Question: The language used in the Outreach Training Program requirements references 'workers.' Does an individual have to be employed to participate in training offered through the Outreach Training Program?

Answer:

No. Although the Outreach Training Program Requirements refer to training being targeted for workers, participants of Outreach Training Program classes are not required to be employed.

Question: Who should take a 10-or 30-hour courses?

Answer:

The 10-hour class is intended to provide workers with awareness of common job-related safety and health hazards, while the 30-hour class is more appropriate for supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility.

Question: What types of Outreach Training Program courses are available?

Answer:

OSHA offers Outreach Training Programs for the following industries: Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Disaster Site work.

Question: How do I get an OSHA card?

Answer:

OSHA-authorized trainers issue student course completion cards to individuals that successfully complete an OSHA Outreach Training Program class. The Outreach Training Program offers 10-hour or 30-hour classes for Construction, General industry, Maritime, and a 15-hour class for Disaster Site Worker. In order to obtain an OSHA card, an individual must attend and successfully complete the entire class, including all requisite topics and the minimum number of contact hours. Please note that an OSHA card is not considered a certification or license.

Question: Now that Maritime Outreach course completion cards do not expire, do I need to get a new card or is my expired card still valid?

Answer:

As of April 1, 2019, Maritime student course completion cards do not expire. Training completed before this date remains valid. Cardholders are not required to obtain a replacement. If a replacement card is desired, the Maritime class must have been completed within the past five years. To request a replacement card, please contact the original training provider.

The Outreach Training Program is voluntary and OSHA does not require Outreach training. Some states, municipalities, employers, unions, and other organizations have enacted requirements mandating training. Any determination on what will be accepted in order to meet mandatory training requirements must be made by the organization mandating the training. Anyone in possession of a Maritime Outreach course completion card with an expiration date who is eligible to request a replacement card, may request a replacement card with a course end date through the OSHA-authorized Outreach trainer who provided their training.

Question: When will I receive a plastic trainer card?

Answer:

The new cards will be phased in as trainers take update courses, and as new trainers become authorized (starting March 1, 2016). If a trainer wishes to exchange an existing paper card for a plastic card, the trainer should contact the Authorizing Training Organization (ATO) that issued the cards. Please note that authorizing training organizations may charge an administrative fee for issuing and/or replacing cards. Before requesting a replacement, please clarify with the ATO as to whether the plastic cards are available.

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.