Examination.
Candidates must have the required number of hours to be eligible for
certification as stated on the Application Form.
Candidate and a certified journeyperson must sign the Record of Work
Experience and Competencies Achieved Form.
Each employer listed on the application form must complete in full and
sign the Employer Declaration Form.
Candidate must also be a member in good standing with the PEI
Hairdressers Association.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 18
PEI COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Assessment Process Training for Hairstylist takes approximately three years and is
completed in three stages: student, apprentice and finally, junior
beautician operator.
Students must obtain 1,250 hours of practice either in a school or in a
salon with a licensed operator and pass a PA. Successful students then
become apprentices. Apprenticeship technical training is not
sponsored or provided by DIAL in PEI.
Apprentices must complete 2,000 hours of practice and pass a second
PA.
The final stage of training, junior beautician operator, requires an
additional 2,000 hours of practical experience. Once this stage is
completed, hairstylists may become licensed.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of
Newfoundland and Labrador, via email correspondence and via documentary research.
Certification of Hairstylists in Newfoundland and Labrador is governed by the Apprenticeship
and Trade Certification Division (ATCD) of the Provincial Department of Advanced Education and
Skills. Standards are developed under the guidance of the Provincial Training Advisory
Committee (PTAC) for the Hairstylist trade. Members of the PTAC are appointed by the ATCD
and include two representatives from training institutions (1 public, 1 private), two employee-
representatives (journeypersons), and two employers.
NFLD COMPARATIVE FEATURES
PA Administration Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Division (ATCD) administers the
Practical Assessment.
Licensing Licensing is voluntary.
Hairstylist is not a mandatory or regulated trade in Newfoundland and
Labrador.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 19
NFLD COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Assessors Assessors are selected, trained and certified by the ATCD. Assessors
may be members of the PTAC.
Assessors are certified journeypersons with at least three years of
experience working in the field, with a broad knowledge of their trade.
As part of their Assessor training, they shadow senior assessors during
actual assessments. Coaching / mentoring by more experienced
Assessors is available.
Costs of PA For a registered apprentices who meet all eligibility requirements,
there is no cost for Practical Assessment conducted immediately
following completion of classroom training program. Otherwise, the
fee varies and is established by the institution delivering the practical
examination.
For trade qualifiers, a $150 administration fee is charged by the
Province. This fee is in addition to the variable fees established by the
institution delivering the practical examination. Trade qualifiers must
pass the Practical Assessment before writing the Red Seal Examination.
Waiting Periods For an unsuccessful candidate, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting
period before any subsequent attempt.
If a candidate is unsuccessful more than once, additional training is
mandatory, as prescribed.
Location(s) for PA The Practical Assessment is administered at a college location in a
salon-type environment. There are three Practical Assessment sites in
the Province, one each in Greater St. John’s Region, Gander, and
Corner Brook.
No Practical Assessment is provided in any particular assessment
center or at a candidate’s work site.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 20
NFLD COMPARATIVE FEATURES
Pre-requisites for PA For Apprentices: Completion of all criteria to be eligible for Red Seal
Examination and payment of fees. The apprentice must pass the
Practical Assessment to become eligible to write the Red Seal Theory
Examination.
For Trade Qualifier: After approval of required work experience hours,
Trade Qualifiers must pass the Practical Assessment to become eligible
to write the Red Seal Theory Examination. If successful in the
certification examination, a Certificate of Qualification is issued to the
Trade Qualifier.
Assessment Process An ATCD Program Development Officer schedules and completes
logistical requirements for the day of Practical Assessments, which is
scheduled to coincide with the end of training at each training provider
site.
The duration of the Assessment is 6 hours. The ratio of assessors to
candidates is approximately 2 to 10, and as many as 3 to 15. All
assessors will assess each candidate. Assessors independently mark a
scoresheet for each candidate for each component of the exam.
A facilitator appointed by the ATCD (usually a staff member from the
Division) averages the scoresheets for each candidate and produces
the result.
