B.C. workplace first aid · renamed November 1, 2024
OFA Level 1, 2 and 3: what they’re called now
B.C. changed the names of its workplace first aid levels on November 1, 2024. Job postings, site rules and old certificates still use the old names, so here is how they match up.
Checked against WSBC on September 25, 2026 · Read the WSBC source page ↗
Old name → new name
- Until Oct 31, 2024OFA Level 1Since November 1, 2024Basic First Aid1 day7 hoursSmaller or lower-risk workplaces
- Until Oct 31, 2024OFA Level 2Since November 1, 2024Intermediate First Aid2 days14 hoursLarger, higher-risk, remote or less-accessible workplaces
- Until Oct 31, 2024OFA Level 3Since November 1, 2024Advanced First Aid10 days70 hoursWorkplaces with several risk factors, like remote sites with high hazards
- Name unchangedTransportation EndorsementAdd-onTransportation Endorsement1 day7 hoursNeeds a valid Basic or Intermediate certificate
What happens to an OFA certificate you already hold
- November 1, 2024New names startCourses are taught and certificates issued under the new names.
- Until it expiresYour OFA certificate still countsOFA Level 1, 2 and 3 count as Basic, Intermediate and Advanced until the expiry date printed on the certificate.
- November 1, 2027Transition rule endsThe clause that recognises old OFA certificates is repealed on this date.
Other names you may see
Standard First Aid
WSBC lists Standard First Aid certificates at two levels. St. John Ambulance Standard First Aid for Industry or for Mines, Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid and Red Cross Standard First Aid Level C e-certificates count as Basic. A certificate that says “Intermediate” counts as Intermediate.
Other providers and provinces
Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Lifesaving Society and out-of-province certificates each have their own rules. The certificate checker tells you what yours counts as and when it expires.
Open the certificate checker →B.C. EMA licences
- First Responder (EMA FR)counts as Intermediate + Transportation Endorsement
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)counts as Advanced
- Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)counts as Advanced
- Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP)counts as Advanced
- Critical Care Paramedic (CCP)counts as Advanced
Common questions
What is OFA Level 1?
OFA Level 1 (Occupational First Aid Level 1) was a B.C. workplace first aid level until October 31, 2024. Since November 1, 2024 it is called Basic First Aid: 7 hours of training over 1 day, suited to smaller or lower-risk workplaces.
What is OFA Level 2?
OFA Level 2 (Occupational First Aid Level 2) was a B.C. workplace first aid level until October 31, 2024. Since November 1, 2024 it is called Intermediate First Aid: 14 hours of training over 2 days, suited to larger, higher-risk, remote or less-accessible workplaces.
What is OFA Level 3?
OFA Level 3 (Occupational First Aid Level 3) was a B.C. workplace first aid level until October 31, 2024. Since November 1, 2024 it is called Advanced First Aid: 70 hours of training over 10 days, suited to workplaces with several risk factors, like remote sites with high hazards.
Is my OFA certificate still valid?
Yes, until the expiry date printed on it. An OFA Level 1, 2 or 3 certificate counts as Basic, Intermediate or Advanced First Aid until it expires. The transition rule itself ends on November 1, 2027.
OFA Level 1 vs Standard First Aid: what's the difference now?
It depends on the certificate. WSBC lists Standard First Aid certificates at two levels: most count as Basic First Aid, the same level as OFA Level 1, but one that says "Intermediate" on it counts as Intermediate. Check yours on WSBC's list or with the certificate checker.
How do I renew an old OFA certificate?
Renew it at the new level. While it is still valid you can take the recertification course or the full course. Once it has expired, only the full course is accepted, and there is no grace period.
Does the Transportation Endorsement still exist?
Yes, under the same name. It is a 7-hour add-on that needs a valid Basic or Intermediate certificate underneath it. Advanced First Aid already includes it.