Asbestos Training in BC: Level 1 and Level 2

Pick your date on the course page and book online. Level 2 runs on separate dates; see the Level 2 page.

Prefer to learn at your own pace? Start Level 1 online at any time.

Since January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors in BC must be licensed, and anyone doing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory training and hold a certificate. You complete training with a WorkSafeBC-approved provider, pass the required exam, and WorkSafeBC issues the certificate, not the training company.

“Asbestos abatement work” includes identifying, sampling, assessing, removing, repairing, transporting or disposing of material that is or may contain asbestos in relation to a building, and planning or supervising that work.

WorkSafeBC has four certification levels:

• Level 1, Foundational Awareness: transporting asbestos-containing materials and disposing of asbestos waste. No prerequisite.
• Level 2, Asbestos Safety: performing abatement work. Requires Level 1 unless the course combines both.
• Level 3, Asbestos Safety Leader: planning, overseeing and managing abatement sites.
• Level S, Surveyor Safety: performing asbestos surveys.

Certificates are valid for three years. Not sure which level you need? Use WorkSafeBC’s “Do I need a certificate?” tool, or read our guide Asbestos Level 1 vs Level 2 in BC. WorkSafeBC also recommends Level 1 for trades that do not do abatement but may run into asbestos, such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC and flooring contractors.

Take Level 1 online at your own pace ($150), or as a classroom and practical course in Burnaby ($250). Both are WorkSafeBC-approved Level 1 training. They cover:

• What asbestos is, where it is found in BC buildings and why it is dangerous
• Recognizing materials that may contain asbestos
• Roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers
• Control measures, protective equipment and safe work procedures
• Transporting and disposing of asbestos waste
• Emergency preparedness and documentation

Level 1 is the starting point for WorkSafeBC certification and the prerequisite for Level 2. After the training you still pass WorkSafeBC’s written exam to get your Level 1 certificate. Details are in What is Asbestos Level 1?

Level 2 is a two-day (16 hour) in-person course for workers who will do hands-on abatement. It builds on Level 1 with time on equipment, real-world exercises and demonstrations of safe procedures. Our Level 2 is approved in person only, so book it at the Burnaby centre. WorkSafeBC requires a practical assessment and a written exam for Level 2 before it issues the certificate. See Level 2 dates and price.

Prices are in Canadian dollars, before 5% GST.

Gama issues a course certificate and wallet card when you complete our training. That shows what you completed with us. Your WorkSafeBC certificate is issued by WorkSafeBC after its exam. Our Asbestos Awareness course is general safety knowledge only and does not lead to WorkSafeBC certification.

• New abatement workers entering the industry
• Demolition, renovation and restoration crews
• Drywall, flooring, insulation and roofing workers in older buildings
• Electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians
• Property managers and building maintenance staff
• Supervisors who plan work in older buildings

We book individuals and whole crews, and can set up custom sessions. Abatement and renovation companies can put new hires through Level 1 and Level 2 at one location. See team training or call 1-866-661-9803.

Gama Safety Canada Training Centre, 122-2544 Douglas Road, Burnaby, BC V5C 5B4. Free parking on site and close to public transit (Holdom Station on the Millennium Line is the closest SkyTrain stop we know of; check TransLink Trip Planner). This is our only classroom.