Free tool

COR audit scope estimator. What to expect before you start.

Select your industry, province, worker count, and certification type to get an estimate of audit duration, preparation time, and the certifying partner most commonly used in your sector.

275150300

Estimate

On-site days

3-4 days

Auditor hours

24–32 hours

Prep time

6-8 weeks

Certifying partner

ACSA (Alberta Construction Safety Association)

Estimated cost range

$1,920$4,800

Based on 24–32 hours at $80–$150/hr. Rates vary by auditor and certifying partner protocol.

WCB rebate: Alberta COR holders may recover up to 10% of their WCB assessment through the WCB Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program.

For Alberta construction operations, the most common certifying partner is ACSA (Alberta Construction Safety Association).

How these estimates are calculated.

Audit scope is determined primarily by the number of workers covered under the safety program and the complexity of the operation. Most certifying partners use a similar formula: more workers and more hazard classes mean more interview time, more site coverage, and a longer report. The estimates here reflect On-Track experience across hundreds of audits in Western Canada.

Preparation time assumes the company has an existing safety manual that needs to be updated and formatted for audit — not a full manual build from scratch. If your operation does not yet have a documented safety program, add 6-12 weeks for the manual build before the audit scope begins.

Common questions about COR audit scope.

How long does a COR audit take?
A COR audit typically takes 2-7 on-site days depending on operation size. Smaller operations (under 20 workers) typically require 2-3 days. Larger operations with 150+ workers may require 5-7 days. Add 1-2 days for report writing after the site visit.
What certifying partner should I use for COR in Alberta?
In Alberta, the most common certifying partners are ACSA (Alberta Construction Safety Association) for construction and general industry, and Energy Safety Canada (ESC) for oil and gas and mining. The right certifying partner depends on your sector — On-Track is certified under both.
What is the difference between COR and SECOR?
SECOR is designed for small employers with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent workers. It follows a similar structure to COR but is scoped appropriately for smaller operations. Both are recognized by major industry clients across Western Canada.
Do I need a safety manual before booking a COR audit?
Yes. The audit assesses your documented safety management system against the certifying partner protocol. If you do not yet have a written program, a manual build typically needs to precede the audit by 6-12 weeks.

Established 2008

Auditors and consultants across Western Canada.

Years in Canadian safety consulting
17+
Canadian operators served
350+
Provinces of audit coverage
4