WorkSafeBC requires anyone performing asbestos abatement work in B.C. to complete mandatory safety training from an approved training provider and hold certification issued by WorkSafeBC. There are four certification levels: Level 1 (Foundational Awareness), Level 2 (Asbestos Safety), Level 3 (Asbestos Safety Leader), and Level S (Surveyor Safety). The level you need depends on the type of asbestos work you perform.

Training and certification are separate steps. You complete training from an approved provider, then pass the required WorkSafeBC exam or assessment. WorkSafeBC issues the certification directly.

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.

Generally, you renew your highest active WorkSafeBC asbestos certification level. Lower prerequisite levels are covered through the higher-level certification pathway while that higher certification remains valid.

This is also relevant for recertification: workers normally renew their highest certification level, not every lower prerequisite level separately.

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

Yes. 1 Asbestos Academy is a WorkSafeBC Authorized Asbestos Abatement Training Agency. We are authorized to deliver Level 1 and Level 2 asbestos abatement training. Workers who complete our training and pass the WorkSafeBC exam receive their certification card from WorkSafeBC.

We offer the following programs and pathways:

Level 1: Foundational Awareness covers transport and low-risk asbestos tasks under supervision.

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 coordinates third-party training and exam support for supervisors pursuing the WorkSafeBC Level 3 certification pathway.

Level S: Surveyor Safety pathway coordinates third-party training and exam support for workers pursuing the WorkSafeBC Level S certification pathway.

Lead Abatement Level 1 + 2 is a competency-based lead safety training program aligned with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation requirements for instruction and training where occupational lead exposure may occur. It is not a WorkSafeBC-issued certification program. WorkSafeBC does not issue a separate lead abatement certification 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 are pathway programs involving third-party training coordination and WorkSafeBC exam support. 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 online sessions, participants need a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam 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.

You can book directly through the training schedule on the website. Select a date, choose online or in person, and complete payment. Registration is confirmed once payment is received in full.

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 accommodates up to 20 participants per session. Lead training accommodates up to 16. Group rates are available for teams of 2 or more, and the per-person rate decreases as your group grows. Private sessions can also be scheduled exclusively for your team.

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 documents. A training certificate is issued by 1 Asbestos Academy upon successful completion of your training. It confirms that you have completed the required training program and are prepared to sit the WorkSafeBC exam.

A WorkSafeBC certification card is issued by WorkSafeBC after you pass their exam. The certification card is the document required on worksites. Training alone does not make you certified.

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 WorkSafeBC exam or assessment process. Once you pass, WorkSafeBC issues the certification directly. Exam fees are separate from training fees. 1 Asbestos Academy can guide you through the exam registration process. Contact us if you need help getting set up.

Contact WorkSafeBC directly to request a replacement certification card. Your certification is held in their system; losing the physical card does not affect your standing. 1 Asbestos Academy holds your training records and can provide documentation of your completed training if required.

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 programs. Asbestos abatement training leads to WorkSafeBC certification, which is issued by WorkSafeBC on a card that must be renewed every 3 years. Lead abatement training is a competency-based safety program built to WorkSafeBC occupational health and safety standards, but WorkSafeBC does not issue a separate certification card for lead abatement work. Participants receive a completion certificate issued by 1 Asbestos Academy.

Workers who may be occupationally exposed to lead must receive instruction and training appropriate to the lead hazard and the work being performed. Lead may be present in paints, coatings, industrial materials, renovation, demolition, manufacturing, recycling, and maintenance work. Employers remain responsible for risk assessment, exposure control, hygiene, PPE, and any required monitoring.

Because WorkSafeBC does not issue a separate lead abatement certification card, there is no WorkSafeBC lead card expiry like asbestos certification. However, employers are responsible for ensuring workers remain properly instructed and trained for the lead hazards and procedures they will use. Refresher training may be appropriate when work methods, exposure risks, controls, regulations, or company procedures change.

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.