Programs & Initiatives

Asbestos Worker Certification

What You Need to Do

1. REGISTER. To begin the certification process, go to the Asbestos Training Portal . You will need to create a BCCSA account. If you have already created a BCCSA website account or 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. For instructions on creating an account, click here (PDF).
   NOTE: 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.
   Register Now

    

   Click here to see the upcoming exam sessions in our Training Schedule

   Note: Online exams are virtually proctored via Zoom by BCCSA staff. Online exam availability is limited and schedules are updated weekly. Check back often for updated schedule.

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.
   • Level 3 Certification: Asbestos Abatement Supervisor, for individuals that plan, manage, and oversee asbestos abatement sites. 
   • Level S: Surveyor Safety, for individuals conducting asbestos Surveying 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.

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   Course(s)	Level	Formats	CPD Points	Prerequisites	Cost
   ACT 101 + ACT 201	Level 1: Foundational Awareness	Online, self-paced (4-5 hours)	3	Prerequisites: None	$100
   ACT 301 + ACT 401	Level 2: Asbestos Safety	Online, self-paced (4-5 hours)	4	Prerequisites: Level 1 Training	$100
   Level 2 Practical Assessment	Level 2: Asbestos Safety	In-Person practical competency assessment (4.5 Hours)	N/A	Level 2 Training	$750
   ACT Level 3	Level 3: Asbestos Supervisor	Online, self-paced (4-5 hours)`	N/A	Level 2 Certification	$50
   ACT Level S	Level S: Asbestos Surveyor	Online, self-paced (4-5 hours)	N/A	Level 1 Training	$50

    
   • BCCSA invigilates Level 1, 2, 3, and Level S certification exams on behalf of WorkSafeBC. The cost for Level 1 - S exams is $50. Exam sessions are offered in person, or online. 
   • Once a course has been purchased, it is 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 within the 60-day period.
   • 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.
   • Please ensure you familiarize yourself with our Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registering for an in-person or online assessment or exam session.

4. Level 2 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. Level 2 covers Level 1. 
   • 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 course cost.
   • Upcoming Level 2 Skills Assessment & WorkSafeBC Examination Sessions: See the available Level 2 assessments and exam sessions in our Training Schedule
   •  Please ensure you familiarize yourself with our Cancellation and Refund Policy prior to registering for an in-person or online assessment or exam session.

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 from WorkSafeBC, which is valid for three years.

   NOTE: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level S WorkSafeBC certification exams are administered by the BCCSA on behalf of WorkSafeBC and are submitted to WorkSafeBC. Results will be communicated to you by the BCCSA but your final certification is issued by WorkSafeBC. The exam invigilation cost is $50. If you are unsuccessful in your Level 1 - S exam(s), you can register for an exam re-write session for $50 through the ACT Portal. 

   Private Sessions: If you are a company and have 6 - 12 individuals that require an exam (any level), the BCCSA can invigilate a private session at your facility or at the BCCSA office. Private invigilation sessions are $50 per participant + the invigilator's travel and time if they are coming to you. Please contact asbestos@bccsa.ca if you would like to book a private session. 
    

Act Now to Secure Your Future!

If you’re a worker:

Start the certification process and training 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.

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Register Now!

  Glossary

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Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points

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Earning CPD points each year is a mandatory part of renewing a BC Housing Residential Builder Licence. A Residential Builder Licence term is 1-year, and BC Housing requires that CPD points be earned each year to maintain and renew standing. The BCCSA is a pre-approved education provider for general contractors to earn CPD points while acquiring occupational health & safety knowledge and skills.

For more information, see BC Housing's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) page.

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  Glossary

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BCCSA Training Formats

The BCCSA offers training in the following formats:

• Classroom. Classroom refers to classsroom Instructor-led training (ILT). This training is when an instructor facilitates a training session for learners in a classroom-setting. Learners have real-time access to the instructor for feedback and discussion.
• VILT. Virtual Instructor-led training (VILT) is when an instructor facilitates a training session for learners virtually through online video conferencing (i.e., Zoom). Learners have real-time access to the instructor for feedback and discussion. VILT technical requirements are listed on course detail pages.
• eLearning. eLearning refers to online training when a student learns at their own pace and location through a web browser.
• eLearning - ID Required. eLearning - ID Required refers to online training that is overseen by a proctor. This proctor is responsible for training integrity, and requires specific ID to verify learner identity.
• Practical. Practical is when an instructor facilitates a training session for learners in a real-world setting. Learners apply the theories they are learning into real-world, practical situations "on the road".
• Seminars & Webinars. Seminar refers to one or more presentations, discussions, and/or interactive activities focused on a particular topic. BCCSA Seminars may be held in person or online (a.k.a. "Webinars"), and can range in length from a few hours to several days.
• Conference. Conference refers to an event where people meet to share information, discuss ideas, learn, and network. BCCSA conferences usually span one or two days, featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. These conferences can be in-person, online, or hybrid, tailored to the event's requirements and attendee preferences.
• Eat & Greet. Eat & Greet is a casual event where people come together in a relaxed atmosphere for conversation, connection, and learning. This is an informal and friendly event to network and share information and ideas over a meal or refreshments.

BCCSA training may be delivered in one or more of the above formats.

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