Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the HAZWOPER.
It comes down to your job duties. General site workers at cleanup sites need 40 hours of training plus 3 days of supervised field work (29 CFR 1910.120(e)(3)(i)). Workers who are on site only now and then, or who work where exposures are already shown to be under the limits, need 24 hours plus 1 day in the field (1910.120(e)(3)(ii)). The 8-hour course is the yearly refresher for anyone who's already trained.
Yes, after 12 months. OSHA requires 8 hours of refresher training every year for HAZWOPER-trained workers (29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8)). If you miss the date, take the next available refresher. OSHA has said a short lapse doesn't automatically mean repeating the full course. A long time away from the work can call for full retraining, and your employer makes that call. Every 40-Hour course from us includes a free 8-Hour Refresher for the following year.
Yes. Online training can cover the classroom (instructional) part of 29 CFR 1910.120(e). OSHA accepts online training as part of a HAZWOPER program when you can ask a qualified trainer questions and you get hands-on practice, such as putting on and taking off protective gear. Your employer must still provide 3 days of supervised field experience.
HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. It's the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1910.120. It covers workers at hazardous waste cleanup sites, at treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facilities, and people who respond to chemical releases. The training teaches you to spot chemical hazards, use protective gear, decontaminate and respond to spills.
You need it if you clean up hazardous waste sites, work at a regulated TSD facility, or respond to releases of hazardous substances. Using chemicals at work doesn't trigger HAZWOPER by itself. Those workers usually need Hazard Communication training under 29 CFR 1910.1200 instead. If you're not sure, check the scope section of the rule, 1910.120(a)(1), with your safety lead.
Our online courses cost $39.95 for the 8-Hour Refresher, $149 for the 24-Hour and $199 for the 40-Hour, which is on sale from $225 (prices as of October 2026). Every 40-Hour course includes a free 8-Hour Refresher for the following year. Training a crew? A business account lets you buy seats in bulk and see who's finished from one dashboard.
They cover different jobs. HAZWOPER is an OSHA rule for cleanup, TSD and emergency response work. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) HazMat training is for anyone who packs, labels, loads or ships hazardous materials. DOT requires it within 90 days of hire and at least every 3 years (49 CFR 172.704). Some workers need both.
Yes. Pass the final exam with 70% or higher and you can print your certificate right away. Keep a copy with the date on it. Your employer needs it as proof of training, and you'll need the date to schedule next year's refresher.
