This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

WorkSafeBC

banner image

Frequently Asked Questions


General Questions | Certification and Training | Forms and Records | Performance-Based Requirements | First Aid Assessment | Supplies, Equipment, and Facilities | Transportation of Injured Workers | Other


Certification and Training

Who provides first aid training?
Download the current List of First Aid and CPR Training Providers in B.C. (PDF 613 KB).

How long is the training for Level 1, Transportation Endorsement, Level 2, and Level 3?

  • Level 1 is a one-day course [Course outline: PDF (19 KB)]
  • Transportation Endorsement is a one-day course [Course outline: PDF (15 KB)]
  • Level 2 is a 36-hour course [Course outline: PDF (53 KB)]
  • Level 3 is a 70-hour course [Course outline: PDF (38 KB)]
  • Level 3 Refresher is a 35-hour course [Course outline: PDF (24 KB)]

How long does first aid certification last?
Certification is valid for 3 years. See WCB Standard OFA1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants (PDF 42 KB) for more information.

Is there a minimum age for a first aid attendant?
A person must be least 16 years old to qualify for a Level 1, 2, or 3 certificate and in a workplace that requires a Level 2 or 3 attendant, the person must be at least 19 years old. If the attendant is under 19 years old and holds a Level 2 or 3 ticket, he or she may provide treatment under the direct supervision of the unrestricted first aid attendant on site.

See WCB Standard OFA1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants (PDF 55 KB) for more information.

I have a Paramedic Licence from the Emergency Medical Licensing Board. Is it equivalent to OFA Level 3?
WorkSafeBC has been advised that EMRs who work as OFAs jeopardize their paramedic License. The two occupations, EMR and OFA, are deemed to be two separate occupations and they are governed by two separate Acts (see the web page of the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board).

I have an EMA FR Licence. Is it equivalent to WorkSafeBC certification?
Upon request, the Fire Chiefs' Association of British Columbia or an approved first aid training agency can issue a restricted Level 1 or 2 certificate to a member of the fire service who holds an EMA License. The certificates are restricted to the fire service industry.

  • EMA FR Level II Licence = Board Level 1 certificate
  • EMA FR III Licence = Board Level 2 certificate

For further information, contact a Certification Clerk in the Certification Section of WorkSafeBC at (604) 276 3090 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free within BC 1 888 621-7233.

I have a standard-level ticket from a first aid training agency. Will it be accepted in B.C. workplaces?
You can view all the first aid certificates acceptable in workplaces in British Columbia online.

For further information, contact a Certification Clerk in the Certification Section of WorkSafeBC at (604) 276-3090 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free within BC 1 888 621-7233.

I am a Registered Nurse. Do I still need to take a first aid course?
Upon request, a First Aid training agency can issue a Level 2 certificate to a Registered Nurse or Physician who has at least 6 months' experience in the emergency department or has completed a recognized course of training for emergency procedures. Either of these conditions must have been met in the last 24 months. The certification is only valid at health care facilities. For further information, see WCB Standard OFA1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants (PDF 55 KB), or contact a Certification Clerk in the Certification Section of WorkSafeBC (604) 276-3090 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free within BC 1 888 621-7233.

My first aid ticket has expired; can I get an extension?
Extensions are not available.



You can return to the Top of this page