WorkSafeBC certification is required for anyone performing asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings in B.C. OHS Regulation section 6.2.1 says a person must not carry out asbestos abatement work unless they hold a valid certificate for that type of work. There are four certification levels: Level 1 (Foundational Awareness), Level 2 (Asbestos Safety), Level 3 (Asbestos Safety Leader), and Level S (Surveyor Safety).

To become certified, you must complete training from a WorkSafeBC-approved provider and pass the applicable written certification exam. Level 2 also requires a practical assessment before the exam. After the required training and assessment are completed, the candidate agrees to WorkSafeBC's certificate terms and conditions and code of practice, and WorkSafeBC issues the certificate.

Level 1 is for workers transporting and disposing of asbestos-containing waste and is the entry point for asbestos certification. It is also the prerequisite for Level 2 and Level S.

Level 2 is for workers performing asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings. Level 1 is a prerequisite, although a training program may combine both levels.

Level 3 is for people who plan, oversee, or supervise asbestos abatement work. Level 2 is the prerequisite.

Level S is for people who identify materials that are or may be asbestos-containing materials, collect samples, assess asbestos risk, and prepare asbestos survey documentation. Level 1 is the prerequisite.

If you are unsure, contact us and we can point you in the right direction based on your role.

Not exactly. WorkSafeBC treats the certificate levels by their own scope of practice, but you do not need to renew every prerequisite certificate separately. If you hold Level 2, you do not also renew Level 1. If you hold Level 3, you do not also renew Levels 2 and 1. If you hold Level S, you do not also renew Level 1.

Level 3 expressly includes the Level 1 and Level 2 scope of practice. Level S is a separate surveyor scope and should not be treated as a substitute for Level 3.

WorkSafeBC asbestos abatement certifications are valid for 3 years. After expiry, the worker must renew before performing asbestos abatement work that requires certification.

Yes. WorkSafeBC currently lists 1 Asbestos Academy as an approved asbestos abatement training provider for Level 1 and Level 2. Certification itself is issued by WorkSafeBC after the candidate completes the required approved training and certification assessment process.

Level 3 is the Asbestos Safety Leader certificate for people who plan, oversee, or manage asbestos abatement sites. A valid WorkSafeBC-issued Level 2 certificate is the prerequisite.

Complete the required Level 3 training through a WorkSafeBC-approved provider, then complete the applicable WorkSafeBC certification exam. 1 Asbestos Academy can help candidates with the exam stage and the registration steps required for an exam booking.

Level S is the Surveyor Safety certificate for people performing asbestos surveys. Level 1 is the prerequisite unless the approved training program combines Level 1 and Level S.

Complete the required Level S training through a WorkSafeBC-approved provider, then complete the applicable WorkSafeBC certification exam. Level S is different from Level 3: Level S is the surveyor pathway, while Level 3 is the abatement-site leadership pathway.

Important: A Level S certificate is required to perform an asbestos survey, but WorkSafeBC's guideline for OHS Regulation section 20.112 makes clear that Level S alone does not automatically make someone a “qualified person.” The surveyor must also have the education, training, knowledge, and experience required for the work.

Level 3 is for planning, overseeing, and managing asbestos abatement sites. It includes the Level 1 and Level 2 scope of practice and requires Level 2 first.

Level S is for performing asbestos surveys and requires Level 1 first. The two certificates serve different roles and one does not replace the other.

Some asbestos certification exams may be available through remote invigilation where permitted. The available format depends on the certification level and current WorkSafeBC requirements.

When you book with 1 Asbestos Academy, we will confirm whether your specific exam can be completed remotely or must be completed in person, and we will send the required setup instructions.

You can write the certification exam again, subject to WorkSafeBC's current rewrite requirements and any required waiting period. Each exam attempt is a separate write and may have a separate fee.

If you need a rewrite, contact us with the certificate level and your previous exam date so we can confirm the next eligible booking.

Not always. WorkSafeBC may recognize previous asbestos training through reciprocity, equivalency, or recognition of prior learning, depending on where and when the training was completed.

For example, WorkSafeBC recognizes valid asbestos certificates from Alberta and Prince Edward Island through reciprocity. Certain apprenticeship or out-of-province programs may qualify for equivalency, and some older courses from approved B.C. providers may qualify for recognition of prior learning. The exact assessment depends on your records and certificate level.

We offer the following programs and pathways:

Level 1: Foundational Awareness covers the WorkSafeBC Level 1 scope, including transporting asbestos-containing materials and disposing of asbestos-containing waste.

