Asbestos Handler Certification

An asbestos handler is someone who is paid to remove, repair or enclose materials that have asbestos. To do this job, you need special training from a center approved by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). You also need certification from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

You cannot work with asbestos without an Asbestos Handler Certificate from NYSDOL and DEP in the form of photo ID cards.

The certificates are valid for the following periods:

• DEP: two years
• NYSDOL: one year

• Identification: You need a New York State driver's license, non-driver ID card or the FS-6T receipt. For other forms of ID, check the Request for Photo Image from DMV link.

• Social Security card: Have your Social Security card ready.

• Current licenses: You need your current New York State asbestos licenses and/or certificates.

• Photos: Provide two identical passport-type color photos with a white background.

• Application fee: The fee is $100.

• Payment methods: You can pay by:

  • Personal check (made payable to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP))
  • Money order (made payable to the DEP)

• Select a course: Choose a course from the list of Accredited NYS Asbestos Training Providers. Register for and complete the course. After finishing, you will get a Certificate of Asbestos Safety Training.
• Download application: Download and print the Asbestos Handler application.
• Complete forms: Fill out the forms. Submit them with all the required documents, the training certificate and the fee.
• Submit materials: Mail or hand deliver all materials to the DEP.
• Wait for notification: You will get a notification by mail with the time and place for the exam. If you do not get a confirmation within two weeks, call DEP at 718-595-3693 or 718-595-3695.
• Bring ID to exam: Take a photo ID card and your appointment letter to the exam.