Your Guide to Free and Reliable Online OSHA Certification Courses
Everyone enjoys saving money whenever possible. When it comes to mandatory and often tedious OSHA training, the temptation to spend less is particularly strong. However, the adage "you get what you pay for" rings true here.
But can you use free online OSHA certifications for work? This article delves into why relying on them may compromise your safety knowledge and outlines the proper path to genuine OSHA training.
Can You Access Free OSHA Training Online?
First, let's address the question.
Is it possible to find free OSHA courses online? Absolutely.
Will those free courses provide accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information on specific standards? That's doubtful.
If you're seeking OSHA training, you likely have a specific objective. You might need a credential for employment or want to ensure your workforce understands regulations for inspector visits. In either scenario, free OSHA training won't meet your needs – it's inherently unreliable.
Are There Any Legitimate Free OSHA Courses?
In certain situations, you can find legitimate but free OSHA training. For instance, some unions, professional organizations, and insurance companies offer quality courses at no additional cost to their members.
You should verify the credibility of these courses first, but it makes sense for some organizations to provide this benefit. In such cases, the courses aren't truly "free." The organization purchases them in bulk, and the cost is either included in your membership fee or offset by reduced illness or injury rates.
Free courses available to the general public might be less trustworthy. At best, they could be accurate but very general, like an introductory OSHA course that covers basic information from OSHA's website.
Consider this: becoming an OSHA-authorized training provider requires significant time, money, and expertise. Just earning the right to associate with the agency takes years of experience and extensive education. You need instructional skills, technical knowledge, and an understanding of evolving regulations to offer effective OSHA training.
Why would anyone give away their expertise for free? And even if they did, how much effort would they invest in maintaining it over the years?
Can You Obtain Free OSHA Certification Online?
Be cautious of any site that promises "OSHA certification."
When people refer to "OSHA certification," they typically mean taking an OSHA-authorized Outreach course like OSHA 10 or OSHA 30. These courses cover the basics of occupational safety, and upon completion, you're issued a plastic card for your wallet, known as a "DOL card" because authorized training providers can issue them on behalf of the Department of Labor.
However, OSHA dislikes the term "certification." Legitimate training providers are forbidden from using that term. If OSHA discovers a company doing so, it can revoke its ability to grant DOL cards.
Thus, advertising "OSHA 10 certification online free" is a red flag. It suggests one of two things: either they are a legitimate training provider who is careless (not good), or they are a scam site (even worse).
OSHA Outreach courses can only be offered by providers with proper credentials, making it unlikely you'll find these for free. You might spend 10 hours (or 30 for "OSHA 30 certification online free") in front of a computer and end up with nothing to show for it.
Is Online OSHA Training Available?
Yes, OSHA allows authorized providers to offer courses online. Just be wary of so-called free courses.
Online courses can be an excellent way to fulfill your safety training requirements. They're available at any time and are usually self-paced, allowing you to progress through the material at your own speed.
Some courses have a minimum time requirement due to OSHA regulations, but online courses still typically require less time than classroom versions since you don't need to commute.
If you're seeking OSHA Outreach training, you'll find plenty of online options. Ensure you select the right industry and level, and check that the elective topics are relevant to your job.
If you're an employer seeking OSHA compliance training, you'll also have many options. Look for a provider with credentials, courses, and business or enterprise plans that offer perks such as:
Dedicated support
Bulk course discounts
A learning management system for tracking and delivering courses to all your employees
Is Genuine OSHA Training Expensive?
No, it doesn't have to be.
Online courses tend to be more cost-effective than in-person training since a live instructor isn't required.
However, this doesn't mean a real instructor isn't involved. OSHA mandates it! Authorized online training providers must be available for student questions. Your instructors are always just an email away.
How Can I Ensure My OSHA Training is Legitimate?
OSHA maintains a list of authorized trainers, including those offering in-person and online training. They also have a watchlist of trainers with suspended or revoked credentials.
Check these lists for your provider before paying any money. If you can't find their authorization information, be suspicious.
Where Do I Get Real OSHA Training?
To obtain legitimate OSHA training, you should seek courses from authorized providers. Here are some reliable sources:
OSHA's Official Website: Check the OSHA website for a list of authorized trainers and courses.
Community Colleges and Universities: Many educational institutions offer OSHA-approved training programs.
Professional Organizations: Groups like the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) often provide accredited OSHA courses.
Unions: Some labor unions offer OSHA training as part of their membership benefits.
Workplace Safety Training Providers: Companies that specialize in safety training frequently offer OSHA-authorized courses.
Local Government Agencies: Some states and municipalities provide OSHA training through their labor or health departments.
Ensure that the training provider is authorized by OSHA to avoid wasting time and money on unaccredited courses.