There are seven components/parts in the practical exam to cover each
benchmark. If the candidate is unable to pass one component, they
will be given one more attempts to complete the component. This will
be done outside the 6-hour window. However, if they fail three parts,
they will not be allowed a reattempt the same day.
Candidate Results of PA Each component is individually scored with a pass mark of 70% - some
are timed with penalties for excessive time taken.
Comments are recorded to provide constructive feedback to
candidates, particularly if a candidate is unsuccessful on one or more
sections of the Assessment. All comments are recorded on file and
candidates are allowed to have access to their file.
Candidates are notified of their results immediately at end of exam.
Most candidates attempt the written exam within a week of passing
the practical exam.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 21
6) NON-IMPLEMENTING JURISDICTIONS – KEY CONSIDERATIONS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
The information presented for British Columbia is provided by Dan McFaull, a consultant with
North Pacific who has been actively working on standards development for the Hairstylist trade
in British Columbia since 2010.
British Columbia has not offered the Red Seal Endorsement for Hairstylist since 2003, when the
former Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission (ITAC) was dissolved and eventually
replaced by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). Until 2003, Hairstylist had been an occupation
for which trade certification was mandatory. Since 2003, certification has been voluntary for
B.C. Hairstylists.
Since 2010, ITA has been working actively toward re-instating the Red Seal Endorsement for the
Hairstylist trade. To date, a committee of industry representative subject matter experts has
agreed to a new set of program competency standards that are in alignment with the National
Occupational Analysis for Hairstylist. Also, an Advisory Committee of training providers has
agreed on a Credentialing Model for the trade that includes a Practical Assessment for achieve a
Certificate of Qualification for the trade
These standards revisions have been presented to the Standards Review Committee of the ITA
and are currently under review for possible approval. There are several considerations that
influence the ITA’s decision specifically regarding implementation of the Practical Assessment,
including:
The costs and logistics of effectively and efficiently offering opportunities for Practical
Assessments that will be accessible to all candidates across the breadth of the province,
in both urban and smaller centres;
The challenges of recruiting, selecting, training and providing oversight of Assessors to
ensure the reliability, consistency and integrity of assessments across the province;
The urgent priorities of other occupational and trades certification program
opportunities, given a fixed program development budget; and
The historically poor completion rate for apprentices registered in the Hairstylist
program in B.C. raises the question of whether there will significant demand for Red
Seal certification;
Currently, the ITA has postponed any further decision on implementing standards revisions for
Hairstylist until the fiscal year beginning in April 2015. Any decisions made early in the new
fiscal year to implement program changes (including a Practical Assessment) would not likely be
fully implemented any sooner than 2016.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 22
ONTARIO
The information presented below was gathered in an interview with a representative of Ontario
and via email correspondence.
Hairstylists must be certified to work in Ontario and be a member of the Ontario College of
Trades (OCOT). The Ontario government regulates this trade via the Apprenticeship and
Certification Act (1998).
Ontario has in place a Practical Assessment that is required for candidates who wish to
challenge the program standards without participating in an apprenticeship (trade qualifiers).
The Hairstylist Trade Board of OCOT has reviewed this assessment in light of the competencies
included in the CCDA Hairstylist Benchmarks and determined that all benchmarks are
adequately covered. The Trade Board has recommended that the existing assessment be
adopted as mandatory to gain a Certificate of Qualification in Ontario, and that apprentices be
required to pass the Red Seal written examination before attempting the Practical Assessment.
Currently, OCOT is planning to implement a Red Seal Practical Assessment at some point in
2015. Their considerations are similar to those of B.C. in planning for implementation of a new
assessment requirement.
