Program and Course Search

The Advanced First Aid Refresher (Exam Challenge) course is designed for those currently holding a current and valid OFA 3 certification and looking to recertify through the exam challenge process. Currently, OFA 3 certificates issued before November 1, 2024, will be considered equivalent to Advanced First Aid certificates until their natural expiry date, up to November 1, 2027. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/education-training-certific… In this advanced condensed course, students are given the opportunity to meet the criteria for the Advanced First Aid exam challenge as set in the WorkSafeBC First Aid Program Standards Aug 2024: 
 
2.10.5 To challenge a First Aid Advanced or Equivalent course, the Candidate must have:

a) achieved a passing grade on each of the evaluations;

b) completed the two practical skills evaluations (inclusive of adult basic life support CPR/AED);

c) completed obstructed airway procedures and basic limb immobilization and minor wound management skills), and;

d) completed the written evaluation. 
 
Upon successful completion, certificates issued are valid for three years.
 
NEW! Prerequisite: Fill out the Occupational First Aid Statement of Fitness in advance of the course. Save the completed form and follow the instructions to upload it (see more info in Step 2 below).  Please bring your valid photo ID and current/valid OFA 3 certificate to class and present them to the trainer at the beginning of class. 
 
NEW: WorkSafeBC First Aid Program Standards Aug 2024: 2.10.4 Candidates that meet the Evaluation challenge criteria outlined in 2.10.5 2.10.2 must surrender their current valid or expiring Advanced or Equivalent Certificate to be placed in the Evaluation or course file prior to challenging the FA Advanced or Equivalent Evaluation. Candidates who fail to produce a valid FA or Equivalent Certificate must not be permitted to challenge the FA Advanced or Equivalent Evaluation.

Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Students may wish to bring knee pads, as they spend considerable time kneeling.

Manuals: Before class, pick up the MANDATORY manuals for pre-reading. The cost is $79.95 +GST. Contact your local campus for information about manuals.

The manuals include:
1. Advanced First Aid Reference and Training Manual
2. Advanced First Aid Participant Manual (Binder)

If students wish to purchase them individually, the Reference and Training Manual is $40 +GST, and the Participant Manual (Binder) is $42 +GST.

A pdf copy of the Reference and Training Manual is available here: Advanced First Aid: A Reference and Training Manual | WorkSafeBC.

** Ensure to pick up the manual in advance for pre-reading.
 

 Registration Process: How to Get Started

Advanced First Aid: WorkSafeBC is the most comprehensive highest level of care Occupational First Aid Course. In this 70-hour advanced level workplace first aid training students learn assessment and treatment skills required to be an OFA attendant who provides first aid care in industry. Three-year certificate. Pick up your books prior to class for pre-reading. No previous first aid certification required to take this course. Bring your photo ID to class, and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Students may wish to bring knee pads as there is considerable time spent kneeling.

NEW! Pre-requisite: Fill out the Occupational First Aid Statement of Fitness.  Save the completed form and follow the instructions in upload it (see more info in Step 2 below).

This course covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation - including how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, shock and one and two-person CPR. In addition, continuing patient assessment, hard collar application, securing a patient to a spine board, upper and lower limb splinting and minor wound care are covered. Completion of records and reports is an integral part of the course.

In BC, workplace first aid attendants must have a certificate that is recognized by WorkSafeBC. Students must: 1) pass a multiple-choice exam with 70% or higher and 2) pass the practical exam with 70% to be successful in obtaining the OFA 3 certification.

Recommended for workplaces located more than 20 minutes from a hospital.

Exams contained in course dates.

** Note:  Candidates must be able to comprehend the information presented and be physically capable of performing the required skills in order to be issued a first aid certificate.

Manuals

Pick up your manuals prior to class for pre-reading. Contact your local campus for information about your manuals.
 
Manuals are extra ($79.95 +GST).

There are two required manuals for this course:

1. Advanced First Aid Reference and Training Manual
2. Advanced First Aid Participant Manual (Binder)

If students wish to purchase them individually, the Reference and Training Manual is $40 +GST, and the Participant Manual (Binder) is $42 +GST.

Access a pdf of the Reference and Training Manual.

