Overview
BCIT's Occupational Health & Safety Foundations program is the best starting place for those interested in moving into a career in occupational health and safety. Combining your passion for keeping workers safe with our technical training, skills, and knowledge of the industry will set you on a path to your new career.
About the program
The Associate Certificate in Foundations in Occupational Health and Safety program will provide the knowledge and skills needed for graduates to obtain an entry level safety position. This Associate Certificate meets the educational requirements of the National Canadian Registered Safety Technician certification
Who it’s for
- Have a passion for safety and creating safe work environments for others
- Enjoy working directly with people at all levels and positions
- Thrive in a dynamic and demanding work environment
- Have five years or more of work experience
- Have computer skills and a high school education (recommended, not required)
- Want to quickly start a career in safety in an entry level/technical position
- Have the future option to earn a higher level credential to move into a management position.
- Want the educational components required for certification as a Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) through the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP)
What grads can do
Grads may find work with their current employer or in their current industry. Opportunities for safety practitioners are available in many industries including:
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Mining
- Forestry
- Government
- Municipal
Graduates will have the option to ladder into an OHS Certificate program. Completion of both programs will meet the educational requirements of the national CRSP designation.
- Next up Entrance Requirements
Entrance Requirements
There is no application process for this program. Interested students will need to self-register for a course and declare into the program.
Part-time studies courses are taught assuming registrants not only have a BC Grade 12 level of English, but also have proficiency in all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Courses are taught at a first-year college level and adequate communication skills are essential to succeed in the program.
Course registration
A formal application is not required to take part-time OCHS courses by distance education. Enrolment is on a course-by-course basis, one term at a time.
Note: There is no “wait list” system for part-time studies at BCIT. Registration happens on-line on a first-come-first-served basis.
Scheduled intakes
Part-time studies terms start in January, April, and September. Course start dates vary. Students are advised to check the BCIT website for important dates and to refer to the program matrix for individual course start dates. Plan on registering for courses early to avoid missing out on available spaces.
Application processing
This program is open to declarations beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
Declarations submitted for program intakes beginning April 1, 2025 or later will be evaluated using the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement below.
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
Recommended for success
- 3 to 5 years of work experience
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants who will complete the program from outside Canada or who currently have a valid status in Canada other than study permit.
Study permit: International applicants accepted into this program are not eligible for a study permit.
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
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- Next up Costs & Supplies
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
Books & supplies
Required textbooks: $183
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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- Next up Courses
Courses
Students should expect to spend approximately 6-10 hours per week on course work for each 3 credit course. For a 2 credit course, students should expect to spend 4-8 hours per week.
Exams
Course exams must be taken at the BCIT Test Centre, located at the Burnaby Campus. With permission, exams may be completed with an approved proctor at a location nearer to you or at another Test Centre.
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
OCHS 1000 | Occupational Health and Safety Fundamentals | 2.0 | |
OCHS 1200 | Accident Causation and Analysis | 3.0 | |
OCHS 2200 | Safety Program Design | 3.0 | |
OCHS 2320 | Workplace Hazards and Controls 1 | 3.0 | |
OCHS 2340 | Workplace Hazards and Controls 2 | 3.0 | |
OCHS 2420 | Hazardous Materials Management | 3.0 | |
and | |||
OCHS 1100 | BC OHS Legislation | 3.0 | |
or | |||
OCHS 2100 | OHS Legislation | 3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 20.0 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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- Next up Program Details
Program Details
The aim of the Associate Certificate in Foundations in Occupational Health and Safety is to provide an entry-to-practice credential that aligns with the educational requirement of the national CRST designation, meets the needs of learners most of whom are retraining into the safety role, and will provide the opportunity for graduates to ladder into more advanced credentials and certification.
Program length
The maximum time to complete this program is three years (nine terms).Grading
The passing grade for all courses is 60%.Program delivery
Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Program location
Courses are offered through distance and online learning.- Go back Courses
- Next up Graduating & Jobs
Graduating & Jobs
Graduates of this program will be likely to start working at an entry/technician level in the workplace. Many grads will gain employment as safety practitioners with their current employer or in their current industry.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
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- Next up Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
David Wood
OHS Certificate Program Head
Nicky Land
Program Assistant
Bobby Sidhu
Instructor
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Contact Us
David Wood
OHS Certificate Program Head
Tel: 604-432-8220
Email: David_Wood@bcit.ca
Nicky Land
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-432-8429
Email: nland@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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