Level 1 + 2 Combined is our most popular program and covers full abatement competency from awareness through hands-on removal. Most workers book this.

Level 3: Asbestos Safety Leader pathway requires Level 3 training through a WorkSafeBC-approved provider. 1 Asbestos Academy can assist with the applicable certification exam stage and registration steps.

Level S: Surveyor Safety pathway requires Level S training through a WorkSafeBC-approved provider. 1 Asbestos Academy can assist with the applicable certification exam stage and registration steps.

Lead Abatement Level 1 + 2 is an Academy lead-safety training program designed around the worker instruction and training subjects in OHS Regulation section 6.66. It is not a WorkSafeBC asbestos-style certification program, and WorkSafeBC does not issue a separate lead abatement certificate card.

For most workers, the Level 1 + 2 Combined program is the better choice. It covers both levels in a single booking and is priced at a lower cost per level than booking separately. If you already hold a valid Level 1 certification and only need Level 2, we can accommodate that. Contact us to confirm what makes sense for your situation.

We deliver training in person at our Victoria and Surrey locations. Private group bookings can also be delivered onsite at your location anywhere in British Columbia. For current delivery options, dates, and locations, contact us directly before booking.

The Level 1 + 2 Combined program is a 2-day course. Level 1 alone is a 1-day course. Level 3 and Level S require training through a WorkSafeBC-approved provider; 1 Asbestos Academy can assist with the applicable certification exam stage and registration steps. Lead Abatement Level 1 + 2 is a 1-day program.

Yes. Onsite training is available anywhere in British Columbia. Travel costs are built into the quote. For onsite and travel training, contact us directly and we will put together a custom quote for your location and group size.

Every participant receives a full-colour training manual. Training is delivered by a qualified instructor. The written competency assessment is included. WorkSafeBC exam fees are separate from training fees and paid at the time of exam registration.

Optional safety gear including masks, filters, Tyvek suits, and gloves is available for purchase. Contact us in advance if you need gear.

All participants need valid government-issued photo ID: a Driver's Licence, Passport, or BC Services Card. For any remotely invigilated exam appointment, candidates need a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Cell phones are not permitted for the assessment.

Your training manual is provided and included in your course fee. If you have been told PPE is required for your specific session, bring steel-toed boots, a respirator, and a Tyvek suit.

An asbestos certificate is issued to an individual and authorizes that person to perform the asbestos abatement work within the scope of their certificate level.

An asbestos abatement licence applies to an employer conducting asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings. The employer must still ensure each person performing asbestos abatement work holds the appropriate individual certificate.

WorkSafeBC states that an employer conducting asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings requires an asbestos abatement licence. The licensing requirement is separate from the worker certification requirement.

Work that merely involves encountering asbestos during another trade is not automatically asbestos abatement work. Whether licensing applies depends on whether the activity meets the legal definition of asbestos abatement work.

An independent asbestos abatement operator who is neither an employer nor a worker is not required to hold an asbestos abatement licence, although they may choose to apply for one. The individual still needs the appropriate asbestos certificate for asbestos abatement work that requires certification.

If that independent operator hires a worker to perform asbestos abatement work, the operator becomes an employer and must be licensed.

Not necessarily. Certification is required for asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings. WorkSafeBC specifically notes that trades such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and flooring contractors who may sometimes encounter asbestos-containing material but are not asbestos abatement workers may not require certification.

They still need to work safely around asbestos, and WorkSafeBC recommends Level 1 training for people who would benefit from general asbestos safety knowledge even when certification is not required.

OHS Regulation section 6.2.1 requires a certificate holder to produce the valid asbestos certificate for inspection when requested by a WorkSafeBC officer. The Regulation does not say the physical certificate must be carried on your person at every moment, but you must be able to produce it when requested.

You can book directly through the training schedule on the website. Select an available training or exam appointment and complete the required registration and payment steps. Asbestos training delivery and exam format depend on the certification level and current WorkSafeBC requirements.

For group bookings, private training dates, or onsite travel training, contact us directly and we will handle scheduling and logistics.

Minimum notice is 1 business day. Rush and next-day bookings are available based on instructor availability. If you need to get workers trained on short notice, call us at 250-589-7233 and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Yes. Asbestos training at 1 Asbestos Academy is limited to a maximum of 8 participants per class so practical instruction and assessment remain manageable. Group and private sessions can be arranged for employers, and larger crews can be split across multiple sessions.

Contact us for a group quote. We will handle scheduling, logistics, and invoicing directly with your company.

