The Alberta Landfill Operator Certification Program is a provincial program that is administered by SWANA Northern Lights Chapter on behalf of the Province of Alberta.
How do I apply to the program?
1. Download the Alberta LOC Application Form, complete the form, ensuring ALL fields within your application have been completed. A copy of your companies job description must be provided as well as the signature and date for both the applicant and the supervisor must be complete.
**Incomplete applications will not be approved until all the information has been completed and re-submitted.
2. Submit your application to the SWANA Northern Lights office via email to info@swananorthernlights.org or fax to 1-866-698-8203
How much are fees?
First-time applicant: CAD$200 + GST
Renewal (exam not required): CAD$125 + GST
What if it’s my first time applying?
For first time applicants a notice will be sent to the e-mail address on your application, indicating whether you have been approved by the Northern Lights Chapter’s Alberta Certification Review Committee to write the exam.
If accepted, the e-mail will provide information on the exam sitting options, and other details regarding the exam. If rejected, the reason for rejection will be provided.
What are the requirements to become certified as a landfill operator?
An applicant for the Alberta Landfill Operator Certification Program must:
a) be at least 18 years of age, and
b) have at least 1 year of full time operational experience at a landfill facility
The full-time experience requirement must be current to be within the last 3 years from the date of application.
What are the requirements for certificate renewal?
The operator must show relevant full-time experience in landfill facility operations for at least 1 year out of the 3 years of the renewal period. The program requires operators to obtain 0.6 continuing education units (Alberta LOC CEUs) to renew their landfill operator certificate.
How do I renew my certification?
For applicants wishing to renew, please complete and submit the Renewal Application form to us at least a month before your certification expires. Expired certificates also can be reactivated/renewed if the expiry date is less than 3 years ago and all requirements for renewal are met.
How long will it take to receive exam results?
Online exam results are shown on the screen at the end of your exam. We will also send you an email notice about whether you passed or failed within a few days. Those with a passing grade will receive their Landfill Operator Certificate via e-mail within a few days of writing the exam.
How can I prepare for the examination?
SWANA NLC offers a Landfill Operations Basic course. For more information on this course please click here. It is recommended to review the course manual, along with the Landfill Operator Study Guide and Alberta’s Regulations to prepare for the exam.
Why do I need to submit my application several weeks prior to the exam date?
Upon receiving your application it will be forwarded to our Certification Review Committee. This committee will review your application to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. Our office also requires time to communicate the committee’s decision back to you.
When will I be notified whether I am approved to write the examination?
An email will be sent to the address on your application, indicating the next available online examination date and other information to schedule your exam.
When and where will the next exam sitting take place?
The exam is now entirely electronic. We offer group online exam sittings (via Zoom), and we can also arrange individual exam sittings at a local-to-you library or college that offers invigilation services. Once your application has been approved, we will get in touch with you to arrange your exam sitting.
How do I pay?
Enter your billing instructions on the application form. We will send you an invoice which includes a secure online payment link where you can enter your credit card payment, or choose to pay via e-transfer or cheque. If you need to pay by cheque, please mail it to PO Box 3317, Sherwood Park, AB – T8H 2T2. All payments must be received prior to you writing the exam.
The sitting I wanted to attend has already been closed for registering; can I still submit my application even though it’s too late?
We will accept applications any time, however, if the next scheduled sitting is already full, we will get in touch with you to arrange your exam sitting for a future date.
What if I have any other questions?
Please contact us! We would be happy to walk you through it.