Question: I am taking an online Outreach Training Program class. Will I receive a paper card or a plastic card?

Answer:

Most OSHA-authorized online training providers transitioned to issuing plastic cards on January 1, 2019. Please contact the online provider you plan to use to verify the type of card they issue.

Question: Can I trade in my existing paper student course completion card for a new plastic card?

Answer:

It is possible to obtain a replacement card later, but there will be a nominal fee determined by the Authorizing Training Organization (ATO). OSHA does not maintain student records for training conducted by other organizations or by authorized Outreach trainers. In order to obtain transcripts or copies of course completion documents such as student course completion cards, you must contact the original training provider.

Please note that replacement student course completion cards for OSHA Outreach Training Program classes cannot be issued for training completed more than five years ago. Only one replacement card may be issued per student per class (Outreach Training Program Requirements section VII.E.(2)). Before requesting a replacement, please ask your trainer to clarify with their ATO as to current availability of the new cards.

Question: I recently completed an Outreach Training Program class. Will I receive a paper card or a plastic card?

Answer:

The plastic cards will become available starting March 1, 2016, but will be phased in over time. OSHA does not maintain student records for training conducted by other organizations or by authorized Outreach trainers. Trainers request cards from their Authorizing Training Organization (ATO) ATOs have discretion for when they will switch from paper cards to plastic cards. If you are concerned, please ask your trainer to clarify with their ATO as to whether the plastic cards will be available for your class.

If you do receive a paper card, it is possible to obtain a replacement card later, but there will be a nominal fee determined by the ATO. In order to obtain transcripts or copies of course completion documents such as student course completion cards, you must contact the original training provider. Please note that replacement student course completion cards for OSHA Outreach Training Program classes cannot be issued for training completed more than five years ago. Only one replacement card may be issued per student per class (Outreach Training Program Requirements section VII.E.(2)).

Question: May an Authorizing Training Organization charge fees for 10- and 30-hour Outreach training class completion cards?

Answer:

OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers do not receive funding from OSHA. These organizations support their training programs and Outreach Training Program administrative activities through tuition and fees. For this reason, as the Authorizing Training Organization for OSHA, the OTI Education Centers are authorized to charge fees for processing requests for class completion cards.

Question: Who are Authorizing Training Organizations?

Answer:

OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers act as Authorizing Training Organizations (ATO) in administering the Outreach Training Program.  ATOs are authorized by OSHA to offer the OSHA Outreach Training Program trainer and update courses. ATOs are the primary point of contact for Outreach trainers. The ATOs are responsible for distributing 10- and 30-hour Outreach training class completion cards to Outreach trainers, monitoring Outreach trainers by conducting records audits and training observations, and maintaining records pertinent to the Outreach Training Program as outlined in their non-financial agreement with OSHA.

Question: Can I conduct Outreach training in all OSHA Regions once I receive my OSHA Outreach Training authorization from an OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center?

Answer:

Yes, the OSHA Outreach training authorization is valid throughout the United States.

Question: How can I become an OSHA Outreach Trainer?

Answer:

OSHA authorizes Outreach trainers to conduct occupational safety and health awareness training through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. Individuals who meet the course prerequisites and a complete a one-week OSHA trainer course receive a certificate of completion and an authorized Outreach trainer card. Outreach trainer courses are based on one of the following subject areas: disaster site workers (second responders), construction, general industry, or maritime. Upon successful completion of the trainer course, Outreach trainers are authorized to teach classes based on the trainer course subject area. These include a 15-hour course for disaster site workers (second responders), as well as 10- and 30-hour Outreach training classes in construction, general industry, or maritime safety and health hazards.  Authorized Outreach trainers are responsible for distributing OSHA class completion cards to trainees that successfully complete the class.  The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program.  The training courses do not meet the training requirements for any OSHA standards. However, some states have enacted laws mandating the training.  Some employers, unions, organizations or other jurisdictions may also require this training.

To become an authorized OSHA Outreach trainer, you must complete a required OSHA trainer course and complete/meet the necessary prerequisite requirements:

• For Construction Industry:  1. Completion of OSHA #510 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry and 2. Five years of construction safety experience (a college degree in occupational safety and health, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation, in the applicable training area may be substituted for two years of experience) and 3. Completion of OSHA #500 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction.
• For General Industry:  1. Completion of OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry and 2. Five years of general industry safety experience (a college degree in occupational safety and health, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation, in the applicable training area may be substituted for two years of experience) and 3. Completion of OSHA #501 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry.
• For Maritime Industry:  1. Three years of maritime industry experience and 2. At least one of the following: Two years of occupational safety and health experience (with a broad focus) in any industry; a degree in occupational safety and health from an accredited college or university; Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation; Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH); designation; Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) designation; or Certified Safety Health Manager (CSHM) designation and 3. Completion of OSHA #5400 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for the Maritime Industry.
• For Disaster Site Workers:  1. Completion of OSHA #500 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry or OSHA #501 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry and 2. Three years safety training experience and 3. Completion of the 40-hour HAZWOPER training and 4. Completion of OSHA #5600 Disaster Site Worker Train-the-Trainer Course.

The OSHA-numbered courses listed above are only offered by authorized OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers which are located throughout the United States. For a complete list of OTI Education Centers and their courses visit the OSHA Web site at http://www.osha.gov/dte/edcenters/index.html.

Question: Can I receive continuing certification points for my professional certifications for successfully completing OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center courses?

Answer:

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) have approved several OTI Education Center courses for continuing certification points for their respective professional certifications.  ABIH has approved Certification Maintenance (CM) points for Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH).  BCSP has approved OTI Education Center courses for Continuance of Certification (COC) points for Certified Safety Professionals (CSP).  BCSP has also approved CM points for Occupational Health and Safety Technicians (OSHT) and Construction Health and Safety Technicians (CHST).  Contact your certifying body for instructions on documenting continuing certification points.

Question: Can I receive Continuing Education credits for OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center courses

Answer:

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized unit of measurement for post-secondary education, professional development, and career training. Most of the OTI Education Centers provide CEUs for their OSHA-numbered courses.  A list of the OTI Education Centers that offer CEUs can be found on the searchable schedule located at http://www.osha.gov/dte/ecd/course_otiec_search_public.html.

Question: Can I receive college credit for OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center courses?

Answer:

Some OTI Education Center courses may be eligible for college credit.  College credits for OSHA-numbered courses are offered under the authority of the authorized OTI Education Center with agreement from the parent organization. The OTI Education Center where you intend to complete the course can provide additional information on college credit.