Occupational First Aid Level 1
I have a WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 1 ticket. Is this good in Alberta?
Yes, it is acceptable but you may require additional training.
What are the prerequisites for taking the Level 1 class?
You must be at least 16 years of age.
How long is the course and what are the class hours?
This is an 8-hour program and class time is usually from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Occupational First Aid Level 2
What are the prerequisites for taking the Level 2 class?
You need to be at least 16 years old to take the course. Someone over 16 years old but under 19 can hold a certificate but their certificate will not be recognized by the WorkSafeBC board as a designated attendant in the workplace. They can provide first aid, but only under the supervision of another designated First Aid Attendant.
How long is the course and what are the hours?
This is a 1-week, 35-hour course. We offer it part-time as well for 3 weeks
When do you hold the exams for Level 2?
Exams are usually scheduled for the Monday after the last day of class. On occasion, we may hold the exams on the Sunday after class. The exact date will be determined once the class is in progress.
MY OFA Level 2 ticket just expired. Can I take a refresher course?
No. WorkSafeBC does not offer a refresher course for Level 2. You will need to take the entire Level 2 class again.
How long is the Level 2 ticket good for?
All WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid tickets are good for 3 years.
I have WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 2 certification. Is it good in Alberta?
No.
Do I need to see a doctor prior to taking the course?
No. That requirement has been changed. You will need to complete a Student Statement of Fitness form when you fill out your registration. If you answer “yes” to any of the medical questions, you will need to see a doctor to get a Medical Certificate of Fitness report filled out. There is usually a cost associated with this report.
Occupational First Aid Level 3
What are the prerequisites for taking the Level 3 class?
You need to be at least 16 to take the course. Someone over 16 years old but under 19 can hold a certificate but their certificate will not be recognized by the WorkSafeBC board as a designated attendant in the workplace. They can provide first aid, but only under the supervision of another designated First Aid Attendant.
How long is the course and what are the hours?
This is a 2-week, 70 hour-course which runs Monday to Friday. Class times are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We also offer this course on a part-time schedule with 70 hours over 5 weeks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
I have WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 certification. Is it good in Alberta?
Yes. It is valid across Canada but you may require additional training.
Do I need to go and see a doctor prior to taking the course?
No. That requirement has been changed. You will need to complete a Student Statement of Fitness form when you fill out your registration. If you answer “yes” to any of the medical questions, you will need to see a doctor to get a Medical Certificate of Fitness report filled out. There is usually a cost associated with this report.
When do you hold exams for Level 3?
Exams are usually scheduled for the Monday after the last day of class. On occasion, we may hold the exams on the Sunday after class. The exact date will be determined once the class is in progress.
I have an OFA Level 3 ticket that expired a year ago. Do I have to take the full course or can I take the refresher course?
According to WorkSafeBC, if less than 2 years has elapsed since the expiration of the certificate, you qualify to take the exam and the refresher course.
How long is the OFA Level 3 refresher course?
It is a 1-week, 35-hour course which runs Monday through Friday. The exams are usually scheduled for the Monday following the last day of class.
General Information
How long is an Occupational First Aid ticket valid for?
All tickets are good for 3 years. See WCB Standard OFA 1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants for more information.
Do you accept exam challenges?
No.
Do you have to do Occupational First Aid Level 1 and 2 before taking Level 3?
No, you can take your OFA Level 2 or 3 even if you have no experience in this area.
I’m applying for a job and the application says I need to have a first aid course. Which one should I take?
Check with the company you are applying to for more information. As a general rule, if your patients are going to be members of the public, then a Red Cross course is the best choice. If you will be treating co-workers or employees, you should take a WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid class.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you do not wish to complete or cannot attend the course you are registered in, we ask that you give us a courtesy call so we can use your spot for another candidate. Refunds are dependent on the amount of time already spent in class.
How many breaks do we get in the day?
You will have two 15-minute coffee breaks and one 30-minute break for lunch. Participants are encouraged to bring food and to use the facilities (fridge, microwave) in our lunchroom.
What is Transport Endorsement for?
You need to have your OFA Level 1 or 2 to take the Transport Endorsement course. It is a packaging, 1-day course where you will learn to prepare a patient for transport to the hospital.