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OSHA Certification: Fact and Myth

Each year, thousands of managers and their employees enroll in OSHA courses to learn how to identify, avoid, and prevent workplace accidents. There are many types of OSHA classes, and just as many misconceptions about OSHA certification and training. Before enrolling in a safety course, learn the facts and myths surrounding OSHA certification.

Myth #1: OSHA Certification Is Available for OSHA Courses

Portrait of a confident docker, wearing all required personal protective equipment, posing in front of an industrial container terminal and harborWhile students can earn training certificates for classroom or online OSHA courses, the courses such as OSHA 10 hour construction and general industry do not award certification. Instead, students earn an OSHA wallet card upon completion of these courses. Most employers require only the OSHA wallet card for employees to meet the workplace safety training requirements. Certification is a standard reserved for Certified Safety Professionals (CSP), Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST) who pursue a degree and pass an exam which allows them to enhance their careers in the field of health and safety. These programs are administered by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, and not by the OSHA Administration. Read more about online OSHA certification and get the facts before signing up for a course.

Myth #2: OSHA Directly Offers Courses

OSHA does not provide direct classroom or online education, but instead delegate this responsibility to OSHA authorized trainers who train workers and managers in a variety of industries on a wide range of OSHA safety and health topics covering both the 1910 & 1926 standards. OSHA Pros trainers are OSHA authorized in a variety of workplace safety topics, and our training programs are OSHA-approved, denoting the highest safety standard in the industry.

Myth #3: OSHA Courses Are a One-and-Done Deal

A student who completes an OSHA-approved course will earn a certificate or wallet card. However, it is highly recommended (and required by some states and many employers) that graduates attend an OSHA refresher course after a certain amount of time passes. This ensures that workers retain their knowledge and stay up to date on new industry safety practices.

Myth #4: OSHA Courses Must Be Taken in Person

With the exception of a small portion of HAZWOPER training which must be hands on and is usually done by the employer at the worksite, OSHA training courses do not require in person attendance. We understand how hard it is to balance work, family, and personal time. That’s why we offer a variety of online OSHA training courses. The online option lets students learn on their own schedule and at their own pace. Our experienced instructors provide detailed lessons and are available to answer questions by chat, phone, or email.

Fact #1: OSHA Training Marks the Highest Standard of Safety

All 50 states recognize OSHA as the industry’s leader in workplace safety. Many states now mandate that managers and workers complete an OSHA-approved course. Even companies who operate in a state that doesn’t require OSHA training should make the investment; it demonstrates commitment and dedication to employees, customers, suppliers, and potential business partners, and it makes good business sense by helping to reduce the high costs of avoidable accidents and injuries.

Fact #2:  OSHA Authorized trainers must meet certain OSHA requirements

OSHA does not certify trainers to teach OSHA courses, but trainers must meet OSHA requirements to qualify as OSHA authorized trainers. Trainers can be CSP’s, CHST’s or have similar degrees in related fields and/or they meet a minimum number of years of on the job experience working in the field of construction safety.  They must also complete an OSHA Trainers course. For HAZWOPER courses in the workplace, the employer determines if an employee qualifies to teach based on academic credentials, work experience, and completion of an instructor-specific program. based on OSHA recommended standards.

Fact #3: OSHA Courses Require Hard Work and Active Participation

Whether the course is online or in a physical classroom, earning an OSHA certificate or wallet card requires commitment. Students should take notes, ask questions, participate in discussions, and practice what they learn on the job. Students who take courses seriously are more likely to succeed and will be better equipped to apply their knowledge in the workplace.