ACSA NCSO pass mark
The NCSO exam pass mark is 75%, scored as an overall result. The exam is up to 2 hours, closed-book, and written online. If you score below 75%, you must wait 3 months before rewriting (the rewrite fee is $80 CAD).
The 75% pass mark is set by the Alberta Construction Safety Association and is documented in the NCSO Information Booklet. It is not a per-section threshold — it is an overall score across the entire exam.
What the 75% pass mark means
The NCSO exam requires an overall score of 75% to pass. This means:
- You do not need to score 75% on each section — only 75% overall
- Strong performance in one area can compensate for weaker performance in another
- The exam covers a broad range of safety topics, so prepare using ACSA’s official topic outline as well as your course materials
- 75% is a high bar — many professional exams use 65% or 70% as their threshold
What the exam covers
The NCSO exam tests knowledge across these content areas:
- Hazard assessment and controls
- Training and orientations
- Inspection
- Incident investigation
- Auditing (COR audit)
- Health and safety programs
- Documentation and records
- WHMIS / GHS
- Adopted standards
- First aid and emergency preparedness
- Canadian Criminal Code (Bill C-45)
For a full breakdown, see the NCSO exam guide.
How to prepare for the 75% threshold
1. Take practice exams at the real pass mark
The most effective preparation is sitting full timed mock exams scored against 75%. This trains you to pace yourself across 100 questions in 2 hours and shows you exactly where you stand.
2. Target your weakest modules
Most candidates are strong in some areas and weak in others. Use a question bank with per-module tracking to identify your two or three weakest modules and spend the majority of your study time there.
3. Use spaced repetition
Reviewing material at increasing intervals (spaced repetition) is one of the most robustly supported learning techniques. It beats cramming because it builds durable recall rather than short-term memory. The NCSO study guide outlines a 4-week plan using this approach.
4. Read the actual legislation
The exam tests your understanding of the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code, not summaries. Reading the actual sections behind your weak areas is worth more than any study sheet.
What happens if you fail
If you score below 75%:
| Attempt | Deferral period | Rewrite fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1st failure | 3 months | $80 CAD |
| 2nd failure | 6 months | $80 CAD |
| 3rd failure | 12 months | $80 CAD |
After 3 failed attempts, you must wait 2 years before reapplying. See our guide on what happens if you fail the NCSO exam.
How hard is it to score 75%?
The NCSO exam is challenging because it covers a broad range of topics and requires understanding of legislation, not just memorization. However, with structured preparation using practice questions and timed mock exams, most candidates who study consistently for 4–8 weeks can reach 75%. See our analysis of how hard the NCSO exam is.
Questions people ask about the NCSO pass mark
What is the NCSO pass mark?
The NCSO exam pass mark is 75%, scored as an overall result across the entire exam. It is not a per-section threshold. Per the ACSA NCSO Information Booklet (February 2025), the exam is up to 2 hours, closed-book, and written online.
What happens if you score below 75% on the NCSO exam?
If you fail, you must wait 3 months before rewriting. The rewrite fee is $80 CAD. A second failure means a 6-month wait, and a third means 12 months. After 3 failed attempts, you must wait 2 years to reapply.
How many questions are on the NCSO exam?
The current ACSA exam overview describes a two-hour, closed-book exam with 120 multiple-choice questions and a 75% pass mark.
Is 75% a hard pass mark?
75% is higher than many professional exams (which often use 65–70%). It requires broad preparation across all 10 NCSO Prep study modules. Most candidates who study consistently for 4–8 weeks using practice questions and timed mock exams can reach it.
Last updated 27 August 2026.
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Sources
Exam facts on this page come from the certifying body's own published material. Last verified 27 August 2026.
- ACSA, NCSO/NHSA Exam Overview — 120 multiple-choice questions, two hours, closed book, and a 75% pass mark.
- ACSA, NCSO Information Booklet (February 2025) — 75% pass mark, up to 2 hours, $65 initial / $80 rewrite, 3-month deferral, 11 compulsory + 2 elective courses, 3 years (6,000 hours) field experience within 10 years.
- Alberta Construction Safety Association — NCSO program
- Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations
NCSO Prep is an independent study tool, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by ACSA or the CFCSA.