Asbestos Worker Certification Information

If you work with asbestos in construction, this new certification program provides a path to a safer future

What You Need to Know

All workers in British Columbia covered by the regulation must obtain their asbestos abatement certification by January 1, 2024 to continue working on any site where asbestos is present. Asbestos abatement contractors, who must also be licensed by WorkSafeBC by January 1, 2024, need to ensure all of their workers are certified for the work they perform.

What You Need to Do

1.  Register: To begin the certification process, click the following link https://asbestos.bccsa-services.ca to go to the Asbestos Training Portal. You will need to create a BCCSA account. If you have already taken BCCSA training such as SiteReadyBC, you can use your existing credentials to log in. You can create a free account in just a couple of minutes.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a BCCSA account.
 
If you’re an employer, you can also register your company inside the Asbestos course portal and thereby register your employees on their behalf. If you have any questions about how to do this, please contact 604 636 3675.

2. Choose the Certification level appropriate for the work you do:

Level 1 Certification: Foundational Awareness training is designed for workers involved in transporting asbestos-containing materials and disposing of asbestos-containing waste.

Level 2 Certification: Asbestos Safety training is designed for workers involved in performing asbestos abatement work.

If you’re unsure about which training level is appropriate for you, use this WorkSafeBC asbestos certification questionnaire.

3. Complete the Online Training:Once registered in the appropriate certification level, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive online training program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need and to enhance your understanding of asbestos, its risks, and the best practices for safe handling.

• BCCSA's Asbestos Control Training Courses cost $50 each.
  
• Once registered, courses are available for 60 days. If not completed within 60 days, the course(s) must be re-purchased.
  
• BCCSA courses are available online, on-demand, and can be completed at your own pace.
  
• Time to complete the courses varies heavily based on the student's knowledge, experience, and other factors. However, users should expect to spend between 4 - 5 hours per course.
  
• There are TWO courses per Level. To complete Level 1 and Level 2, you will complete FOUR online courses total.

4. Complete the Skills Assessment: As part of the Level 2 certification process, you will undergo a skills assessment to ensure that you have acquired the necessary competencies to perform asbestos-related tasks proficiently.

• The Level 2 Practical Skills Assessment cost is $750
• If you are pursuing Level 2 certification, you DO NOT need to complete the Level 1 WorkSafeBC exam. You can simply complete the Level 1 and Level 2 training courses, and go straight to the Level 2 Practical Assessment and WorkSafeBC exam.
  
• The WorkSafeBC Level 2 written exam is administered on the same day as your Level 2 Practical Assessment. There is no additional cost - it is included in the $750.

5. Pass the Certification Exam(s): Upon successful completion of online training and skills assessment (Level 2 only), you’ll be ready to tackle the WorkSafeBC certification exam(s). Once you pass the certification exam(s), you will receive your official asbestos abatement certificate, which is valid for three years. This certificate not only demonstrates your expertise, but also opens a world of opportunities, allowing you to work on asbestos-containing construction sites with confidence.

• Level 1 and Level 2 WorkSafeBC exam are administered by the BCCSA on behalf of WorkSafeBC and are submitted to WorkSafeBC. Results will be communicated to you directly by WorkSafeBC - the BCCSA does not inform you of your Level 1/2 WorkSafeBC exam results. If you are unsuccessful, you can register for an exam re-write session for $50.

Upcoming Level 2 Skills Assessment Sessions (Level 2 WorkSafeBC Examinations are administered on the same day as the Level 2 Skills Assessment):

Note, AM and PM sessions are separate, individual sessions. You do not need to register for both. Your skills assessment and Level 2 WorkSafeBC examination are both administered within the same session. There is a maximum of 4 students per session.

CHANGING REGULATIONS

Act Now to Secure Your Future

If you’re a worker:
Start the certification process as soon as possible to ensure you meet the January 1, 2024 deadline. By taking action today, you’ll avoid interruption of your employment in the asbestos abatement industry, and contribute to a safer working environment.
 
If you’re an employer:
Initiate the certification process today. Supporting your workers in obtaining their asbestos abatement certification will not only enhance their skills, but also help your organization comply with the new regulations.
 
Click here to register for the Asbestos Certification Training Courses now! https://asbestos.bccsa-services.ca

Stay up to date

Asbestos worker certification is a new initiative for the BC construction industry. The BCCSA will be updating this page frequently, so please check regularly for new information.

Please complete the following form to have your email added to our list, to receive updated information as it becomes available for the Asbestos Worker Certification.

Detailed Certification Information

For full details on how asbestos training and certification works, please visit WorkSafeBC's page 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points

ACT qualifies for CPD points recognized by BC Housing Licensing and Consumer Services. Points are assigned per course. 

Level 1

• 101- 1 point
• 201- 2 points

• 301- 2 points
• 401- 2 points