Who Needs EM-385-1-1 Training?

If you work on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects or government construction sites, you've likely heard of EM 385-1-1 training. But who needs this certification—and how is it different from OSHA training? Whether you’re a safety professional, supervisor, or contractor, understanding the requirements of EM 385-1-1 is essential for staying compliant and safe on the job. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EM 385-1-1 training, including who it applies to, what roles require it, and where to get your certification.

What Is EM 385-1-1 Training? 

EM 385-1-1 training refers to the education necessary to comply with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual. This manual establishes rigorous safety protocols for military and federal construction projects, setting standards that often exceed those in general OSHA regulations.

EM 385-1-1 training ensures that employees and contractors working on these sites understand how to implement safety plans, mitigate hazards, and follow site-specific risk management strategies in line with USACE expectations.

What Is EM 385-1-1 Certification? 

EM 385-1-1 certification proves that an individual has completed training in the latest version of the EM 385-1-1 manual. While not mandatory by OSHA, training is often required by contract for those working on USACE projects or Department of Defense (DoD) construction sites. 

There are several training levels available, including:

• 8-Hour Refresher: for those renewing an existing certification 
• 16-Hour Course: for site workers and subcontractors 
• 24-Hour Course: for site managers and supervisors 
• 40-Hour Course: for Site Safety and Health Officers (SSHOs)

Completing the correct level of training demonstrates that you understand site-specific responsibilities, hazard analysis, activity hazard development, and Accident Prevention Plans (APPs).

Who Needs EM 385-1-1 Training? 

EM 385-1-1 training is required for professionals working on federal construction projects. Anyone responsible for developing or enforcing an Accident Prevention Plan (APP), conducting safety inspections, or overseeing workers in a hazardous environment under a federal contract must complete the proper training.

You’ll need it if: 

• You are an employee or subcontractor under a USACE or DoD project 
• Your contract specifically requires compliance with EM 385-1-1 standards 
• Your role involves supervising workers or implementing safety plans on federal sites

Common job roles that require EM 385-1-1 training include:

• Site Safety and Health Officers (SSHOs) 
• Construction Managers 
• Field Engineers 
• Superintendents 
• Project Managers 
• Quality Control Managers 
• Contractor/Subcontractor Employees 
• Site Supervisors and Foremen
   

Who Is a Qualified Person for EM 385-1-1?  

According to the EM 385-1-1 manual, a “qualified person” has the necessary education, training, and experience to perform safety-related duties correctly and per the manual’s provisions. 

To be considered a qualified person, you typically need:

• Formal safety training (like a 24- or 40-hour EM 385-1-1 course) 
• Documentation of field experience in hazard recognition and control 
• A thorough understanding of Accident Prevention Plans and Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs) 

Moreover, having additional safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30, CSP, CHST) is a major plus for supervisory positions or those developing safety plans. 

What Kind of Jobs Can I Get With EM 385-1-1 Training? 

EM 385-1-1 certification opens the door to higher-level safety roles in the construction and engineering industries, especially on military or federally funded sites. These positions offer job stability through federal contracts and a competitive salary, especially for those certified in site safety protocols. 

Some of the most in-demand positions include:

• Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO): Responsible for maintaining compliance with EM 385-1-1 standards across the site. These roles typically require a 40-hour EM 385-1-1 certification and several years of experience in safety management.  
• Quality Control Manager: Ensure project specifications are met while maintaining safety. EM 385-1-1 training is often required, so all quality processes align with federal safety standards. 
• Construction Superintendent: Superintendents who work on federal jobs must understand and enforce EM 385-1-1 protocols among subcontractors and field staff. 
• Federal Contractor/Subcontractor Roles: Many contractors bidding on USACE or NAVFAC jobs require EM 385-1-1 training for all personnel, even those not in supervisory roles. 

What Is the Difference Between OSHA and EM 385-1-1 Training?

It’s a common misconception that OSHA and EM 385-1-1 training are interchangeable. While both focus on workplace safety, their purpose and scope differ significantly. 

Feature	OSHA Training	EM 385-1-1 Training
Regulatory Body	OSHA (Department of Labor)	USACE (Department of Defense)
Focus	General workplace safety	Federal/military construction safety
Required For	All private-sector workplaces	Federal and military job sites
Course Examples	OSHA 10, OSHA 30	EM 385 8/16/24/40 Hour
Key Differences	Broad, national standards	Project-specific, stringent guidelines
Accident Prevention Plans (APPs)	Not required	Required and enforced

Ultimately, while OSHA training covers a broader range of industries, EM 385-1-1 training is more detailed and prescriptive for site-specific hazards, safety documentation, and compliance. 

Where Can I Get EM 385-1-1 Training?

One thing is clear: If you plan to work on U.S. federal or military construction projects, EM 385-1-1 training is essential, not optional. 

You can complete EM 385-1-1 training online through accredited providers like OSHA Campus by 360training, which offers self-paced, mobile-friendly options for various experience levels. 

Each course includes interactive modules, hazard analysis tools, and downloadable resources that align with current USACE requirements. A certificate of completion is provided, which can be submitted with bid proposals or compliance documentation. 

The online EM 385-1-1 training courses we offer include: 

• 8-Hour EM 385-1-1 Refresher Training: Ideal for those renewing an existing certification. 
• 24-Hour EM 385-1-1 Training: Designed for site managers, supervisors, and safety officers. 
• 40-Hour EM 385-1-1 Training: Required for SSHOs and senior site safety professionals.

The level of training you need depends on your role. Choose a course that aligns with your current or desired job responsibilities. 

Get started today to be fully prepared for your next federal construction project.