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Professional Designations & Accreditations

We offer a range of credentials and certifications that can help you move up in your career. 

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist

The CEBS program offers three highly renowned designations in Canada covering all aspects of benefits and pensions:

  • CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) - The premier designation in benefits and pensions, considered the standard of excellence in the industry
  • GBA (Group Benefits Associate) - a specialty designation focusing on life and health care and other group benefits
  • RPA (Retirement Plans Associate) - a specialty designation focusing on all aspects of retirement plans

CEBS features a unique partnership with leading academic institutions. In Canada, the International Foundation shares the honour with Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In the U.S., CEBS is cosponsored by the International Foundation and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Each course requires successful completion of an exam. All courses can be self-studied. Optional online classes are also available. Contact our Student Services team for more information at openlearning@dal.ca. 

Credit Union Institute of Canada Program

The success of credit unions has been due largely to the dedication and commitment to service excellence of credit union management and staff. In a rapidly changing financial services environment, providing service excellence to members rests increasingly on the ability of employees to learn new skills and keep pace with changes in the financial services industry.

Many credit unions are finding that the best way to keep pace with change is to encourage their staff to broaden their knowledge and skills through continuing education programs offered by the Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC). The CUIC provides credit union employees with a challenging curriculum of study aimed at enhancing their job skills. These programs provide greater job satisfaction, and open doors to new career opportunities within the credit union system.

What is the Credit Union Institute of Canada?

The CUIC is an independent, national, educational association which is part of CUSOURCE, a provider of development and learning systems to Canada’s credit unions. CUSOURCE is owned by the Canadian Credit Union Association. Established in 1972 and re-organized in 1990, the CCUA provides Canadian credit unions with professional development programs for their elected officials, management and staff.

Programs

The CUIC currently offers two professional studies programs that are co-sponsored by Dalhousie University's Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development. Each program comprises a series of courses leading to a professional designation recognized throughout the credit union system. Some courses may be taken at approved colleges, universities, professional associations or other institutions. Others are offered directly through CCUA.

The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development and CUIC jointly determine the academic content and standards of the programs. The CUIC oversees all administration. Professional designations for each program are awarded jointly by CUIC and the Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development.

General Studies Program (GSP)

The GSP is a nine-course program that provides a general overview of credit union administration and management. This program is suitable for entry-level, supervisory and middle-management employees. GSP graduates are awarded the professional designation, "Fellow of the Credit Union Institute of Canada" (FCUIC). Introduced in July 1992, this program replaced the Canadian Credit Union Institute's longstanding Fellows' Program.

Management Studies Program (MSP)

The MSP is a twelve-course program that offers a mix of general and credit union-specific courses on credit union business management. This program is suitable for credit union employees in, or preparing for, middle-and upper-level management positions. MSP graduates are awarded the professional designation, "Associate of the Credit Union Institute of Canada" (ACUIC).

For more information, please contact our Student Services team at openlearning@dal.ca.

Fire Service Leadership

Today’s fire service needs leaders—professionals equipped to meet challenges and inspire change. Get what you need to step into a more advanced role through Dalhousie’s internationally recognized Fire Service Leadership Program

Our courses build on your technical knowledge. You’ll develop administrative, leadership and critical thinking skills that will make an immediate difference to your job and career. You’ll be ready to navigate obstacles and create strategic plans to bring your organization into the future.

Dalhousie University has been a leader in fire service leadership and management development for more than 25 years. Offered 100% online, you’ll have access to leading experts and resources when and where it works best for you. Our program offers:

  • access to experienced fire officials and experts
  • actionable learning for immediate impact on your job
  • the knowledge you need to take on more senior roles
  • the courses required to gain professional certification

Certificates

Built for members of modern fire services, our certificates give you the knowledge and skills to get ahead in your profession.

Fire Service Leadership (Prerequisite to the Certificate in Fire Service Administration)
The Certificate in Fire Service Leadership (CFSL) provides fire service officers with opportunities to expand their knowledge of the fire service and add management education to their technical training. The CFSL has been offered across Canada since 1996. It is a prerequisite for the Certificate in Fire Service Administration (CFSA) and includes three required courses:

  • Station Officer: Dealing with People
  • Station Officer: Dealing with New Operations
  • The Environment of the Fire Station

Incident Command
The first course in this two-course certificate introduces research theory that attempts to explain how the size up is conducted through recognition-primed decision making. The second course introduces the more social and political aspects of incident command research and builds on the psychological aspects developed in the first course.

Required Courses:

  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Thinking
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Acting

Fire Service Administration
To obtain the Certificate in Fire Service Administration, students must complete nine courses (six required courses and three electives). Students are required to obtain some breadth of understanding in fire service administration.

Required Courses:

  • Fire Department Human Resource Management I
  • Municipal Finance
  • Municipal Law (formerly Fire Service Law)
  • Program Evaluation and Statistics
  • Fire Service Strategic Planning
  • Fire Suppression Management OR Fire Prevention Management

Electives:

  • Disaster Management and the Fire Department
  • Emergency Medical Service Management and the Fire Department
  • Fire Department Human Resource Management II
  • Local Government
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Acting
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Thinking
  • Coaching Skills for Leaders
  • Leadership Dynamics
  • Organizational Behaviour
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Concentrations for Fire Service Administration

You can concentrate on five different areas as part of your Certificate in Fire Service Administration. The three electives you choose will determine your concentration.

