Question: What is the difference between the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) and the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers?

Answer:

The OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers Program was initiated as an extension of the OSHA Training Institute, which is the division within the Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) that serves as the primary training provider for OSHA.  OTI targets Federal and State compliance officers and State consultation program staff, but also provides training for Federal personnel from agencies other than OSHA and private sector personnel on a space available basis.  During the 1980s, the number of requests for training from private sector personnel and Federal personnel from agencies other than OSHA increased substantially and the demand eventually exceeded the capacity of OTI.  The OTI Education Centers were formed as a national network of non-profit organizations authorized by OSHA to deliver occupational safety and health training to public and private sector workers, supervisors, and employers on behalf of OSHA.  They also act as Authorizing Training Organizations (ATO) in administering the Outreach Training Program.  OTI Education Centers provide OSHA training not only at their location, but at their host training organizations throughout their respective OSHA Region.  The OTI Education Centers have the ability to deliver OSHA training for companies at their worksite on a contract basis. For additional information on the OTI Education Centers Program please see http://www.osha.gov/dte/edcenters/background.html.