Certificate Programs

Get Certified in Safety

At Wisconsin Safety Council, we believe that safety is not just a priority, but a core value. That is why our professional staff works each and every day to make sure our members are prepared for anything that can happen in the workplace and beyond.

As the state’s leading provider of safety training and products, Wisconsin Safety Council has developed five certificate programs to educate employees about what it truly means to put safety first. These programs are meant to equip all employees – no matter what stage they are in their career – with the right tools to accomplish our goal of ending workplace injuries and deaths entirely.

All five Certificate Programs provide the latest updates on safety regulations, break down real-life situations and outline best practices that go above and beyond federal and state safety requirements. Each course will help employers and employees alike understand how safety can be integrated into the workplace. This is done through a specific combination of safety training courses that will improve any safety professional’s understanding of the industry.

From the introductory Fundamental Safety Certificate (FSC) to the premiere Excellence in Safety Certificate (ESC), any safety professional will find a program that is the right fit. Each certificate program requires a range of 3.9 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to 15.0 CEUs and must be completed within three to five years.

Wisconsin Safety Council’s Certificate Programs include:

  • Fundamental Safety Certificate (3.9 CEUs)
  • Safety Leadership Certificate (5.05 CEUs)
  • Emergency Preparedness Certificate (5.10 CEUs)
  • Advanced Safety Certificate (7.8 CEUs)
  • Excellence in Safety Certificate (15.0 CEUs)

1. New! Fundamental of Safety Certificate

(Follow the Path to the Advanced Safety Certificate)

The Fundamental Safety Certificate is a great stepping stone towards achieving the National Safety Council’s Advanced Safety Certificate. The core course of both the FSC and ASC (POSH) provides a solid foundation of knowledge to meet all safety challenges, while the one-day elective classes allow for a more in-depth discussion around specific safety topics. Employees will also have the option to add any WSC courses offering CEUs to their curriculum to achieve the FSC. Through 6 training days and 3.9 CEUs, this customary safety certificate program will benefit employees wanting to progress their organization’s safety and health program.

How to Earn the Fundamental Safety Certificate

Step 1:
Complete the following prerequisite four-day course (2.6 CEUs):

  • Principles of Occupational Safety and Health (POSH)

Step 2:
Select one of the one-day courses listed below (0.65 CEUs):

  • Safety Inspections
  • Incident Investigation
  • Job Safety Analysis
  • Ergonomics: Managing for Results
  • Team Safety

Step 3:

Select any additional course offered by WSC to complete 3.9 CEUs

*All courses must be completed in a three-year period

2. New! Safety Leadership Certificate

The Safety Leadership Certificate is for supervisors who are responsible for motivating their employees to work safely. Attendees will develop and enhance their safety management and communication skills, while learning how to implement new ideas and practices in their own companies.

The core course of this certificate (SMT) will provide real applications to define your role as a leader and problem solver and equips safety and health professionals with skills in communication and management functions. Through 8 training days and 5.05 CEUs, this Leadership certificate program will advance a supervisor’s progression within their organization’s safety and health program.

How to Earn the Safety Leadership Certificate

Complete the following courses:

  • Safety Management Techniques (2.6 CEUs)
  • Supervisor Safety Development (1.8 CEUs)
  • Creating a World Class Safety Culture (0.65 CEUs)

*All courses must be completed in a three-year period

3. New! Emergency Preparedness Certificate

Looking to expand your knowledge beyond occupational safety? The Emergency Preparedness Certificate program was created to build on basic safety principles to provide a well-rounded curriculum for those interested specifically in responding to and recovering from emergencies. From NSC’s Basic First Aid, CPR and AED course to advanced spill response procedures in HAZWOPER 24 hour this certificate will equip you with the tools you need to respond to emergencies both on and off the job.

The EPC requires seven training days and at least 5.1 CEUs to achieve.

How to Earn the Emergency Preparedness Certificate

Step 1:

Complete the following courses

  • Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity (.65 CEUs)
  • NSC Basic First Aid, CPR, AED (.80 CEUs) or FA/CPR/AED Instructor Development Course (1.3 CEUs)
  • HAZWOPER 24 Hour (2.4 CEUs)
  • Incident Investigations (.65 CEUs)
  • Hazard Communication (.40 CEUs)

Step 2:

Select one of the four courses listed below

  • Fire Safety (.40 CEUs)
  • Stop the Bleed (.20 CEUs)
  • Active Shooter (.20 CEUs)
  • Opioid Awareness (.40 CEUs)

*All courses must be completed in a three-year period.