The Certificate in Fire Service Administration: Emergency Management is an advanced Certificate that will focus on emergency and disaster management systems. Content includes building professional competency, a look at delivery models, and working in a Canadian context. One must complete three of the following electives in order to receive this concentration: 

  • Emergency Medical Service Management and the Fire Department
  • Disaster Management and the Fire Department
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Acting
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Thinking

The Certificate in Fire Service Administration: Human Resource Management is an advanced Certificate that will identify human resource challenges faced by public organizations, discuss the importance of evaluating recruitment and other HR processes, and explain key features and benefits of mentoring and succession planning. One must complete three of these four electives in order to receive this concentration:

  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • Coaching Skills for Leaders
  • Fire Department Human Resource Management II
  • Organizational Behaviour

The Certificate in Fire Service Administration: Operational Planning is an advanced Certificate that will focus on resources required for the effective management of a fire department, community engagement, and structured decision making. Content includes technical fire prevention planning, working with political leadership in a municipal context, and public relations in emergencies. One must complete two of the following electives in order to receive this concentration:

  • Disaster Management and the Fire Department
  • Emergency Medical Service Management and the Fire Department
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

The Certificate in Fire Service Administration: Strategic Planning is an advanced Certificate that will focus on big picture planning and issues management in a fire department context. Content includes a review of strategic planning models, identifying strengths and weakness of the internal environment, and creating applicable strategies for organizational success.

Required Course:

  • Program Evaluation and Statistics
  • Municipal Finance
  • Fire Department Human Resource Management I
  • Municipal Law I (formerly Fire Service Law)
  • Fire Service Strategic Planning
  • Fire Suppression Management OR Fire Prevention Management
  • Local Government
  • Disaster Management and the Fire Department
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

The Certificate in Fire Service Administration: Advanced Leadership will focus on identifying the characteristics of effective and ineffective leaders, applying leadership theory and strategy to a professional context and understanding cultural approaches to conflict in diverse settings. One must complete three of these four electives in order to receive this concentration:

  • Leadership Dynamics
  • Coaching Skills for Leaders
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication

After completing the Certificate in Fire Administration in one area of concentration, you can apply to the Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration by completing three additional courses from the options in this certificate. Email openlearning@dal.ca to request enrolment in this certificate.

Advanced Certificate in Fire Service Administration

Choose three courses from the following list:

  • Fire Prevention Management
  • Emergency Medical Service Management and the Fire Department
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Thinking
  • Fire Department Human Resource Management II
  • Fire Suppression Management
  • Local Government
  • Disaster Management and the Fire Department
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication

Certification

Fire Officer lll Accreditation Track
If you have obtained your Fire Officer II accreditation, you may apply for Fire Officer III Certification upon successful completion of 10 courses and by submitting the application. In order to qualify for Fire Officer III certification, students must receive at least 70% on each of the 10 courses taken for the certification. The program staff will then check your application for completeness. If gaps are found, you will be notified by Dalhousie University staff. Once your application has been approved, your request will be submitted to the Nova Scotia Fire Marshall's office. After all requirements have been verified you will receive Fire Officer III Certification.

Required Courses:

  • Station Officer: Dealing with People
  • Station Officer: Dealing with New Operations
  • The Environment of the Fire Station
  • Fire Prevention Management
  • Fire Department Human Resource Management l
  • Municipal Finance
  • Fire Service Strategic Planning
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Fire Suppression Management

Electives (choose 1 course):

  • Disaster Management and Fire Management
  • Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command: Thinking

Fire Officer lV Accreditation Track
This four-course certificate will track completion of the following Dalhousie University Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development courses (or their equivalent), at least one of which must have been taken in the fall 2013 term or later. All must have received a grade of 70% or higher.

Required Courses:

  • Local Government
  • Fire Department Human Resource Management II
  • Emergency Medical Service Management and the Fire Department
  • Program Evaluation and Statistics

Local Government

Master the fundamentals of how local governments work and propel your community and career forward, whether you’re new to the municipal landscape or seeking to advance your current position.

Certificates

Associate Certificate in Local Government
This associate certificate is beneficial for those who work in the technical fields of local government and seeking to gain a working knowledge of the history, organization, challenges, and opportunities for local government.

Courses:

  • Finance for Public Sector Leaders
  • Municipal Law
  • Local Government

Certificate in Finance and Risk Management for Local Government
This three-course certificate is designed to help municipal government employees navigate the complexities of financial, technological, and organizational management and risk.

Courses:

  • Property Taxation and Assessment
  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Cybersecurity

Standalone Course/Workshop


Navigating Information Access and Privacy Protection
In this workshop, participants from municipalities, regional centres for education, post secondary institutions, and Nova Scotia Government Agencies, Boards and Commissions will examine key legislated Information Access and Privacy (IAP) requirements, as well as best practices and how to apply them. 

