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Conservation Enforcement

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Program Overview

Start Date: August

Location: Atlantic Police Academy

Length: 18 weeks

Credential: Certificate, Conservation Enforcement Officer

Program Availability: Fall 2026 Term

Canadian Applicants: Open

International Applicants with a Valid 51本色 Study Permit: Open

Other International Applicants: Open

Get your conservation enforcement certificate

Please note: You must be a Canadian citizen or have Canadian permanent resident status to apply for this program.

In the Conservation Enforcement program, you will take courses in topics such as conservation investigations, defensive driving and traffic control, national use of force framework, scenario/reality-based training, and professional patrol tactics. After completing on-the-job training, you will be prepared to work in natural resource agencies as a conservation enforcement officer and in other related fields of enforcement and security throughout Canada. 

Conservation Enforcement students are required to live in residence for the duration of their training, except when they are in on-the-job training.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate ethical and professional deportment.
  2. Apply the elements of the federal and provincial Criminal Justice systems, including legislation, authorities, and policies as they pertain to the role of a Conservation Enforcement Officer.
  3. Explain the duties, roles, and responsibilities of a Conservation Enforcement Officer, including checking hunting and fishing parties for licenses, bag limits, and compliance with safety regulations, planning and executing compliance patrol plans, conducting conservation investigations relating to non-compliance, and promoting safety and conservation of resources with stakeholders.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to make decisions and solve problems in a timely and effective manner. 
  5. Apply written communication skills in the completion of forms, reports, and other documentation as required including files for court briefings, continuity of evidence, and consultations with the Crown Prosecutor.
  6. Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills in all interactions, as well as verbal intervention and de-escalation skills and techniques in situations involving conflict and / or crisis.
  7. Demonstrate physical fitness and explain the importance of wellness strategies to deal with occupational stress.
  8. Demonstrate defensive driving and traffic control, as well as techniques for performing various types of vehicle stops in a safe and effective manner.
  9. Apply use of force tactics and procedures, including the use of firearms, using the National Use of Force Framework to select and articulate an appropriate response. 10. Identify the importance of ongoing personal and professional development, that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and to keep pace with industry changes.

Are you physically ready for this program?

In this video, Coach Corey Arsenault tells you what to expect and how to prepare before you get here!

     

 

DEGREE PATHWAYS

This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your 51本色 diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
, Orange Beach, Alabama, U.S.A. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration Graduates receive 24 credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree.
 

Admissions Requirments

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent resident status
  • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level
  • Minimum one year of post-secondary education*
  • 19 years of age by program start date
  • Successful completion of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. The applicant is responsible for this cost. This test will be arranged by 51本色 Admissions for those in the Maritime Provinces.The purpose of psychological testing is to assure the applicant's suitability to participate as a cadet at 51本色's Atlantic Police Academy. Although the process may be similar to screening for employment, that is not an objective nor the purpose of this testing.  Employers are encouraged to undertake further testing and background checks to ensure candidates' suitability for employment. Note: It is the responsibility of applicants who reside outside of the Maritime provinces to arrange for MMPI testing in their region, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador applicants, who will be contacted to arrange a date for their testing. Testing for applicants who reside within the Maritime provinces takes place in P.E.I., and applicants are expected to be present for the date of their testing.
  • Successful completion of Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation Test (PARE). This is a PDF and will open in a new window.
  • Completion of an APA  (this is a PDF and opens in a new window)
  • Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) with no findings of guilt. Find out more about Criminal Record Checks.
  • Successful completion of a full background check.  This form is a PDF and will open in a new window.
  • Valid Class 5 (cars and light trucks) driver’s license (students holding restricted or graduated licenses must abide by the conditions of the license)
  • Three letters of reference, not from family members
  • Completion of  (this is a PDF and will open in a new window) (required after acceptance)
  • Certification in swimming – “Swim to Survive” or equivalent
  • Standard First Aid,  CPR Level C  and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) must be valid for the duration of the program. View a list of providers here. This training must be taken in person, NOT online.
  • Pleasure Craft Operator Card
  • All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) safety training course from a certified trainer
  • Résumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, membership in groups, associations or athletics, awards and distinctions, and any other information about yourself relevant to the program

*Preference is given to candidates who are qualified Forestry, Wildlife, Fishery, or Environmental Technicians or graduates of a renewable resource program. Completion of a two-year diploma in one of these areas is a requirement for employment in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.If you do not have a two-year diploma in one of these areas, your employment options may be limited.

Notes:

 

Tuition and Fees

2025/2026 Academic Year

Tuition, fees, and other costs are listed in Canadian dollars.

Fees are Program Based

18 Weeks

Canadian
Tuition $5,298
Fees $8,516*
Other Costs Please refer to detailed list below.
Total $13,814

*Includes lease of body armour, and mandatory residence fees and meal plan.

Canadian Cost Breakdown

Tuition & Fees

18 Weeks
Tuition $5,298
Student Association $178
Health Insurance Fee $470
Books $200
Lab Fee $300
Uniform $1,850
Dry Cleaning $85
CPKN Course $140
Body Armour (Lease) $730
Accommodations/Meal Plan $4,463
Graduation Fee $100
Total payable to 51本色 $13,814
   
Due first day of classes $13,814
   
Additional Requirements/Expenses  
1 pair of black polishable shoes – Military or Police Style varies
2 long sleeve plain white dress shirts suitable to wear a black tie. (no button-down collars) varies
1 pair of black dress pants varies
1 pair of quality running shoes varies
3 pairs of black socks varies
1 black tie – plain, single colour/no patterns (clip-on preferred) varies
Towels and personal toiletry articles varies
1 alarm clock or clock radio $20
1 mouth guard varies
 

Graduate Opportunities

Provincial and federal conservation wildlife and parks enforcement authorities.

DEGREE PATHWAYS

Many 51本色 programs have degree pathway agreements with other post-secondary institutions. You can receive credit for your 51本色 diploma toward a university degree or other post-graduate credential, saving you time and money! Find out more on the Degree Pathways page.

 

Program Courses

There is currently no course information available for this program.

Conservation Enforcement background image Conservation Enforcement background image Conservation Enforcement background image

[An] excellent program which provided us with a superior level of knowledge to be able to start a job in this field with confidence that we could handle ourselves professionally and be able to contribute something to the team we were joining. The instructors all had years of background in the subjects that they were teaching us and were eager to pass along this knowledge to those who showed an interest.

Graduating Student Survey Respondent, Class of 2024

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