OSHA Training Institute tuition policy

Under 1949.1(a) private sector students are required to pay tuition for OSHA Training Institute courses. The rule states that "The OSHA Training Institute shall charge tuition fees for all private sector students attending Institute courses" (1949.1(a)).

Under 1949.1(b) the regulation lists specific categories of private sector students who are exempt from tuition: associate members of Field Federal Safety and Health Councils, students who are representatives of foreign governments, and students attending courses required by OSHA to maintain an existing OSHA certified outreach trainer designation (1949.1(b)). See the individual subparagraphs for each category: 1949.1(b)(1), 1949.1(b)(2), 1949.1(b)(3).

Under 1949.1(b)(1) yes—associate members of Field Federal Safety and Health Councils who are private sector students are exempt from paying tuition. The rule explicitly lists them as an exempt category (1949.1(b)(1)).

Under 1949.1(b)(2) yes—students who are representatives of foreign governments and are private sector students are listed as exempt from tuition. The regulation explicitly includes this category as an exemption (1949.1(b)(2)).

Under 1949.1(b)(3) yes—students who attend courses that OSHA requires for maintaining an existing OSHA certified outreach trainer designation are exempt from paying tuition. The regulation specifically lists this as an exempt category (1949.1(b)(3)).

Under 1949.1(c) yes—the Director may grant additional exemptions on a case-by-case basis when the students to be exempted are employed by a nonprofit organization and granting the exemption would be in the best interest of the occupational safety and health program. Such exemptions are discretionary and not automatic (1949.1(c)).

Under 1949.1(c) an individual or organization seeking consideration for a tuition exemption must submit a written application to the Director of the OSHA Training Institute that states the reasons for requesting the exemption. The regulation requires the request to be in writing and to explain why the exemption should be granted (1949.1(c)).

Under 1949.1(a) the regulation specifically addresses tuition for private sector students and does not impose a tuition requirement for public sector or federal employees. The text states only that "The OSHA Training Institute shall charge tuition fees for all private sector students" and does not specify tuition requirements for public-sector attendees (1949.1(a)).

Under 1949.1(c) the Director’s discretionary exemptions are described as available when the students to be exempted "are employed by a nonprofit organization." The rule does not provide for the Director to grant the same nonprofit-based exemption to employees of for‑profit organizations, so for-profit employees are not covered by that specific provision (1949.1(c)).

Under 1949.1(c) the Director of the OSHA Training Institute makes the determination whether granting a tuition exemption is in the best interest of the occupational safety and health program. The regulation gives that discretion to the Director and requires a written application for consideration (1949.1(c)).

Under 1949.1(b)(3) the exemption applies only to courses required by OSHA for a student to maintain an existing OSHA certified outreach trainer designation—not explicitly to initial certification. The text states the exemption is for students "attending courses which are required by OSHA for the student to maintain an existing designation of OSHA certified outreach trainer" (1949.1(b)(3)).

Under 1949.1 the regulation itself does not provide a definition for the term "private sector student." When a term used in the rule is not defined there, the practical step is to contact the OSHA Training Institute or OSHA for clarification on how they apply the term to specific situations and to reference the regulation when asking for guidance (1949.1(a)).

Under 1949.1 if a student meets any one of the listed exempt categories they are exempt from tuition; meeting multiple categories does not change that outcome. The rule lists separate exempt categories and states those private sector students shall be exempt (1949.1(b)).

Under 1949.1 the regulation does not mention scholarships, general fee waivers, or financial aid beyond the specific exemptions listed in 1949.1(b) and the Director’s discretionary nonprofit exemption in 1949.1(c). The text is limited to tuition charges for private sector students, listed exempt categories, and the process for requesting a nonprofit-related exemption (1949.1(b), 1949.1(c)).