Electrofishing Certification

Name: Electrofishing Certification
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.

Description

Backpack electrofishing is one of the most effective fish sampling methods used in fisheries management and environmental assessments. This course combines self-paced online learning (approximately 6 hours) with an instructor-led field session (approximately 4 hours), giving you a practical introduction to electrofishing theory, equipment operation, fish handling, and safety requirements. By the end, you will have hands-on experience operating a backpack electrofishing unit and be prepared to work as part of an electrofishing crew in the field.

NRTG has trained more than 10,000 Canadian industry practitioners since 1994 and is the leading provider of electrofishing certification in Canada. This course is WorkSafe BC certified.

This course is approved for 10 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) under the Society for Ecological Restoration’s (SER) Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) Program. Participants are responsible for uploading their certificates at ser.submittable.com to receive CECs.

View Upcoming Electrofishing Courses →

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

Identify all components and maintain, troubleshoot, and address malfunctions on a variety of standard backpack electrofishing units.
Operate a backpack electrofishing unit effectively while minimizing fish injury and environmental impact.
Interpret field conditions and adjust electrofishing settings to maximize efficiency during safe and effective field sessions.
Respond appropriately to potentially dangerous scenarios and ensure safety for yourself, field crews, and the general public.
Conduct a safe and humane fish sampling program while managing field crews and interactions with the public.

Certification

To successfully complete the Electrofishing Certification course as a certified Crew Member, you must complete the theory portion in person or online, demonstrate required skills during an in-person field session, and pass a written test with a score of at least 80%.

To successfully complete the Electrofishing Certification course as a certified Crew Supervisor or Crew Supervisor In-Training, you must complete the theory portion in person or online, demonstrate required skills during an in-person field session, and pass a written test with a score of at least 95%.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites required to begin the online portion of the Electrofishing Certification course. All online modules must be completed before your field session.

Electrofishing Certification Flyer

Who attends?

This course is ideal for:

Fisheries field technicians and biologists
Environmental consultants and resource workers
Individuals new to fisheries fieldwork
Graduates of natural resource programs

How do I attend?

This course is available for individual registration via our schedule page, or on contract to organizations and community groups. Interested in a contract delivery? Contact us.

Outside of Canada?

Learners outside of Canada who are unable to attend an in‑person field session may register for Electrofishing Theory as a standalone course.

Canadian participants must complete the entire course, including the in-person field session, to be WorkSafeBC qualified.

What should I bring or supply?

Online Training

You will need:

Laptop or computer with stable internet
Notebook and pen
A printer is recommended for printing your study guide

Field Session

You are required to bring your own personal protective equipment to the field session. All gear must be clean and free of invasive species and whirling disease.

You will need:

Leak-free chest waders with non-slip footwear (cleat or rubber-soled wading shoes, or wader boots)
Wading belt
Polarized sunglasses
Hat with a brim (e.g., ball cap)
Lineman gloves (you are encouraged to bring your own if available; the instructor will provide them if needed)

You should also wear field-appropriate clothing, and bring a bag lunch and refreshments for the duration of the field day.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course run?

Course availability varies by location and depends on water temperatures and permitting requirements. We offer courses across most Canadian provinces at least once per year. In higher-demand locations, courses typically run monthly from May through September. Visit our schedule page for dates and locations, or
contact NRTG if you’re unsure about availability in your area.

What happens if I can’t complete the online training before my field session?

You must complete the online training at least 5 days before your field session. If that’s not possible, contact NRTG as soon as you know. You can transfer your field session registration to a future date, or apply your tuition toward another course.

What are the first aid requirements for this course?

First aid is not a prerequisite for this course, but you must hold valid first aid certification before conducting electrofishing fieldwork as a paid worker.

Accepted programs include Occupational First Aid, Standard First Aid, or equivalent. Requirements vary by province or state, so check with your local occupational health and safety authority for guidance.

What type of chest waders should I use and where can I buy them?

Your chest waders must be in good condition and free of leaks before the field session. To check for leaks, place a flashlight or phone inside the waders in a dark room and inspect the exterior for any points where light passes through. Repair any leaks before your field session using Aquaseal or Shoe Goo.

Neoprene waders are suitable for cold conditions in spring, fall, and winter but can be too warm for summer fieldwork. Nylon or breathable waders, including Gore-Tex® options, work well across most seasons when layered with fleece or polypropylene in colder conditions.

Chest waders are available at outdoor and fishing retailers such as Canadian Tire, Cabela’s, and fly fishing shops across Canada. Industry and forestry suppliers are also good sources. BC-based options include Dynamic Aqua Supply (Surrey), IRL Supplies (Prince George), Winners Edge (Lillooet), and Surplus Herby’s (Williams Lake, Kamloops, and Vernon).

What footwear is appropriate for fisheries field work and backpack electrofishing?

Footwear must provide secure footing in wet and uneven stream condition. Waders with attached boots or separate wading shoes are both acceptable for this course.

Wading shoes with aluminum or tungsten cleats are the most versatile option. They provide stable traction across a range of substrates including gravel, cobble, clay, and larger rock, and reduce the risk of transferring invasive species between waterbodies.

Felt-soled footwear can provide good traction on stable streambeds but performs poorly on clay and snow. Felt soles are also banned in some waterbodies due to invasive species transfer risk. Check local regulations before using them.

Rubber-soled footwear with aggressive tread patterns, including some Vibram® designs, can also provide reliable non-slip performance depending on substrate conditions.

Does my Electrofishing Certification expire?

No. Electrofishing certificates issued by NRTG do not expire.

NRTG recommends refreshing your knowledge and skills at least every 4 years. All NRTG courses include free, lifetime admission. Enroll once – come back anytime. Contact NRTG for more information.

Does completing this course certify me for boat electrofishing as well?

No. Backpack and boat electrofishing are separate certifications. Boat electrofishing involves different equipment, operational procedures, and safety requirements.

How do I upgrade my certificate from Crew Supervisor In-Training to Crew Supervisor?

Contact NRTG and include your previous NRTG course date and location so your record can be verified. Your updated certificate will be issued at no additional cost.

Will my Electrofishing certification from another province or institution be recognized in BC?

Electrofishing certifications from other provinces are not automatically recognized in BC. You must complete a WorkSafeBC approved electrofishing course to practice in BC.

If you hold an existing electrofishing certification from another province or institution, you can take NRTG’s Electrofishing Certification course at a discounted rate of $350 plus tax.

Contact NRTG and include a copy of your previous electrofishing certification to confirm your eligibility and register.

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Testimonials

Good balance of field vs. classroom time. I felt the length of each portion was perfect. The instructor was such an excellent instructor – clear, approachable, helpful, encouraging. Highly recommend!

Melanie Kuzyk, Ecologist

Eric was a great instructor; very knowledgeable, helpful, respectful, and passionate about course content. Field component was very valuable, and brought together the whole course.

Dylan Begin, Biologist

Excellent course. Appreciate the flexibility that went into setting up the learning opportunity. Instructor was knowledgeable and thorough about all aspects of the program from preparation through execution, to follow-up activities like equipment decontamination.

Don Pittman

I just want to say that the course was fantastic! The instructor Eric was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and incredibly encouraging. He taught in a fashion that kept us all engaged and safe. The NRTG team was also highly responsive and helpful. I’d recommend this course to anyone!

Georgia Taylor

Course was fantastic! I loved how the class size was small, that allowed us to have more hands on time with the gear in the water!

Acacia Brown

Fantastic instructor, very enjoyable and relevant course to my professional discipline.

Erik Wannop