Open School BC

The Equivalent Certification Process, under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, lets people with valid blaster certifications from other Canadian provinces or territories transfer their credentials to B.C.

To get certified in B.C., you must:

• Pass a Regulatory Exam: The exam tests your knowledge of B.C.’s regulations, including rules for storing, handling, guarding, and transporting explosives.
• Attend an interview: During the interview, the examiner decides which certification you qualify for. Bring proof of your certification from another province or territory to the interview.

Avalanche control blasting

To conduct avalanche blasting on B.C. mine sites, applicants must hold both a WorkSafeBC Avalanche Control Blaster Certificate, and a Surface Blaster – 3rd Class certificate.

Applicants must obtain the Surface Blaster – 3rd Class certificate through this Equivalent Certification Process.

In order to apply for this certification, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a current, valid blaster certificate from another Canadian provincial or territorial jurisdiction outside of B.C., OR
• Have a valid WorkSafeBC Avalanche Control Blaster Certificate.

A BC Mine Blaster Certification costs $100, which covers the online course and exam registration, the certification interview, and the issuance of the certification and secure ID card.

Note: "Online course" refers to a learning management system (LMS) called Moodle, which houses course content and provides access to the online exams.

• An overview of all BC Mine Blaster Certifications.
• Access to supporting resources, including videos about safety and blasting on BC mine sites (topics include magazines, care and handling of explosives, guarding, and transportation safety).
• Access to a BC Mine Blaster Certification Application Form, and information on how to set up an interview with an inspector of mines, including the documentation you're required to bring with you.

1. Regulatory Exam
   • Covers parts of the Health, Safety, and Reclamation Code for Mines in BC, the Federal Explosives Act, and the Federal Explosives Regulation 2013.
   • Focuses on regulatory requirements, magazines, care and handling of explosives.
   • Passing grade is 75%.
   • Must be completed in one sitting of no longer than three hours.

• The exam can be attempted up to three times.
• The exam is timed.
• If an exam is not completed within the time limit, it counts as one of the three attempts.
• After a failed attempt, a one-week waiting period is required before retaking it.
• To complete the exam, it must be passed within six months of receiving confirmation of registration to complete the exams.

Please ensure that you meet the following requirements to qualify for the course. Confirm each item by checking the box at the end.