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BC Mine Certifications

Last updated on January 20, 2025

The Mines Act requires everyone employed at a mine to be under the daily supervision of a person with a valid and appropriate certificate. The Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia (the Code) sets out what kind of certificate is appropriate.

The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals (the Ministry) offers several certifications applicable for mining in British Columbia.

Shiftboss Certifications

The Code requires you to have a BC Mine Shiftboss Certificate to supervise more than six workers, engaged in a mining activity on the surface of any mine, or to supervise any number of workers in an underground mine.

Registration

It costs $100 to get your BC Mine Shiftboss Certificate. The certificate remains valid from the issue date and never expires. However, you must maintain a first aid certificate to a standard required by the Chief Inspector to keep your certificate active. To get your certificate, you must register for the program and pass an online exam and interview with an Inspector of Mines.

Shiftboss Provisional Certificate

Mine managers can issue a provisional Shiftboss certificate on a one-time basis. This is for employees with the appropriate experience and training. The certificate lasts up to six months. The employee must complete the full certification process to continue working as a Shiftboss.

Blaster Certifications

The Code requires you to have a BC Mine Blaster Certificate to perform blasting on a mine site in B.C.

Registration

It costs $100 to get your BC Mine Blaster Certificate and you must renew it every five years. To get your certificate, you must register for the program and pass two online exams, then pass an interview with an Inspector of Mines at a regional mining office.

Blaster Provisional Certificate

Mine managers can issue a provisional Blaster certificate on a one-time basis. This is for employees with the appropriate experience and training. The certificate is valid for up to 90 days. The employee must complete the full certification process to continue working as a blaster.

Mine Supervisor Certification

You must hold a BC Mine Supervisor Certificate if you supervise six or fewer people on a mine site, or if you supervise any number of people on an exploration site or in another area of a mine, including:

  • A mill
  • A warehouse
  • A tailings storage facility
  • A lab
  • A maintenance area or shop
  • A construction project on a mine site

This applies to all mine sites in B.C. including major mines, exploration sites, sand and gravel and placer operations, and quarries.

Registration

It costs $100 to get your BC Mine Supervisor Certificate and you must renew it every five years. To get your certificate, you must register for the certification and pass an online exam.

Certifications offered at regional mining offices

Some certifications are only available through the regional mining operations offices. Please contact the Ministry at Mine.Certifications@gov.bc.ca to apply for one of the following types of certifications:

Fireboss Certification (Underground Coal)

A Fireboss Certificate is required for anyone who supervises others in an underground coal mine.

Mine Rescue

Part 3 of the Code has very specific requirements governing mine rescue coverage on a mine site.

All mine rescue training is provided by the individual mine site. The Ministry conducts mine rescue exams and issues certifications to successful candidates. The Ministry does not provide mine rescue training. To maintain your Mine Rescue Certificate in good standing, ongoing training and practice in mine rescue are required.

Contact information

Questions or feedback about mine certifications
Mine.Certifications@gov.bc.ca
Questions about the online exam or technical issues
osbc.online@gov.bc.ca