Restricted Asbestos Handler Certification

The Restricted Asbestos Handler Certification is for workers trained at any of the New York State Department of Health approved centers. These workers are certified by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). They perform construction work in preparation for or to assist in the actual abatement work.

Tasks a restricted asbestos handler can perform

• Electrical work
• Carpentry
• Lighting or ventilation
• Enclosing the work area

They can enter the work area for a limited time to do these tasks. They must have a Restricted Asbestos Handler Certificate from NYSDOL and DEP before starting any asbestos project.

Certification details

• NYSDOL certificate: Restricted Asbestos Handler Certificate/Allied Trades Certificate (valid for one year)
• DEP certificate: Asbestos Handler Certificate (valid for two years)

Both certificates are photo ID cards.

• Identification: You need a NYS DMV driver's license, non-driver ID card or the FS-6T receipt.

• Social Security Card: Make sure you have your Social Security Card.

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

• Current licenses and certificates: You need current NYSDOL and DEP issued asbestos licenses and/or certificates. Find the requirements in the following links:

  • Asbestos Handler Certification
  • Asbestos Handler Supervisor Certification

• Application fee: The fee for the Restricted Asbestos Handler Application is $50.

• Payment methods: You can pay by:

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

• Select a course: Choose a course to become a Restricted Asbestos Handler from the list of Accredited NYS Asbestos Training Providers. Register for and complete the course. After finishing the course, you will get a NYSDOH Certificate of Asbestos Safety Training for Asbestos Handlers.
• Download application: Download and print the Restricted Asbestos Handler application.
• Complete application: Fill out the application forms. Submit them with all the documents listed above under Prerequisites, the Certificate from the NYSDOH training course and the required 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 location for the certification exam. If you do not get a confirmation within two weeks after submitting your application, call DEP at 718-595-3693 or 718-595-3695.
• Bring ID to exam: Bring a photo ID card and the appointment letter to the certification exam.