Registration Process: How to Get Started

This course mentors and assesses Basic First Aid Instructor Candidates in alignment with WorkSafeBC First Aid Program standards. Candidates will complete two co-teaching sessions followed by a formal Assessment of Competency (AOC). Certification is awarded only upon successful completion of the AOC.

This course includes:

• Structured teaching practice
• Personalized coaching and mentorship
• Standardized evaluation using WorkSafeBC-approved tools.

Candidates who successfully complete all teaching modules and pass the AOC will receive:

• Basic First Aid Instructor Certificate
• Required documentation for their Instructor File

This certification qualifies participants to deliver Basic First Aid training and certification under an approved WorkSafeBC training partner.

NOTE:  This course fulfills the Assessment of Competency requirements outlined in Article 5.6 of the WorkSafeBC First Aid Program Standards.

Prerequisites

1. Be at least 18 years of age prior to instructor training.
2. Have held a basic first aid certificate or higher-level certification for a minimum of one year.
3. Out of Jurisdiction package
4. Have proof of a minimum of one year of experience as a designated first aid attendant or first aid responder at a basic level or higher.

Previous Instructor Training: (5.5.2: Instructor candidates have Instructional Skills):

Candidates must have completed one of the following:

1. Formal instructor training program
2. First Aid instructor orientation
3. Proof of instructor experience

Visit our registration page for course locations, times and fees.

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At this level, the role and responsibility of the workplace first aid aider shall be to have competence in the basic training level and to provide a broader scope of emergency workplace first aid care for the injured/ill worker. Learn CPR/AED, how to deal with minor wounds, airway breathing, circulatory emergencies and more. Completion of records and reports is part of the course. Know what to do until the paramedics arrive. This course has 14 instructional hours which includes 7 hours of practical skill demonstration. This course does NOT include airway management and oxygen use.

Successful completion requires 100% attendance, demonstration of critical skills and a 70% pass mark on the 66 question multiple choice written exam.

Once you have passed the course, you will receive an Intermediate First Aid certificate, which is valid for three years.

No prerequisites. Bring your photo ID to class. Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

To be eligible for this course, you must be able to understand and perform the first aid required to complete the learning tasks, including being physically and mentally capable of performing basic techniques of first aid as well as a multiple-choice exam.

Students should arrive 15 minutes before class.

PLEASE NOTE:  Red Cross Standard First Aid courses taken after October 31, 2024 are now recognized by WorkSafeBC as equivalent to WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid.  Please see here for dates and to register.

Visit our registration page for course locations, times and fees.

Register Now

Become a Red Cross First Aid Instructor. First Aid instructors are in demand everywhere, and the Red Cross Instructor certification is recognized across Canada. This training combines the online and in-classroom components to prepare you for a Supervised Teaching Experience and to obtain your instructor certification. Training includes one day of Standard First Aid Skills Refresher, an 8-hour online module, two days of Fundamentals of Instruction, and two days of Discipline-Specific Training.

• Deadline for applications and pre-requisite submission: December 15, 2025
• Online course opens: January 12, 2026
• In-person session: February 23-27, 2026 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-5:00 pm)

How to Get Started

For more information, contact Helen Worth (250) 442-2704 or Nella Mitchell (250) 364-5770.

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The Wildfire Fighter Training micro-credential prepares individuals for employment in the forestry industry as wildfire fighters, fire suppression workers and wildfire interface workers (fuel management).

Participants will undergo a comprehensive training program that equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to competently and safely function as entry-level workers. This includes training in first aid, workplace safety, equipment safety and operation, safety standards, and industry-standard certification.

Prerequisites

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College (see Policy 8611: Admissions), the applicant must meet the following Wildfire Fighter requirements:

• WorkSafeBC has a limit of 18 years of age to operate a chainsaw &/or do high-risk activities in a workplace.
• Be able to lift 50 lbs and walk five km.
• Have access to transportation to attend off-campus field trips.
• Have personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
  • Safety boots with a minimum 8" ankle protection
  • Chaps (provided)
  • Hard hat with face shield
  • Earmuffs
  • Eye protection with side shields
  • Level 3 cut-resistant gloves appropriate for the weather conditions
  • High visibility shirt or vest

Program Format

The program must be completed within two years from the registration date. Students are required to complete all core courses and one specialization course to qualify for the micro-credential.

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Required Courses

Specialized Courses

Course offerings in this program depend on trainer schedules. As a result, some courses may not be offered every year.