About the RHFAC Professional Training

Whether you are planning, designing, constructing or operating a site, Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Professional Training will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to apply a meaningful access lens to your projects, and rate a building for its overall accessibility under the RHFAC program. 

Enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to access and inclusion by taking this 8-week course. The course will take approximately 60 hours to complete, and you must complete and successfully pass this course as one of the requirements to qualify for your RHFAC Professional designation. Prerequisites apply. 
 

RHFAC Professional Training learners will:

• understand the scope and prevalence of disability;
• describe how people with varying types of disabilities experience the social and physical environment;
• learn to apply Universal Design principles and a meaningful access lens to existing sites and pre-construction projects;
• discuss the legal landscape and frameworks affecting people with disabilities; learn about the RHFAC program, its benefits, methodology and the rating and certification process;
• rate existing sites and pre-construction projects for meaningful access using the RHFAC Rating Survey;
• communicate areas of success and improvements for an RHFAC rating; and
• understand construction projects and how RHFAC Professionals can be involved.

Who Should Take this Training?

RHFAC Professional Training supports Architects, Urban Planners, Engineers, Facility Managers and Operators, Accessibility Consultants and more.

Course Welcome from Rick Hansen

Ready to register? 

The RHFAC Professional Training course provides training on the RHFAC rating and certification process for learners to become designated RHFAC Professionals.

During this course, learners will be required to:

• Review and analyze detailed documents and construction drawings.
• Conduct site visits and collect data using equipment and tools such as measuring tape, slope reader, light meter, etc.
• Capture site features of the site using photography or other digital equipment.

Learners registering for the RHFAC Professional Training course should best determine how they would complete these tasks.

Taking the RHFAC Professional Training is the first step to becoming a designated RHFAC Professional. If you meet the course pre-requisites (see below).

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 

RHFAC Professional Training is also offered via the below professional associations. Check with your association if you are a member, and visit their website for more information and registration.

Professional Association	Course Dates	Registration Link
Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC)	Fall: September 23 - November 17, 2024 Winter: January 13 - March 23, 2025 Spring: April 14 - June 22, 2025	Register
Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA)	Fall: September 23 - November 17, 2024 Winter: January 13 - March 23, 2025 Spring: April 14 - June 22, 2025	Register

This course is recognized for continuing education units (CEUs) by professional bodies such as AAA, AIBC, AIA, OAA and many more. Read the full list of partners.

RHFAC Training Course Prerequisites 

• a certificate or at least one year of completed post-secondary studies in architecture, building construction, civil engineering, urban planning, interior design or a related program; or 
• a Journeyman Certificate of Qualification in a designated trade related to building construction; or 
• an engineer (or eligible for registration as an engineer); or 
• an architect (or eligible for registration as an architect); or 
• an architectural or engineering technologist or technician; or 
• a minimum of five years of construction experience; or
• an equivalent combination of lived experience and work experience in the built environment.

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. 

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 by the CSA Group. If you started the course on or after April 1, 2023, 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, meeting continuing education requirements, and completing any mandatory training.

For more information on the above, read the Guide to RHFAC Professional Designation or email us at training@rickhansen.com.

Meet RHFAC Professionals

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

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

Please email training@rickhansen.com.