What is CSTS 2020?
CSTS 2020 (Construction Safety Training System 2020) is Alberta's foundational construction safety orientation course, administered by the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA). It is the updated version of the original CSTS-09 course and covers essential safety topics including hazard identification, personal protective equipment, emergency response, and workers' rights and responsibilities under Alberta's OHS legislation. CSTS 2020 is the entry-level safety certification required by virtually all construction employers in Alberta.
Nearly every worker entering a construction site in Alberta is required to hold a valid CSTS 2020 certificate. This includes labourers, tradespeople, supervisors, engineers, and even visitors who spend time on active construction sites. Many general contractors and project owners list CSTS 2020 as a minimum requirement for site orientation, alongside other certifications like WHMIS and First Aid.
Why Expiration Tracking Matters
CSTS 2020 certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of completion. In Alberta's construction industry, showing up to a site with an expired CSTS means being turned away — no exceptions. General contractors performing site orientations will check CSTS validity as one of the first items. An expired CSTS can delay project timelines, cost workers a day's wages, and create scheduling headaches for employers managing crews across multiple sites.
Provincial Requirements & Regulations
CSTS 2020 is specific to Alberta and is recognized as the standard construction safety orientation by Alberta's OHS system. While other provinces have their own safety orientation programs (for example, Ontario's Basic Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training), CSTS 2020 is uniquely Alberta's industry-standard course. Some national companies operating in Alberta accept CSTS 2020 for their Alberta projects while requiring different certifications in other provinces. Workers moving between provinces should verify which safety orientation is required at each job site.
Renewal Process
Workers must retake the CSTS 2020 course every 3 years. There is no separate refresher — the full course must be completed again. CSTS 2020 is available both in-classroom and online through ACSA-approved providers. The online course typically takes 6-8 hours to complete. Workers receive a new certificate with a new 3-year expiry date upon successful completion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the old CSTS-09 certificate is still accepted — CSTS 2020 replaced it and is now the required version
- Waiting until the last minute to renew — online courses still take 6-8 hours to complete
- Not carrying proof of CSTS on your first day at a new Alberta site — you will be turned away
- Thinking CSTS from one provider is different from another — all ACSA-approved courses cover the same standardized content
How WorkSitePass Helps You Manage CSTS 2020
WorkSitePass stores your CSTS 2020 certificate digitally and tracks the 3-year expiry date. Receive automated alerts at 90, 30, and 7 days before expiration so you always have time to complete the renewal course. Pull up proof of your valid CSTS instantly during site orientation — no searching through emails or paperwork.
Issuing Authority
ACSA
www.youracsa.caContact
info@youracsa.caPhone
1-800-661-2272Frequently Asked Questions
CSTS 2020 certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of successful completion. Workers must retake the full course to renew.
While not mandated by provincial law, CSTS 2020 is the industry-standard safety orientation required by virtually all construction employers, general contractors, and project owners in Alberta. It is effectively mandatory for site access.
Yes, CSTS 2020 is available online through ACSA-approved providers. The course typically takes 6-8 hours and can be completed at your own pace. An in-classroom option is also available.
No. CSTS 2020 is the updated version that replaced CSTS-09. The older CSTS-09 certificates are no longer accepted on most Alberta construction sites. Workers should ensure they hold the current CSTS 2020 certification.
Start Tracking Your CSTS 2020 Certificate Today
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