OSHA certification vs OSHA certificate may sound similar, but OSHA defines them very differently. If you complete a course through the OSHA outreach program or a training that is required by OSHA standards, you will receive a certificate of completion. The course certificate you receive is not the same thing as being certified. The certificate shows that the student learned key learning objectives, usually somewhat narrow in scope. For example, an employer may require an employee to be OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certified. This is referring the certificate of completion of the 10 or 30 hour OSHA outreach programs.
A certification program is much broader, showing knowledge, skills, and abilities in an advanced topic. OSHA certification programs are usually programs through colleges and universities.
The OSHA outreach training program trains workers to recognize potential job-related hazards and how to avoid them. This program is voluntary, with the purpose to make workers more knowledgeable about their rights and potential hazards at their workplace. Employers are responsible to provide additional training that may be needed to meet the training requirements in OSHA standards. Upon completion of outreach courses, you will receive a certificate of completion. However, this does not mean that you have received certification.
The OSHA Outreach training program is a great resource for employers looking to promote workplace safety and health. However, as noted above, the outreach program trainings do not fulfill the requirement by OSHA standards. Employers can find OSHA required trainings that are OSHA compliant, easy and affordable at hardhattraining.com To find a list of standards requiring training go to OSHA Publication 2254, Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines.
You can become authorized to conduct OSHA Outreach Training Programs through the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers located throughout the United States. Once you meet the qualifications, you will be OSHA authorized (not certified) to conduct 10 and 30 hour outreach classes to workers in construction, general industry, maritime, and 15 hour classes for disaster site workers. OSHA authorized outreach trainers are independent service providers, not OSHA personnel.
Construction outreach trainers and General Industry outreach trainers are authorized for four years. To renew authorization for another four years, trainers must take course #503, Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers.
Good Luck and Stay Safe!