In Alberta, COR (Certificate of Recognition) is the occupational health and safety audit used by most municipal construction tenders over roughly $100,000. SECOR is the small-employer version, typically for firms with 10 or fewer workers. Municipal RFPs often specify COR — submitting SECOR when the document requires COR is a compliance-screen fail. Both are issued through certifying partners such as ACSA, not by NorthCited.
SECOR vs COR — what actually differs
Both demonstrate a functioning health and safety management system. COR is the full audit used by larger employers. SECOR is scaled for small employers (commonly 10 or fewer employees; some partners also look at hours worked). Maintenance audit cycles and documentation depth differ. The RFP wording controls which one counts on bid day.
If I have SECOR, can I bid a COR-required tender?
Only if the RFP accepts SECOR or an equivalent. Many City of Calgary and City of Edmonton construction packages say COR. Read the clause. Do not assume 'we are safe' equals 'we meet the mandatory item.'
Who issues COR and SECOR in construction?
Certifying partners. For construction trades in Alberta that is commonly the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA, acsa-safety.org). Energy and other sectors use different partners. NorthCited flags what the tender requires; ACSA-certified consultants run the audit.
COR requirements for municipal tenders
Municipalities use COR as a proxy for contractor safety systems. Thresholds vary — some packages require COR above a dollar value, others require it for all construction. A commitment letter to obtain COR is sometimes accepted on lower-risk work; do not count on that for civil packages.
Does SECOR qualify for Partnerships in Injury Reduction?
PIR refunds through WCB Alberta are tied to a valid COR (or SECOR, where the program accepts it) and PIR enrolment. Confirm current rules on wcb.ab.ca — refund percentages change by policy year.
How long does upgrading SECOR to COR take?
Plan months, not weeks. You need a documented system, training records, and a certifying-partner audit. Starting the week a perfect tender drops is too late.