Directive: Special purpose certificate of qualification
Directive
Directive: Special Purpose Certificate of Qualification
July 27, 2026
Reference Number:
D-GA-2018-01
Revision Number:
1
Scope
This directive details the requirements for a Special Purpose Gas Certificate of Qualification (SPCQ) in accordance with the Gas Safety Regulation (B.C. Reg. 103/2004) (GSR).
Definitions
In this directive:
Record of Training (ROT) means an official document or wallet card issued by a training provider confirming that the applicant successfully completed a training program that has been recognized by a provincial safety manager for the scope of regulated work authorized under the SPCQ.
Record of Refresher Training (RORT) means an official document or wallet card issued by a training provider confirming that the applicant successfully completed a refresher or upgrade training program that has been recognized by a provincial safety manager for the purpose of renewing a SPCQ.
Each ROT and RORT must include the following information:
- trainee name – the name of the SPCQ applicant;
- training provider – the name of the training provider or organization that delivered the training;
- course name – including the SPCQ certification class;
- recognition number – the number issued by Technical Safety BC confirming provincial safety manager recognition of the training program; and
- date of issue and expiry – the date the training was completed and when the training requires renewal (up to a maximum of three years).
Section 19 of the GSR establishes the framework for SPCQs. A SPCQ authorizes the holder to perform certain regulated gas work only within the terms and conditions specified on such certificate. A SPCQ holder must be employed by a licensed gas contractor, hold a gas contractor licence, or be authorized to perform the regulated work under an applicable operating permit. Although SPCQ classes were formerly issued under the GSR, Technical Safety BC no longer issues new SPCQ classes following the coming in force of SkilledTradesBC’s certification program for compulsory gasfitter trades on December 1, 2023.
Pre-existing, recognized SPCQ programs remain valid. Individuals may apply for issuance of a SPCQ if they meet the training and practical competency requirements of the recognized program. As of the date of this directive, the following SPCQ programs remain active and recognized:
- Special Effects Technician;
- Inspection, Maintenance and Requalification of Portable Gas Fired Heaters;
- Landfill Gas Technician; and
- Natural Gas Compressor Service Technician.
Special Purpose Gas Certificate of Qualification Expiry and Renewal
Technical Safety BC gas certificates, including SPCQs, are typically issued on three (3) year renewal cycles, expiring on the date shown on a given certificate, per section 2.3(1)(a) of the Safety Standards General Regulation (B.C. Reg. 105/2004) (SSGR). Once a SPCQ has expired, it is no longer valid, and the holder must not perform regulated gas work until such certificate is renewed or re-issued.
A SPCQ may be renewed within three (3) years of expiry. After that period, a SPCQ is permanently closed and may no longer be renewed. A closed certificate is subject to the re-issuance requirements set out in this directive.
Special Purpose Gas Certificate of Qualification Closure and Re-issuance
Once a SPCQ is closed, such certification is not eligible to be renewed, and the holder must apply for re issuance. A re-issuance application must include a current ROT, as outlined in Appendix A.
Re-issuances of SPCQs by Technical Safety BC are limited to the four active SPCQ classes identified in this directive. All other SPCQ classes that have reached “closed” status will be not eligible for re-issuance and will remain permanently closed.
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas
References:
Safety Standards Act
Safety Standards General Regulation
Gas Safety Regulation
Appendix A
Recognized Program | Application and Renewal Requirements | Training and Experience Requirements | Terms and Conditions |
| Special Effects Technician | Required documents:
| Successfully complete a Special Effects Technician training program recognized by the provincial safety manager, and have:
| The holder of this SPCQ may perform the temporary installation, operation and testing of regulated propane equipment used in the production of special effects (SPFX).
|
| Inspection, Maintenance and Requalification of Portable Gas Fired Heaters |
| Successfully complete a portable gas-fired heater training program recognized by the provincial safety manager, and:
| The holder of this SPCQ may perform the testing and maintenance required for the application of a portable temporary heater decal certifying as to the safety and operation of the heater to the manufacturer’s specifications.
|
| Landfill Gas Technician | Required documents:
| Successfully complete a 48 hour (40 hours theory, 8 hours practical) Landfill Gas Technician training program recognized by the provincial safety manager and have:
| The holder of this SPCQ may perform the service, maintenance, and repair of regulated landfill gas piping and equipment used in the collection and distribution of landfill gas.
Not authorized:
|
| Natural Gas Compressor Service Technician | Required documents:
| Successfully complete a 529 hour (167 hours of theory instruction and 362 hours of lab/shop instruction) Natural Gas Compressor Service Technician training program recognized by the provincial safety manager. | The holder of this SPCQ may perform the service, maintenance, and repair of regulated natural gas compressors and dispensers by the SPCQ holder while working under a Technical Safety BC issued operating permit or gas contractor licence.
Not authorized:
|