Public sessions are open to any individual worker or group that books a seat. Workers from different companies may attend the same session. This is the standard booking option through the training schedule.

Private sessions are booked exclusively for your team. The date and time are set by arrangement and the session is not open to outside participants. Private bookings are ideal for employers who want training tailored to their specific site or workflow. Contact us to book a private session.

All course registrations and training payments are non-refundable. This applies to missed sessions, late arrivals, scheduling conflicts, and failure to meet ID requirements.

At our sole discretion, participants who are unable to attend may be issued a training credit or seat transfer to a future available date. Credits hold no cash value and are non-transferable. Private and group training dates are also non-refundable.

These are two separate records. A training certificate from 1 Asbestos Academy confirms completion of the applicable Academy training program. It is not the same as a WorkSafeBC asbestos certificate.

A WorkSafeBC asbestos certificate is issued only after the candidate completes the approved certification process, including the applicable exam and, for Level 2, the practical assessment. Training completion by itself does not authorize someone to perform asbestos abatement work that requires certification.

Training certificates are typically issued within 48 hours (2 business days) of completing the course. Digital certificates are sent by email. If you need your certificate urgently, contact us at [email protected] and we will do our best to expedite it.

After completing approved training, you must pass the applicable written WorkSafeBC certification exam. Level 2 also requires a practical assessment before the exam. After the required steps are completed, the candidate agrees to WorkSafeBC's certificate terms and conditions and code of practice, and WorkSafeBC issues the certificate.

1 Asbestos Academy can guide candidates through the exam registration process. Contact us if you need help getting set up.

You can view and manage your asbestos certificate through WorkSafeBC online services under “My certificates.” If you lose the physical certificate, WorkSafeBC says you can request a replacement by emailing Certification Services; the current replacement fee listed by WorkSafeBC is $28 per certificate.

1 Asbestos Academy can provide documentation of training completed through the Academy, but replacement WorkSafeBC certificates are issued by WorkSafeBC.

We accept major credit and debit cards through Square, and Afterpay is available on eligible training packages for workers who prefer to split the cost into 4 interest-free payments. For group and corporate bookings, we can accommodate direct invoicing. Contact us for invoicing arrangements.

Yes. Afterpay is available on the Level 1 + 2 Combined and Lead Abatement Level 1 + 2 programs, allowing workers to split the course fee into 4 equal interest-free payments. Afterpay is subject to approval by Afterpay. There are no surcharges on Afterpay transactions. See the individual course pages for exact installment amounts.

Yes. For group and private training bookings, we can invoice your company directly. Contact us with your company name, billing contact, and training requirements and we will set that up for you.

Yes. All listed prices are plus GST. GST will be added at checkout and will appear on your receipt. Employers purchasing training for workers can claim GST as an input tax credit in the normal way.

No. They are separate systems. Asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings is subject to WorkSafeBC's mandatory asbestos training and certification program, and asbestos certificates are valid for up to three years.

Lead work is governed by the lead requirements in Part 6 of the OHS Regulation rather than an equivalent WorkSafeBC lead certification-card program. 1 Asbestos Academy issues its own completion certificate for the Academy's lead training.

OHS Regulation section 6.66 requires an employer to ensure that a worker who is or may be exposed to lead dust, fumes, or mist receives adequate instruction and training. The required subjects include lead hazards and health effects, the nature of the work and exposure routes, safe work procedures, engineering controls, PPE, hygiene and decontamination, health monitoring, and housekeeping.

Before workers perform a work activity or lead process that may expose them to lead dust, fumes, or mist, section 6.59.1 also requires a risk assessment by a qualified person. If that assessment indicates exposure, section 6.60 requires an exposure control plan. Air monitoring requirements are addressed in sections 6.61 and 6.61.1.

WorkSafeBC does not operate a three-year lead certification-card system like the asbestos certification program, so there is no equivalent WorkSafeBC lead-card expiry date. The employer's duty under OHS Regulation section 6.66 is ongoing: workers who are or may be exposed to lead dust, fumes, or mist must receive adequate instruction and training for the hazards and work they perform.

Refresher or additional instruction may be appropriate when the work, hazards, equipment, controls, procedures, or applicable requirements change. Employers must also maintain worker-training records under section 6.68.

The standard lead program is a 1-day course and includes a written competency assessment. An optional practical training day is available on request for employers who want workers to demonstrate hands-on competency in containment setup, PPE use, decontamination, hygiene, and safe work practices. The practical day must be completed in person, and PPE is required. Contact us to add the practical day to your booking.