Broker Certificate

We are updating this page to reflect current regulations.

Information on this page about regulations under the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and the Environmental Protection Act is out of date. On September 18, 2009 new regulations affecting those applying non-agricultural source materials on agricultural lands were filed. Please visit www.ontario.ca/nasm-omafra for more information.

The information contained in this document is derived from the Nutrient Management Act, 2002 and O. Reg 267/03 as amended. Every effort has been made to make it as accurate as possible, but is is not authoritative. Please refer to www.e-laws.gov.on.ca or the official volumes printed by Publications Ontario for the authoritative text of the act.

Introduction

The Broker Certificate is required for individuals or businesses that transport/haul or store prescribed materials¹ for a phased-in operation² in the course of their business operations on or after December 31, 2005. Certificates can be issued to an individual or to a company with a designated person.

Steps to Receiving and Maintaining a Broker Certificate

Meet Certification Requirements

Participate in the Course

The required course for this certificate is titled the "Broker's Certificate Course." This one-day course helps participants develop a familiarity with the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, O. Reg. 267/03 and associated Protocols. The course examines how the Act directly affects broking operations. Course schedule and fee information is available online at www.omafra.gov.on.ca, by clicking on "Agriculture," then "Nutrient Management Information," and "Certification and Training," or by calling the Nutrient Management Toll-Free Information Line at 1-866-242-4460.

Pass the Exam

Writing and achieving a passing grade on a comprehensive exam is required within 12 months of completing the course, and prior to applying for the certificate. This exam covers materials taught in the course and outlined in the Broker Certificate competencies. Check the Certification and Training portion of the website for more complete details related to the exam and announcements regarding scheduled exam times.

Note: Candidates will have three (3) attempts to successfully pass the exam. After three attempts, candidates must re-take the courses before they will be given another opportunity to write the exam.

Note: Individuals who complete the two-day Land Application Business Owner Licence course also qualify to write the exam for the Broker Certificate.

Apply for a Certificate

Applications for the Broker Certificate are available on the Certification and Training portion of the website. Print the application and mail the completed form to the address indicated.

Note: Information on the course date and location is requested on the Certificate application.

Ongoing Expectations

Stay Current in Your Field

Certificate holders are expected to keep up to date with the nutrient management legislation and actively pursue additional learning opportunities to remain competent in the field of nutrient management. This may include update sessions offered by OMAFRA on the topic.

Performance Guidelines

A set of Performance Guidelines have been developed by OMAFRA. Brokers and their staff are encouraged to follow these guidelines in their daily practice.

Endnotes

¹ Under O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, a "prescribed material" means an agricultural source material or a non-agricultural source material.

An "agricultural source material" means any of the following treated or untreated materials, other than a commercial fertilizer or compost that meets the guidelines entitled Interim Guidelines for the Production and Use of Aerobic Compost in Ontario prepared by the Ministry of the Environment and dated November 2004, if they are capable of being applied to land as nutrients:

1. Manure produced by farm animals, including associated bedding materials.
2. Runoff from farm-animal yards and manure storages.
3. Washwaters from agricultural operations that have not been mixed with human waste.
4. Organic materials produced by intermediate operations that process materials described in paragraph 1, 2 or 3.

A "non-agricultural source material" means any of the following materials, other than a commercial fertilizer or compost that meets the guidelines entitled Interim Guidelines for the Production and Use of Aerobic Compost in Ontario prepared by the Ministry of the Environment and dated November 2004, if the materials are intended to be applied to land as nutrients:

1. Pulp and paper biosolids.
2. Sewage biosolids.
3. Any other material that is not from an agricultural source that is capable of being applied to land as a nutrient.

² "Phased-in operations" are those operations that are subject to, or will become subject to, O. Reg. 267/03, as amended, as outlined in Part II, Sections 11 and 12. For further details, please refer to the Regulation, which can be found at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.