Formation des évaluateurs du Programme de certification de la FRH

Whether you’re a city planner, architect, general contractor, design-builder, or anyone interested in accessibility in the built environment, becoming an RHFAC Professional will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to analyze a building or site for overall accessibility, and deliver professional RHFAC ratings of the built environment. 

How to become an RHF Accessibility Certification Professional

1. Complete the RHFAC Accessibility Assessor Training course.

Through interactive instructor presentations, in-class exercises, disability simulation experiences and group work, participants in this course will learn:

• The impact of the social and physical environment on people with disabilities;
• The relevant legislation, regulations, and standards needed when planning and executing an assessment;
• The Universal Design principles and standards when planning and executing an assessment;
• How to interpret and navigate a set of construction drawings; and
• How to communicate and support assessment findings to clients, and prepare a recommendation report of the assessment findings, reflecting compliance and gaps related to relevant human rights and accessibility legislation, regulations, and Universal Design standards.

Note: The RHFAC Accessibility Assessor Training course is 60 hours and has no prerequisites.

A RHFAC Accessibility Assessor Training (Accelerated) course (30 hours) is also available to professionals in the architecture or engineering industry or building construction trade. Individuals taking the accelerated course will be required to provide evidence of at least one of the following:

• A diploma of technology in architecture, engineering, urban planning or a related program;
• A Journeyman Certificate of Qualification in a designated trade that is related to building construction;
• You are an engineer or are eligible for registration as an engineer;
• You are an architect or are eligible for registration as an architect; OR
• You have a minimum of ten years' of experience that is related to building construction.

See the list of upcoming training courses below. Note: For course-specific information, including delivery and registration, please contact the listed institution directly.

2. Pass the examination.

After completing the course, participants will need to pass an examination developed by RHF and facilitated by CSA Group. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions, has a two hour time limit, is closed book, and has a passing mark of 75%.

The exam is computer-based and can be taken at one of 45 test centres across Canada or online with remote monitoring. The exam is offered through CSA Group, and its third-party test provider, Kryterion. To register and pay for the exam, please visit the CSA Shop.

For more information see Preparing for your Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) Professional Exam.

3. Get field experience.  

Complete five ratings (minimum total of 20 hours) under the supervision of an RHFAC Professional.

4. Submit proof of designation requirements to RHF.  

Once the following documents are reviewed and accepted, RHF will award an “RHFAC Professional” designation:

• Official transcripts from the institution demonstrating you have passed the RHFAC Accessibility Assessor Training course;
• Official PDF letter from CSA Group demonstrating you have passed RHFAC Professional Exam; and
• Signed letter from your RHFAC Professional supervisor confirming that you have completed the required field experience.

5. Set up your professional listing on the RHFAC Registry.

Once awarded your "RHFAC Professional" designation, RHF will provide you with the information you need to access and be publicly listed as an RHF Accessibility Certification Professional on the RHFAC Registry. Current RHFAC Professionals are listed online at rhfac.csaregistries.ca.

Upcoming courses

To complete the RHFAC Accessibility Assessor training, please register directly with the educational institution offering the course.

For course-specific information, including delivery and registration, please contact the listed institution directly. For general RHFAC program information, email access@rickhansen.com.

Have a question

Please email access@rickhansen.com.

Ready to register? 

Taking the RHFAC Training course is the first step to becoming a designated RHFAC Professional. If you meet the course pre-requisites (see below), you can register with one of our post-secondary partners listed below. If you intend to apply for a tuition grant, you must apply for funding first, at least two weeks before the start date of your intended course.

If your preferred session is sold out, contact the post-secondary institution to be added to the registration list for the next available session.

Upcoming Courses 

Spring 2023

• Vancouver Community College (VCC), Online and in Vancouver, BC: May 8 - July 19, 2023
  • Register here or by phone, 604.443.8484. Session sold out, contact VCC to be added to the registration list for the next available session.
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible BC residents. 

Summer 2023

• Vancouver Community College (VCC), Online and in Vancouver, BC: June 5 - August 16, 2023
  • Register here or by phone, 604.443.8484. Session sold out, contact VCC to be added to the registration list for the next available session.
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible BC residents. 
• Carleton University, Online: June 12 - June 22, 2023
  • Register here. Session sold out, contact Carleton to be added to the registration list for the next available session.
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible Ontario residents. Apply for funding before May 28, 2023. 
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Online: July 6 - September 29, 2023
  • Register here

Fall 2023

• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Online: September 18 - October 30, 2023
  • Register here
• Carleton University, Online: October 2 - November 27, 2023
  • Register here. Session sold out, contact Carleton to be added to the registration list for the next available session.
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible Ontario residents. Apply for funding before October 8, 2023. 
• Athabasca University, Online: September 18 - November 26, 2023
  • Register here

RHFAC Training Course Prerequisites 

• You have a diploma or at least two years of completed post-secondary studies in architecture, engineering, urban planning, interior design or a related program; or 
• You have a Journeyperson Certificate of Qualification in a designated trade related to building construction; or 
• You are an engineer (or eligible for registration as an engineer); or 
• You are an architect (or eligible for registration as an architect); or 
• You have a minimum of five years of construction experience; or 
• You have an equivalent combination of lived experience and built environment knowledge. 
• Education and credentials awarded outside of Canada will be considered. 

Do you feel strongly that you would be a good candidate but do not meet the above requirements? Please contact us – we will be pleased to discuss your options at training@rickhansen.com.

Accessible Spaces 101 

If you don’t meet the above prerequisites and are looking for an introductory course, Accessible Spaces 101 is an online offering brought to you by RHF and PowerED™ by Athabasca University. Learn to identify barriers and create accessible spaces that are inclusive of all people, including those with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision, and hearing. This course can be completed at your own pace and is especially relevant for those working in human resources, diversity, inclusion, physical and occupational therapy, or property management.  

Next Steps: Becoming an RHFAC Professional

After you pass the RHFAC Training Course, you will need to complete the following steps to earn your RHFAC Professional Designation, if you wish to pursue it. 

• Pass the RHFAC Professional Exam, administered be the CSA Group. You must pass the exam within 6 months of completing the course. 
• Apply to RHF for your designation. This application requires both proof of course completion and your letter from CSA Group demonstrating you have passed the exam.
• Maintain your designation by following the Code of Ethics, maintaining your Accessibility Professional Network membership, and meeting continuing education requirements. 
• For more information on the above, read the Guide to RHFAC Professional Designation or email us at training@rickhansen.com.

RHFAC Professional Profiles and Testimonials

Discover the ways these RHFAC Professionals are using their designations in their work as architects, building industry professionals, accessibility consultants and more. 
 

Additional Information

Have a question about the RHFAC Training Course, Tuition Grants or becoming an RHFAC Professional?

Please email training@rickhansen.com.