Police Leadership

The demanding schedule of police work can make professional development difficult. But to stay on top of your fast-moving profession—and ready yourself for the next step in your career—you need to build your skillset and strategic perspectives.

Certificates

Police Leadership
This six-course certificate is offered fully online. It will help you develop a range of current, theory-based strategies and skills to lead effectively and successfully in high-pressure, high-stakes, publicly visible and rapidly evolving situations while holding true to your organization’s foundational principles. The certificate can be completed over several years, depending upon how many courses you take each term and year. The cost of the certificate varies according to the degree of interactivity and corresponding course hours.

Required courses:

  • Leadership Dynamics
  • Ethics in Action
  • Mastering Strategy
  • Evidence-Based Policing
  • Policing the Modern Community

Electives (choose one):

  • Global and Domestic Terrorism
  • Strategic Public Communications: Building Impact & Influence
  • Finance Essentials for Public Sector Leaders
  • Children Recruited and Used in Violence
  • Casino Gaming Investigations

Police Supervisory Skills
The certificate is offered fully online, with four required courses and a range of electives. The certificate offers a wide range of courses to help you develop strategies and skills for managing people in the unpredictability of a high-pressure, high-stakes police work context. The certificate can be completed over several years, depending upon how many courses you take each term and year.

Required courses:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication
  • Coaching Skills for Leaders
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Electives (to total at least 72 hours):

  • Train the Trainer (24 hours)
  • Foundations of Positive Psychology (15 hours)
  • Critical Thinking, Decision-Making and Problem-Solving for Leaders (36 hours)
  • Understanding EDI: An Organization Imperative (20 hours)
  • Inclusive Communications in the Workplace (20 hours)
  • Optimizing Diverse Team Performance (20 hours)
  • Foundations of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace (8 hours)

Courses

We offer a broad range of courses in specific aspects of police leadership. You can register for them individually or as part of a certificate.

- Casino Gaming Investigations
This course will give police officers, regulators and compliance professionals the skills and knowledge to understand the legal casino and iGaming landscape in Canada, the key risks of money laundering and fraud among operators, the complexities of sports betting and matchfixing, and more

- Evidence-Based Policing
Learn to use research evidence strategically to inform management and decision-making. This is a 12-week course.

- Leadership Dynamics (Replaces Police Leadership and Management Development)
Develop your leadership skills by examining the five practices of 'exemplary leadership' and explore the concept of credibility and its role in leadership and development of relationships. This is a 12-week course.

- Ethics in Action (Replaces Ethics for Police Leaders)
Examine how professional ethics apply to individuals and organizations and its role in leadership. This is a 12-week course.

- Global & Domestic Terrorism
Draw on the latest terrorism thinking and research from a variety of academic and other sources to develop a broad understanding of terrorism as a complex social phenomenon and a challenging domestic and global security problem. This is a 12-week course.

- Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication (Replaces Communication Skills for Police Personnel)
This 12-week course brings together the best theories and practices of communication between people in society.

- Coaching Skills for Leaders (Replaces Managing Police Performance)
Coaching is comprised of a set of skills and a series of steps that help others become better at their jobs. There are many leadership styles that experts cite and describe; this course specifically examines the coaching leadership style. This is a 12-week course.

Public Safety Communicator Leadership

Public safety communicators occupy a crucial position between emergency responders and the people they serve. You make decisions that save lives—ones that require up-to-date expertise in leadership, communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Certificate

Public Safety Communicator Leadership
This certificate is designed for individuals in a leadership role or aspiring to a leadership role in a high-pressure public safety communicator context. As public safety communicators, you occupy a crucial position between emergency responders and the people you serve. You make fast-paced decisions that save lives. Leading in this crucial, dynamic environment requires up-to-date expertise in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation and conflict resolution, skills that are acquired through this certificate.

Required Courses:

  • Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving for Leaders

You may be required to take up to five of the following electives, depending on the course length and the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required to complete the certificate:

  • Train the Trainer
  • Coaching Skills for Leaders
  • Leadership Dynamics
  • Ethics in Action
  • Mastering Strategy
  • Strategic Public Communications: Building Impact & Influence
  • Organizational Behaviour
  • Human Resource Management
  • Foundations of Positive Psychology 
  • Project Management Essentials

Other Certifying Programs


Medical Certificate of Death

A Medical Certificate of Death is the permanent legal record of death and its cause and manner. In Nova Scotia, only a physician or nurse practitioner who is responsible for the treatment and care of a patient may legally complete and submit a Medical Certificate of Death to the funeral director.

Completion of this module will prepare nurse practitioners to complete a Medical Certificate of Death. It will assist the nurse practitioner to identify instances when completion of the certificate falls under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiners Office. Upon completion of the module, our online learning platform (Brightspace) will forward a notice of completion to you by email for your records.

Standalone Course

- Strategic Public Communications: Building Impact & Influence
Study the foundational elements of public communications and its many facets. You'll cover everything from employee communication to media relations, to the changing nature of public communications in a digital landscape.