OSHAcademy Free Occupational Safety and Health Training

OSHAcademy Frequently Asked Questions

Is OSHAcademy online training different than other training?

Yes. Our training is what I like to call "high tech-high touch": You use the internet to work directly with a qualified trainer (not a computer program) who evaluates and comments on your coursework. Most online training is nothing but highly graphic "flash" generated slide shows. You're forced to watch a set of slides or short videos and interact with a cold computer program rather than a real person.

Remember when everyone thought the computer would get rid of books. Well, it didn't happen. People are reading more books now then ever (thank goodness). Our training may not be as "flashy" but it does give you more content and control as you study. You can print and study off-line at your pace when it's convenient, and you can create a nice study guide as you work through the courses.

Are OSHAcademy courses "approved" or "certified"?

That's a great question. OSHAcademy online training is recognized by colleges, insurance companies, and many public and private sector organizations. OSHAcademy is not affiliated with the Dept. of Labor, OSHA, however, our training is endorsed by the National Safety Management Society.

"OSHA doesn't certify anyone as qualified to do anything" was a regular comment I used while working as an OR-OSHA Safety Training Specialist for 16 years. However, OSHA does "approve" or "certify" training only when it's conducted by OSHA Outreach Instructors who work with the various OSHA Training Institute Centers. Although OSHA does "recognize" training, for legal reasons OSHA does not formally approve or certify training presented by other providers. Remember, if someone tells you they or their products are "OSHA certified", "OSHA qualified" or "OSHA approved," you better verify the claim. Most likely, it's not truthful.

OSHAcademy online training does conform to the guidelines within ANSI Z490.1-2009, Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training, and OSHA Publication 2254, Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines for online training as stated and inferred in letters of interpretation. If you ask OSHA about online training, they will state that if the online training conforms to their standards they will likely "recognize" it as valid training. It's important to understand that the guidelines within ANSI Z490.1-2009, Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training, and OSHA Publication 2254, standards include the following criteria for online training to be considered valid:

Adequate treatment of the subject in terms of content and currency.
Conducted by a competent person.
A standard knowledge test. Typically multiple-choice, true-false, or essay questions.
At least 25 questions for complex procedures or topics.
A minimum exam pass score of at least 70%. No more than three attempts to pass a test.
An opportunity for student-instructor interaction
A certificate of completion with unique student identification.
A student evaluation of training

What are OSHA's guidelines on safety training?

Many OSHA standards require that employees receive training so that work will be performed in a safe and healthful manner. Some of these standards require "training" or "instruction," others require "adequate" or "effective" training or instruction, and still others require training "in a manner" or "in language" that is understandable to employees.

It is the OSHA's position that, regardless of the precise regulatory language, the terms "train" and "instruct," as well as other synonyms, mean to present information in a manner that employees receiving it are capable of understanding. This follows from both the purpose of the standards -- providing employees with information that will allow work to be performed in a safe and healthful manner that complies with OSHA requirements -- and the basic definition that implies the information is presented in a manner the recipient is capable of understanding. More information...

Will the American Embassy in my country authenticate OSHAcademy certificates?

Embassies will authenticate diplomas issued from universities, colleges, and institutions which are accredited by a U.S Department of Education-recognized accrediting organizations. If it doesn't appear on the Department of Education database of accredited post secondary institutions, a U.S. Embassy cannot stamp the diploma, as the stamp only attests to the accreditation of the institution in question. This doesn't apply to the services OSHAcademy provides because we do not offer a "degree-program" but rather a "certificate-program". A great many worthwhile training courses and professional organizations do not have U.S. Department of Education accreditation, but the U.S. Embassy does not stamp or authenticate them.

The purpose of the authentication process is to help guard against spurious 'diploma mill' degrees, and I agree with the U.S. Embassy policy. Please let me reassure you that OSHAcademy is NOT a diploma mill. There is no way a student will receive a course or program certificate without studying the material and passing the exams. If you have any questions on this topic please call or email OSHAcademy directly.

Will I be "certified" after training?

Like most safety training, our certificates "certify" that you have completed a formal course of study. OSHAcademy certificates do not certify you as a "qualified" safety professional or trainer. OSHA here in the U.S. does not "certify" anyone as a qualified safety professional.

In the USA, to be "certified" as a qualified safety health and safety professional you need to meet experience and educational requirements and successfully pass an exam from a credentialing organizations like the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (www.bscp.org) or the Institute for Safety and Health Management (www.ishm.org).

How much does the training cost?

The training, itself, is free. You are welcome to complete all of the courses and have free access to most of the materials on the website for free. Once you pay an administrative fee, the instructor will grade (score) your course exam and send you course completion certificates.

