The COSS series of educational programs can train you in the essentials of safety and health, leadership, communication, and regulatory requirements throughout your safety career.

Are you currently working in or new to the field of occupational safety & health?

COSS is a five-day training program designed for the entry level person or the experienced safety person to learn the core competencies to be successful in occupational safety and health. COSS topics include: applying OSHA standards, recognizing hazards, evaluating risk, and controlling hazards to prevent injuries, illness and property damage. The only prerequisite for COSS is a high school diploma. Once you complete the COSS program, you must participate in professional development/continuing education activities to maintain your COSS certificate and report such activities every three years.

Do you have at least 2 years of experience in safety, health and environmental work?

COSM is an advanced executive-level safety program consisting of five 8-hour sessions for safety professionals moving along in their career path. COSM topics include: safety management essentials such as employee training plans; creating & evaluating Safety Management Systems (SMS) and aligning the SMS to the corporate vision and mission statement; assessing and managing safety, health & environmental risks within your organization; injury management, incentives and discipline and effective communication.

Courses are held in many locations. Courses can also be delivered to your group at your location. Email us to find out how!

Yes, courses are offered in a virtual format. Visit our Virtual Classes page to view all virtual offerings, and our In-person Classes page to view our in-person offerings.

Each Authorized Training Provider (ATP) processes their own class registrations and sets their own pricing for COSS and COSM. Questions regarding class schedules, pricing, lodging or driving directions should be directed to the ATP. General questions can be answered by calling our toll-free number, 877-610-COSS, or emailing info@coss.net.

Course costs differ by location. Visit the locations page for contact information for each Authorized Training Provider (ATP). Contact the training location for more information.

Payment options differ by location. Most locations accept cash, check, credit card, or payment from your employer. Contact the training location for more information or request information on payment options.

The COSS and COSM courses each include a total of 40 hours.

Students receive multiple breaks throughout the day, as well as a one-hour lunch break each day.

Many locations offer COSS in a five-week format where students attend the course one day a week over the course of five weeks. Find locations.

No, all courses and course materials are presented in English.

Attending the complete course is expected and required. Make up days may be scheduled. For more information, contact us.

Registrations are not transferrable. You must cancel your registration at one location before you reschedule in another.

To allow for optimum student to teacher interaction, the COSS and COSM course maximum is 20 students per class/per instructor. 

COSS requires individuals to have a high school diploma. COSS is an academically rigorous course that requires nightly reading from a college textbook, daily quizzes, student presentations and a comprehensive written exam.

COSM requires a minimum of 2 years of safety, health and environmental work experience. Participants must complete required assignments in order to receive the final COSM certificate.

The Recertification Guide covers the requirements and processes for maintaining the COSS and COSM credentials beyond the initial three-year period. The Recertification Summary provides a quick resource for understanding recertification points and activities.

• COSS is a highly intensive, highly interactive course that focuses on providing individuals in the safety and health field with the tools and techniques needed to coordinate and implement corporate health plans; conduct safety and health training; and provide support to safety and training managers.
• The COSS program consists of 40 hours of learning, which is delivered by an OSHA 500 and 501 authorized outreach training provider. Case studies and workshops are used extensively to bring learning objectives into focus.
• Guest speakers from areas such as OSHA and other government agencies are sometimes used to enhance the learning experience.
• Students are scored on their daily quizzes, practical reviews, their 10-minute safety presentation that they develop and present to the class, and a comprehensive final exam. All of these things allow the students to demonstrate their competency in the class.

COSS has received national recognition for it’s rigorous safety standards. COSS used the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) definition of the Safety Professional to benchmark the COSS program.

The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) recognizes COSS. ACCE is the certifying body for construction education for colleges, universities and technical/trade schools.

COSS has been established as a mandatory course for students in the Construction Management program at Louisiana State University. 

COSS is an advanced level of training focused on how to manage an entire safety and health program. Courses like OSHA 510 provide you with an in-depth understanding of OSHA standards, and OSHA 30 & 10 hour courses focus on hazard recognition and avoidance. COSS covers these topics and more.

The COSS course is designed to build core competencies in the field of safety for adult learners. In order to pass the course, an overall minimum score of 70% must be obtained in the course. Also, a minimum score of 70% must be obtained on the final exam. The following criteria will be used to assess your overall score:

• Homework is an integral and important part of the course. Readings and exercises are assigned after each class session.
• Daily quizzes that apply to assignments from the night before will be given each morning.
• Class discussions and exercises.
• A 10-minute safety presentation must be developed and presented for a grade.
• An analysis of a hazardous condition (Compliance Moment) will be performed for a grade.
• A final exam (with a minimum 70% passing score).

The student kit includes:

• COSS Padfolio with pen and calculator
• COSS Copyrighted Student Workbook
• 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry)
• 29 CRF 1926 (Construction)
• COSS Student Textbook, Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health
• COSS embroidered saddlebag
• COSS Digital Credential through Credly

*Items may vary by region.