The costs and logistics of effectively and efficiently offering opportunities for Practical
Assessments that will be accessible to all candidates across the breadth of the province,
in both urban and smaller centres;
The challenges of recruiting, selecting, training and providing oversight of Assessors to
ensure the reliability, consistency and integrity of assessments across the province;
The urgent priorities of other occupational and trades certification program
opportunities, given a fixed program development budget; and
Unlike B.C. where trade certification is voluntary and the apprenticeship completion
rate is low, OCOT is concerned about meeting the demand for Practical Assessments,
given the high number of apprentices that will want to complete their trade
qualifications.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 23
7) OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the experiences shared by key jurisdictional representatives who were involved in the
harmonization of Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade, and on a comparison of features
of current Practical Assessment components and protocols across the various jurisdictions, we
make the following observations and draw these initial conclusions:
The variable capability, among jurisdictions, for implementing and maintaining a harmonized form of Practical Assessment was a key challenge for the Hairstylist trade.
The needs and interests of industry vary across the jurisdictions. These were effectively brought to light through consultations with key stakeholders and were invaluable in ultimately agreeing on the Benchmarks. Industry was given a strong voice in consultations related to harmonizing a Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade.
ISEC maintains an open and transparent process for consensus building with stakeholders in each of the jurisdictions, with checklists and assessment criteria shared publicly for candidates and employers to review.
Industry associations, many well entrenched within their jurisdiction, proved to be powerful and able to play an effective role in training and certification, as well as licensing. Where present, the opportunity exists to effectively engage them in supporting (and even providing) Practical Assessment.
The development of Benchmarks, allowing each jurisdiction a degree of freedom in implementing their own form of Practical Assessment, provided the ultimate basis for harmonization.
While the Benchmarks represent the common core of Practical Assessment in each jurisdiction, the latitude allowed has produced considerable variation in other features, including:
o competency challenges (assessment elements added),
o duration (from 3.0 to 6.5 hours),
o administrative mechanisms (industry associations, training providers, government),
o assessor selection criteria (generally a Red Seal journeyperson, but may be employer or instructor),
o assessor training and support provided,
o validation of practical assessment standards across assessors (from none at all reported to cross-validation at the conclusion of each practical assessment session),
o assessor to candidate ratios (from 1:3 to 1:7),
o pre-requisites (including passing the Red Seal written examination), and
o fees for first attempt (from no cost to $200)
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 24
The NOA and the practical competencies it describes appears to have provided significant common ground for agreeing on the Benchmarks. Currently, the structure of the NOA is under review, based partly on CCDA’s desire to provide a better basis for developing competency-based and practical assessment in the Red Seal Program.
Jurisdictional Experiences Related to Harmonization of
Red Seal Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist Trade 25
8) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOBILE CRANE PA HARMONIZATION:
Reviewing the experiences shared by key jurisdictional representatives involved in the
harmonization of Practical Assessment for the Hairstylist trade, together with the industry
experience of North Pacific consultants, we developed the following recommendations for the
harmonization of a Demonstration of Skills Test (DOST) for the Mobile Crane trade:
1. Use agreement on Benchmarks, at least initially, as the basis for implementing a harmonized DOST. Benchmarks most effectively represent a workable minimum threshold of agreement while allowing ample ‘freedom of equivalency’ for each jurisdiction to adapt the standard to meet their necessities.
2. Develop the Benchmarks to be a creditable and respected standard, representing the required confidence level for recognizing the equivalency of competency for those certified in other jurisdictions. In other words, avoid agreeing to the lowest common denominator. Set high standards and require each jurisdiction to meet or exceed the standard represented by the Benchmarks.
3. Actively engage the various jurisdictions, and their stakeholders, in the development of Practical Assessment standards. Maintain an open and transparent process from the outset. Active communication with all parties to be effected needs to be a key strategic priority for the initiative.
4. Regard ISEC and CCDA as stakeholders in the process. ISEC represents the practicalities of implementation in each jurisdiction, while CCDA represents a national policy base for supporting harmonization. Both groups look for a ‘business case’ in their own terms in order to bring their considerable influence to the discussions.