How do I document the free training?

When taking courses be sure to save or print your quiz and final exam online response web pages to keep as documentation that you completed the training. The only work you must do is to "grade" your own work. Use the final exam response page and compare your answers to the "book answers" on each module quiz. The final exam response page is your only proof of course completion should you need it.

Do I have to register or log on?

No. Since the training is free, you do not have to register or log on to start your training.

What if I want to order a course certificate or enroll in a Professional Development Program?

If you decide to order an official certificate, there is a small administration fee. It's important to know that our certificates are not automatically created and emailed by a computer program. Each certificate is individually produced by a real person (imagine that) and includes a unique certificate number, issue date, exam score, instructor signature and suggested CEU's. There are two low-cost options for ordering certificates:

Individual Certificates

order individual online emailed certificates in .pdf format,
order original certificates mailed to you via USPS shipping, or
order both pdf copies and original certificates.

Program Certificates. Go to the Professional Development Program page to learn more about the program enrollment fees.

Must I order certificates first?

No. If you are only taking one course, we would like you to pay for the certificate first. However, if you enroll in a Professional Development Program, we want you to "try before you buy." You may complete Course 700 before paying the program enrollment fee. We want you to be sure this training method works for you before paying the program fee.

How do I get started?

Just start taking courses by clicking on the course links on the home page, the Professional Development Program page, or on the Course Catalog page. It's that simple. No need to register or log on. Training at our partner site (ASC Training) is separate and you will be required to register and follow their procedures.

What is OSHAcademy's refund policy?

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you pay for any of the OSHAcademy Professional Development Programs and are not satisfied for any reason, let us know within 30 days and BEFORE you complete the Program or are issued course certificates: If you have ordered original certificates, we will refund 100% of the course fee, no questions asked. If you have ordered emailed certificates (pdf format) we will refund the Program fee minus the individual course certificate fees for completed and issued courses ($8 per pdf certificate).

What is your shipping policy?

We ship original course and program certificates when course or program requirements are complete through regular USPS priority mail domestically, and USPS International Express internationally. FedEx, DHL, or UPS shipping charges are additional. See the OSHAcademy Store for details.

What is your customer service contact information?

For support it is best to send an e-mail with your specific question or comment to Steve or you may call 1.503.292.0654. I am usually in the office from 5:00 AM (0500) to 5:00 PM (1700) Pacific Coast Time (U.S.).

How can I receive an additional certificate?

You may request an additional pdf course or program certificate at any time. To receive additional original certificates, you must pay a certificate processing fee of $20 plus shipping fees.

Can I use a purchase order?

Yes. Purchase Order and DD 1556 purchases are available for corporate and Federal Government accounts; fax the Purchase Order to 1.503.292.0654

Can I get a discount for registering multiple trainees?

No. The administrative fees are already discounted (just compare with other online training providers).

Is the credit card payment secure?

The credit card registration is done through a secure socket with PayPal, so there is no risk for your credit card information, which is protected and cannot be intercepted. By the way, you do not need to have a PayPal account to order online. You may use any major credit card from most countries.

How does the program score the quizzes and exams?

After you submit a module quiz, you will immediately receive a response page with your answers and the "book answers". You may retake module quizzes as many times as you like. The instructor does not get a copy of your quizzes.

After you submit the course final exam, you will immediately receive a response page containing confirming the exam has been submitted. The instructor also receives a copy via email. If you have ordered a course certificate or enrolled in a Professional Development Program, your instructor will personally review and evaluate your final exam, and reply by email with the results.

How many times can I take an exam?

You will be allowed three attempts to pass each course final exam with at least a 70% score. This is an OSHA expectation for valid training.

Can I review the training material?

Yes, the exam is "open book" with links at the top of the page to the course modules for your use during the exam. You can also go to the Course Home Page and click on the module you would like to review. You may review all course material. In fact, I encourage you to review quizzes and final exam questions prior to your study (do not submit a final exam prior to completing the course). Go on a "question hunt" to find the answers as you study.

How do I print the course material?

There are two methods to print the course materials. All students are able to download and print the study guides (pdf format) for use offline!

Can I review course materials after completing a course?

Yes. You are welcome to review all course material anytime you like. It's freely available.

Is there a time limit on finishing a course or program?

No, there is no time limit. However, all course registrations are systematically deleted from the system after 3 years.

I get an error when submitting a course quiz or final exam? What do I do?

You have most likely not entered information into all fields. Click the "BACK" button to return to the quiz or exam and enter information into blank fields.

What is your privacy policy?

Geigle Safety Group, Inc.. is committed to respecting your online privacy and recognize your need for appropriate protection and management of any personally identifiable information you share with us.