Certified Excavations and Trenching Construction Safety Specialist (CETS)
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Course Description
The Certified Excavation & Trenching Construction Safety Specialist (CETS) course provides comprehensive training on OSHA excavation and trenching safety requirements, equipping construction professionals with the knowledge to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards associated with excavation work. Designed for supervisors, safety professionals, competent persons, and construction workers, this course emphasizes compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P while promoting safe excavation practices that prevent injuries, cave-ins, and fatalities.Participants will gain practical knowledge of excavation hazards, including trench collapses, underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, and confined space risks. The course covers soil classification techniques, protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding, as well as the responsibilities of the competent person for excavation safety.
Students will also learn how to perform site inspections, conduct soil testing, identify permit-required confined spaces, use gas monitoring equipment, and implement emergency response procedures. Through real-world examples and OSHA-aligned guidance, this certification prepares participants to improve compliance, reduce workplace risks, and ensure safe excavation and trenching operations on construction sites.
What You'll Learn
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand OSHA excavation and trenching standards, including 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P requirements.
- Identify excavation hazards such as cave-ins, underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, water intrusion, and confined space risks.
- Classify soil types using accepted testing methods and determine appropriate protective systems.
- Apply safe excavation techniques, including sloping, benching, timber shoring, hydraulic shoring, and trench shielding.
- Conduct excavation site inspections and competent person assessments to maintain OSHA compliance.
- Recognize confined space hazards, gas monitoring requirements, ventilation methods, and alternate entry procedures.
- Develop hazard prevention strategies and emergency response plans for excavation and trenching operations.
- Promote a safe construction work environment by implementing industry best practices and regulatory compliance.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for construction managers, construction workers, building contractors, safety and health professionals, supervisors and training managers, as well as industrial hygienists.
Certified Excavations and Trenching Construction Safety Specialist (CETS) Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CETS) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CETS), accessed May 14, 2026.