5. Standards for the selection, training and certification of Assessors need to be included as part of the Benchmark agreement. Assessors will be the face of Practical Assessment in each of the jurisdictions. Maintaining consistency across Assessors within each jurisdiction is vital to the reliability of the certification testing. Coordinating standards for Assessors across the jurisdictions will support the validity and equivalency of the certification.
Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations
Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 26
APPENDIX ‘A’
The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table
The Skills Table is a regional partnership between labour, business and education / training
institutions. The Skills Table was incorporated in March 2008 with the mandate “to coordinate
decision-making and action to address overall concerns regarding labour shortages and skills
gaps in the Gateway, and build appropriate capacity in labour resources in innovative ways.”
The key objectives of the Skills Table are to establish and maintain an industry-driven cross-
sectoral partnership to:
Target pressing skills issues related specifically to the Gateway;
Establish priority projects and oversee their successful completion;
Lever investments in skills and human resource development projects;
Broker and support partnering work among industry stakeholders; and
Advance solutions and strategies adopted by the Skills Table and tailored to industry
needs.
For more information on the Skills Table visit www.apgst.ca.
Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations
Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 27
APPENDIX ‘B’
Listing of Respondents:
Respondent Position / Jurisdiction
John Poirier Program Standards Manager Ontario College of the Trades
Christopher Stubbs Director of Program Development Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Former ISEC Chair (during harmonization)
Dean Frey Program Development Officer Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Responsible for Crane Operator Programs
Fraser Cocks Executive Director BC Association for Crane Safety and Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council
Roger MacInnis Apprenticeship Section - Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Prince Edward Island Current ISEC Chair
Stephen McCarthy Manager Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Standards Development (Section) New Brunswick
Laura Cowan Manager Standards and Curriculum Unit Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division Department of Advanced Education and Skills Newfoundland
Lorraine Coulombe Program Development Officer Apprenticeship Training Nova Scotia
Eric Hubbard Judy Trower
Program Development Officers Apprenticeship Yukon Yukon
Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations
Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 28
APPENDIX ‘C’
CCDA Hairstylist Practical Assessment Benchmarks (2013)
- Based on the Hairstylist NOA (2011)
Block
Required (R) or
Not Tested (NT) Benchmarks / Comments Notes and Clarifications
A Occupational
Skills R
Maintaining a safe and hygienic work
environment is important.
Jurisdictions will observe
Occupational Health and Safety
throughout the assessment.
Occupational Skills will
also remain on the written
examination.
B
Hair and Scalp
Care
R
Draping and Shampoo/Conditioning
Services will not be a standalone
mark, but rather used as appropriate
with the service being assessed.
Jurisdictions wishing to
have a standalone mark in
this area will “exceed” the
minimum benchmark.
C Cutting Hair R
Two (2) haircuts that remove a
minimum of 2.5 cm of hair using at
least two (2) tools.
1. A clipper cut (clipper over comb)
2. A haircut with elevation (shear(s)
No notes
D
Styling Hair
R
Minimum benchmark – A
combination of at least two design
methods to complete a finished look
that contains some “C” shapings
and/ or movement. Examples may
include:
1. Rollers/Dryer/Combout 2. Blow dry/Hot
Rollers/Combout 3. Blow dry/Curling
Iron/Combout 4. Thermal tool(s) and
Combout
No notes
E
Chemically
Waving and
Relaxing Hair R
Minimum benchmark – The
mechanics of a traditional perm must
be assessed including sectioning,
sub-sectioning and wrapping.
Jurisdictions require that
the mechanics of both
colouring and perming are
to be assessed.
Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations
Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway 29
Block
Required (R) or
Not Tested (NT) Benchmarks / Comments Notes and Clarifications
F Colouring Hair R
Minimum benchmark – The
mechanics of controlled colour
application must be assessed
including sectioning, appropriate
application, and saturation.
G Specialized
Services NT No change.
Assessed adequately on
the written Interprovincial
examination for the target
audience.
H Sales and
Marketing NT No change.
Assessed adequately on
the written Interprovincial
examination for the target
audience.
*jurisdictional assessments must be completed by impartial assessors