How to Maintain the Emergency Preparedness Certificate

  • Must complete HAZWOPER 8 Hour Refresher course annually (.70 CEUs)
  • Must complete NSC Basic First Aid, CPR, AED course biennially (.55 CEUs)

4. Advanced Safety Certificate

The NSC Advanced Safety Certificate program is a nationally recognized safety curriculum based on proven best practices. The ASC® program builds upon knowledge of compliance requirements to further your safety education. It also sharpens leadership skills to drive fundamental safety change throughout your organization. The ASC Curriculum provides an in-depth look at the issues safety practitioners face every day and offers proven approaches and solutions.

The core required course (POSH) provides a solid foundation of knowledge to meet all safety challenges, and the electives allow for a more in-depth review of specific safety topics. Through 12 training days and 7.8 CEUs, this popular safety certificate program will help you learn how to direct your organization’s comprehensive safety plan with greater efficiency and success.

How to Earn the Advanced Safety Certificate

Step 1:

Complete the following prerequisite four-day course (2.6 CEUs):

  • Principles of Occupational Safety and Health (POSH)

Step 2:

Select and complete *any combination of the four-day and one-day courses listed below to obtain the remaining 7.8 CEUs:

4-day courses – 2.6 CEUs/four days

  • Safety Management Techniques
  • Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
  • Safety Training Methods

1-day courses – 0.65 CEUs/one day

  • Safety Inspections
  • Incident Investigation
  • Job Safety Analysis
  • Ergonomics: Managing for Results
  • Team Safety

*All courses must be completed in a five-year period

5. New! Excellence in Safety Certificate

The Excellence in Safety Certificate (ESC) is the most intensive program offered by Wisconsin Safety Council. After completing all other certificate programs offered by Wisconsin Safety Council, the ESC is the final step in showing you are a true leader in the safety industry. This certificate requires at least 150 hours of in-class training that will prepare all individuals for nearly anything that can happen in the workplace.

The program requires a mandatory leadership course and a diverse selection of training programs that will underscore the importance of safety in all aspects of life. If you are looking to take the next step in safety leadership with your company, the ESC is a must-have to show your commitment to creating a sustained and impactful culture of safety at your organization. The ESC requires 15 CEUs to achieve.

How to Earn the Excellence in Safety Certificate

Step 1:

Complete the following prerequisite four-day course (2.6 CEUs):

  • Managed Outcomes: Developing Exceptional Leaders (MODEL)

Step 2:

Select one of the four-day courses listed below:

  • Principles of Occupational Safety and Health (POSH) (2.6 CEUs)
  • OSHA 30-hour: General Industry (3.0 CEUs)
  • OSHA 30-hour: Construction (3.0 CEUs)

Step 3:

Select and complete any combination of the courses offered by WSC to obtain the remaining 15.0 CEUs:

4-day courses – 2.6 CEUs

  • Safety Management Techniques
  • Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
  • Safety Training Methods

3-day courses

  • HAZWOPER 24-hour (2.4 CEUs)
  • First Aid/CPR/AED Train-the-Trainer (2.1 CEUs)
  • Supervisor Safety Development (1.8 CEUs)

2-day courses

  • OSHA 10-hour: General Industry (1.0 CEUs)
  • OSHA 10-hour: Construction (1.0 CEUs)
  • WSC Annual Conference (1.2 CEUs)

1-day courses

  • Emergency Preparedness/Business Continuity (.65 CEUs)
  • Lift Truck Operator Train-the-Trainer (0.6 CEUs)
  • Incident Investigation (0.65 CEUs)
  • Job Safety Analysis (0.65 CEUs)
  • Ergonomics: Managing for Results (0.65 CEUs)
  • Team Safety (0.65 CEUs)
  • Safety Inspections (0.65 CEUs)
  • Creating a World Class Safety Culture (0.65 CEUs)
  • CEVO Ambulance (0.65 CEUs)
  • RCRA Compliance for Hazardous Waste Generators (0.60 CEUs)
  • DOT HazMat Transportation Refresher (0.80 CEUs)
  • HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training (0.70 CEUs)

Half-day courses – 0.40 CEUs

  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Confined Spaces
  • OSHA Recordkeeping
  • Hazard Communication
  • Lab Safety
  • Machine Guarding
  • Electrical Safety
  • Opioid Awareness
  • Defensive Driving (DDC)

*All courses must be completed in a five-year period

Our Programs

This is practical knowledge for everyone from front line workers to top executives.

  • Learn to design and implement effective safety programs that eliminate hazards, and reduce risks and costs.
  • See how improving safety improves your productivity and your profits.
  • Take courses that fit your needs, interests, and experience level.
  • Develop new skills that get you professional recognition and respect.

For more information on these programs, or to customize a program for delivery at your facility, contact WSC, 608.258.3400.

Wisconsin Safety Council