How long does it take to receive my certification(s)?
These are the steps from the time a candidate completes and passes a course to receiving a permanent certification card in the mail. It can take up to 90 days to receive this card.
How it works
1. Course delivery: Lifesaving Society courses are delivered by affiliate members, which include municipalities (e.g., cities and towns) and private organizations (e.g., swim schools, camps).
2. Test sheet submission: When a course ends, the affiliate member or course instructor must submit completed test sheets to the Society for processing. Some affiliates submit right away while others do not; on average, it takes an affiliate a few weeks from the course completion date to submit.
3. Test sheet processing: When the Society receives test sheets, we review them for accuracy and validate the candidate, instructor and affiliate. Test sheets that pass these quality control measures and have no errors are processed by the Society within 10 business days. If there are errors or validation concerns, additional time is required for the Society to follow up with the affiliate to verify or provide details.
4. Mail: We mail permanent certification cards by Canada Post within 3 business days from the time they are processed. It takes Canada Post an average of 3 to 6 business days to deliver mail depending on the recipient’s location.
What action can I take while waiting for my permanent certification card?
I’m already a member: If you hold Lifesaving Society certification(s) already you have a Member ID* and you can check the status of your certifications online anytime on our website using Find a Member or using your mobile device at findamember.ca.
- If your certification is processed, you can print your verified qualifications.
- If your certification isn’t processed, call us to confirm if we have the test sheet from the affiliate. (If we don’t have it, you need to contact the affiliate to confirm status.)
*Your 6-digit Member ID is located on the bottom right of any permanent certification card.
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I’m not a member: If you have not taken a Lifesaving Society course before, call our office.
- If your certification is processed, we can provide you with your Member ID so you can check and print your verified qualifications.**
- If your certification isn’t processed, call us to confirm if we have the test sheet from the affiliate. (If we don’t have it, you need to contact the affiliate to confirm status.)
If you have not received your permanent certification card within 90 days, call us with your course name, date, location and instructor name (if you know it) ready so we can assist you quicker.**
When you call the Society, ask to speak to someone about “certifications” or email experts@lifeguarding.com and put certifications in the email subject line.
**Note: Privacy laws require you – the individual – to contact the Society directly. The Society cannot provide a Member ID or other information to anyone but the individual member.