First aid attendant certification
In B.C., workplace first aid attendants must have a certificate that's recognized by WorkSafeBC. The number and level of first aid attendants required for a workplace depends on several factors, including the number of workers, distance to medical aid, and industry hazard rating.
New first aid requirements now in effect
Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation relating to occupational first aid took effect November 1, 2024. These amendments include changes to the names of first aid attendant certificates and, for some workplaces, the level of services required. A Backgrounder is available with details about the Regulation changes.
For employers, see our First aid requirements page to determine if you will need to change the number and levels of first aid attendants at your workplace to meet the new requirements.
- Where to get certified
- Levels of certification
- How to renew your certificate
- First aid attendants from out of province
- First responders working as designated first aid attendants
- Resources
Where to get certified
WorkSafeBC has authorized certain agencies throughout British Columbia to teach occupational first aid training programs acceptable to WorkSafeBC and certify attendants who successfully complete the programs. See our list of approved first aid training providers.
Levels of certification
Training and certification levels align with standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA):
- Basic first aid (formerly OFA Level 1)
- Intermediate first aid (formerly OFA Level 2)
- Advanced first aid (formerly OFA Level 3)
- Transportation endorsement
As of November 1, 2024, valid OFA Level 1, 2, or 3 certificates will be accepted as equivalent to basic, intermediate, and advanced, respectively, until their expiry date. You can also talk to your employer to find out if your current certification level is still sufficient after November 1, based on the results of the employer's written first aid assessment.
How to renew your certificate
To renew a basic or intermediate first aid certificate (formerly OFA 1 or 2), or a transportation endorsement, you will need to retake the training course and meet the examination requirements through an approved training provider.
To renew an advanced first aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 3), you can do one of the following:
- Take a 35-hour refresher class.
- Challenge the examination, which is the final 14 hours of the full advanced level training course. To qualify for the exam challenge, your advanced or OFA Level 3 certificate must be valid (not expired), and you must have obtained a CPR/AED certificate within the previous 6 months.
If your certificate has expired, you will need to retake the full course and examination.
First aid attendants from out of province
If you hold a valid first aid certificate from another province’s health and safety regulator, you can be issued a certificate that WorkSafeBC will recognize. You must:
- Present yourself to an approved training provider. To register, you will need government-issued photo ID and the first aid certificate you earned outside B.C.
- Complete an application form and the applicable jurisprudence package.
Note: the first aid training agency may charge a fee for processing your application.
First responders working as designated first aid attendants
Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) licence-holders working as designated first aid attendants
If you are a paramedic, emergency medical responder, or other first responder with a current EMA licence issued by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board of B.C. (EMALB), you can have your licence recognized as an alternative qualification at the following levels:
- First Responder (EMA FR) — intermediate first aid
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) — advanced first aid
- Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) — advanced first aid
- Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) — advanced first aid
- Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) — advanced first aid
EMA licence-holders no longer need to apply for equivalent certificates through a training provider.
Employers must ensure that EMA licence-holders understand their responsibilities and operational limitations as occupational first aid attendants. For details, see OHS guideline G3.15-3.
Paramedics with a licence from another Canadian jurisdiction
If you are a paramedic or other first responder with a current licence from another Canadian jurisdiction, you are eligible for first aid certification in B.C. You will need to apply for and acquire an out-of-jurisdiction Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) licence at the appropriate level from the EMALB, then complete an application for certification and a jurisprudence package. Bring the completed jurisprudence package to an approved training provider and present your valid EMALB-issued license and current government-issued photo ID. The approved first aid training provider will provide the application for certification and issue a certificate at the appropriate level.
For more information about issuing occupational first aid certification to EMA licensees, email certification@worksafebc.com or call Certification Services at 604.276.3090.
Workplace First Aid Training Providers
This is a regularly updated list of training providers (public agencies and in-house training providers) that WorkSafeBC has approved to offer workplace first aid training in B.C.
See First...
Jurisprudence Package: Obtaining First Aid Certification in British Columbia
If you have an emergency medical assistant (EMA) licence from B.C. or a first aid attendant certification from outside B.C., you need to complete a jurisprudence package to act as a first aid attendant...
Workplace First Aid Requirements: First Aid Equipment and Training
If you are an employer, you need to ensure your workplace has the appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained and certified attendants. This video explains those requirements.
See...
Advanced First Aid: A Reference and Training Manual
WorkSafeBC has authorized certain agencies to teach occupational first aid training programs acceptable to WorkSafeBC and certify attendants who successfully complete the programs. This manual is designed...
Web resources
Training agencies authorized by WorkSafeBC can access training and examination materials by signing in to Certification Services’ First Aid Training Resources site.
- New first aid requirements now in effect Published on: November 01, 2024