Short answer: In British Columbia, anyone doing asbestos abatement work has needed a WorkSafeBC certificate since January 1, 2024. Level 1 (Foundational Awareness) is for people who transport or dispose of asbestos-containing waste. Level 2 (Asbestos Safety) is for people who do the abatement work itself, and it requires Level 1 first unless your course combines both. To be certified, you must train with a WorkSafeBC-approved provider and pass the WorkSafeBC exam.
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Why BC made asbestos certification mandatory
Asbestos is the leading cause of work-related deaths in BC, according to WorkSafeBC. To reduce exposure, BC introduced mandatory training and certification for asbestos abatement workers, along with licensing for asbestos abatement contractors. The certification requirement took effect on January 1, 2024.
Certificates are issued by WorkSafeBC, not by the training company. Only training from a WorkSafeBC-approved provider counts toward a certificate.
The four certification levels
WorkSafeBC has four levels:
| Level | Name | Who it's for | Prerequisite | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundational Awareness | People who transport and/or dispose of asbestos-containing waste | None | Level 1 exam |
| 2 | Asbestos Safety | People who do asbestos abatement work | Level 1 (unless the course combines both) | Practical skills test + Level 2 exam |
| 3 | Asbestos Safety Leader | Supervisors and others responsible for health and safety on abatement sites | Level 2 | Level 3 exam |
| S | Surveyor Safety | Asbestos surveyors | Level 1 | Level S exam |
Level 1: Foundational Awareness
Level 1 is the starting point. You need it if you transport asbestos-containing material or dispose of asbestos waste. Level 1 holders are not certified to do abatement work.
WorkSafeBC also recommends Level 1 for people who don't need a certificate but would benefit from general asbestos safety knowledge. That can include trades who may run into asbestos-containing materials in older buildings, such as renovators, electricians, plumbers and drywallers, even if they won't remove it.
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Level 2: Asbestos Safety
Level 2 is for workers who perform asbestos abatement: removing, enclosing or otherwise working with asbestos-containing materials as part of an abatement job. It includes everything in Level 1's scope, plus abatement work.
Level 2 has two assessments:
- A practical skills test, which must be passed before the exam
- The Level 2 certification exam
You need Level 1 before Level 2, unless your training provider offers a course that combines both levels.
Level 1 vs Level 2 at a glance
- Transporting or disposing of asbestos waste only? Level 1.
- Doing abatement work? Level 2 (with Level 1 first).
- Supervising an abatement site? Level 3 (with Level 2 first).
- Doing asbestos surveys? Level S (with Level 1 first).
- Just want to recognize asbestos and stay safe, with no abatement duties? An awareness course may be enough for your employer, but it is not a WorkSafeBC certificate.
How long is an asbestos certificate valid?
A WorkSafeBC asbestos certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you renew within 12 months after it expires, you only need to retake the exam. After that, you must complete the training and the exam again.
Asbestos training with Gama Safety
Gama Safety offers these asbestos courses:
- Asbestos Awareness — $39.95 online. General awareness of asbestos hazards. This is not a WorkSafeBC certification course.
- Asbestos Level 1 — $150 online, or on campus in Burnaby for $250 (6 hours). Both formats are WorkSafeBC-approved Level 1 training.
- Asbestos Level 2 — $850, a 16-hour (2-day) hands-on course at our Burnaby training centre, 122-2544 Douglas Road. WorkSafeBC-approved in person only.
Gama Safety Canada is listed by WorkSafeBC as an approved asbestos abatement training provider (Lower Mainland) for Level 1 and Level 2.
Our Level 1 (online or in person) and Level 2 (in person) programs prepare you for the WorkSafeBC certification exams. When you finish, Gama gives you a course certificate and wallet card. Your WorkSafeBC certificate is issued by WorkSafeBC, not by Gama, once you pass the WorkSafeBC exam (and, for Level 2, the practical skills test first).
Before you enrol, check with your employer which level your job requires. Questions? Call +1 (866) 661-9803 or email info@gamasafety.ca.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between asbestos Level 1 and Level 2 in BC?
Level 1 (Foundational Awareness) covers transporting and disposing of asbestos waste. Level 2 (Asbestos Safety) adds performing abatement work and requires a practical skills test plus an exam.
Do I need Level 1 before Level 2?
Yes, unless your course combines both levels.
How long does a BC asbestos certificate last?
Three years from the date of issue. You can renew by exam only within 12 months after it expires.
Is an asbestos awareness course the same as Level 1?
No. Only training from a WorkSafeBC-approved provider, followed by the WorkSafeBC exam, leads to a Level 1 certificate.
Who issues asbestos certificates in BC?
WorkSafeBC issues them after you complete approved training and pass the required assessments.
Can I take WorkSafeBC-approved asbestos Level 1 online?
Yes. Gama Safety's online Asbestos Level 1 is WorkSafeBC-approved, the same as our in-person Level 1. After training you still pass the WorkSafeBC exam, and WorkSafeBC issues your certificate. Level 2 is in person only.
Is Gama Safety a WorkSafeBC-approved asbestos training provider?
Yes. Gama Safety Canada is on WorkSafeBC's list of approved asbestos training providers (Lower Mainland) for Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is approved online and in person; Level 2 is approved in person at our Burnaby centre.
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