Asbestos competence: which TRGS 519 course is right for you?

From 5 December 2027, businesses must provide evidence of competence (Sachkunde) and expertise (Fachkunde) for work involving asbestos. Which course is suitable for this is governed, until further notice, by TRGS 519 in its 2014 version, last amended in February 2025. A new version based on the risk concept of the new Hazardous Substances Ordinance (Gefahrstoffverordnung) has been announced but has not yet been published. Until then, a transition aid issued by the Committee on Hazardous Substances (Ausschuss für Gefahrstoffe) applies.

The TRGS 519 courses

Anlage 3 provides comprehensive competence for demolition, remediation and maintenance work. The course comprises at least 32 teaching units plus an examination, spread over at least four working days. The transition aid assigns it to high risk (Q3).

For work on asbestos cement there is Anlage 4A, and for small-scale work Anlage 4B, each with 14 teaching units plus an examination over at least two working days. Anlage 4C combines both areas in 17 teaching units plus an examination. Anlagen 4A to 4C correspond to low and medium risk (Q1 and Q2).

Those who are already competent attend the refresher course under Anlage 5, with at least 8 teaching units.

How long the certificate of competence is valid

A certificate of competence is valid for six years. Anyone who attends a recognised refresher course during this period extends it by six years from the date of the course (Anhang I Nr. 3.7 GefStoffV). Existing certificates remain valid under the new Ordinance, provided the refresher obligation is met.

In person or online

Courses must be recognised by the competent state authority, and the federal states decide whether and to what extent parts may take place online. The regional council in Kassel (Regierungspräsidium Kassel), for example, only permits online courses for the refresher course under Anlage 5. If in doubt, ask before booking whether the course is recognised in your federal state.

Funding

Because competence is a legal obligation, the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) does not usually fund a pure competence course for employees under § 82 SGB III. If the course is part of a longer, approved training programme, this may be different. We are happy to clarify this on a case-by-case basis.