Advanced First Aid Training in Surrey: Your Guide to the WorkSafeBC Course (Formerly OFA Level 3)

 

If your job takes you to a remote worksite, or your employer needs a first aid attendant for a large workforce far from a hospital, you’ve probably come across Advanced First Aid. WorkSafeBC renamed Occupational First Aid Level 3 (OFA Level 3) to Advanced First Aid, and it’s the highest level of workplace first aid certification in BC.

This guide covers who needs it, what the course involves, and how to prepare.

What Is Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3)?

Advanced First Aid is a 70-hour, 10-day WorkSafeBC program. It teaches advanced life-saving skills for workplaces more than 20 minutes from medical aid or a hospital. That includes remote worksites and employers with large workforces.

Mainland Safety Training Company runs the course in Surrey, Monday to Friday over two weeks.

Who Should Take It?

Advanced First Aid suits you if:

  • You work, or plan to work, as a first aid attendant at a remote worksite
  • Your employer must meet WorkSafeBC first aid requirements and the nearest medical help is more than 20 minutes away
  • You want to move up from Basic or Intermediate First Aid

No prior experience or prerequisites are needed. You must be at least 16 years old and bring a completed Statement of Fitness form.

Course Structure

  • Length: 10 days, 70 hours total, Monday to Friday over two weeks
  • Daily schedule: 7 hours of class per day, with two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch
  • Assessment: 4 quizzes during the course, then a written and practical exam shortly after the last class day
  • Exam: The written final has 113 questions. An examiner authorized by WorkSafeBC conducts the exam, and you need at least 70% on each segment, written and practical.
  • Format: In person only, taught in English

You must attend the full course to be certified. Late arrivals aren’t accepted, so plan to arrive 15 minutes early on day one for paperwork.

Certification and Renewal

Your certificate is valid for 3 years in British Columbia. There are no renewal classes at Mainland Safety, so after 3 years you’ll retake the course or its equivalent. To renew a Level 3 certificate, you must pass the Occupational First Aid Level 3 exam.

The certificate is recognized only within BC. Equivalent qualifications include St. John Ambulance certification, and licensed Emergency Medical Responders, Primary Care Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics may qualify as alternatives depending on circumstances. Check the WorkSafeBC “Certificates accepted in B.C.” page for your situation.

What to Bring

  • Your completed Statement of Fitness form
  • One piece of government-issued photo ID. You can decline to show ID, but you won’t receive a certificate.

On-Site Group Training

Employers can book private or group classes for 3 to 12 people at their own site. Email info@mainlandsafety.ca or call 604-617-0211 for a quote.

Cost and Cancellation

Tuition is $900 plus 5% GST per student. You can cancel or reschedule up to 12 business days before the course, and refunds carry an administrative fee of 5% of the course’s face value. Missed classes or late refund requests aren’t refundable.

Upcoming Dates

Classes currently run at the Guildford location, with an 8:00 am start:

  • October 26 to November 6, 2026
  • November 30 to December 11, 2026

Part-time weekend and evening options and a Pro Renewal course are also listed on the Mainland Safety site, so check those if a full-time schedule doesn’t fit.

Book Your Spot

Mainland Safety Training Company
9547 – 152nd St., Suite B105, Surrey, BC V3R 5Y5

Ready to take your first aid skills to the highest workplace level? Call 604-617-0211 or register online today.

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