The gist:
- EM 385-1-1 Certification is mandatory for contractors, supervisors, and safety officers working on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and federal construction projects.
- It goes beyond standard OSHA requirements, covering stricter safety protocols specific to military and government job sites.
- Holding this credential protects your contract eligibility, reduces compliance risk, and builds a stronger workplace safety culture.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineers Manual 385-1-1, or “EM 385-1-1,” is a manual of mandatory safety and occupational health requirements that apply to work performed by contractors and others on certain government contracted projects. For any professional pursuing federal construction work, understanding what this certification delivers is essential before submitting a bid.
What EM 385-1-1 Certification Actually Covers
While OSHA training courses are designed to provide workplace safety for construction workers laboring on general projects, EM 385-1-1 certification is specific to contractors and maintenance workers laboring in dangerous or confidential areas, with course requirements published by USACE covering all topics related to the health and safety of working on military and government sites both in the U.S. and throughout the globe.
Applicable to USACE activities worldwide, EM 385-1-1 training provides education on a wide range of requirements regarding hazard communication, electrical safety, PPE, fall protection, and more. According to the USACE Safety and Health Requirements Manual, where the requirements of this manual and applicable laws or regulations vary, the most stringent requirements govern.
The 40-hour course is the most comprehensive option and is structured around several practical competencies:
- Preparing a site-specific Accident Prevention Plan (APP)
- Effectively serving as a Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and understanding SSHO qualifications and responsibilities
- Developing Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) forms, along with site personnel training, incident response and reporting procedures, jobsite auditing, and hazard communication
Training Hours by Role: Choosing the Right Course Level
The duration of mandatory EM 385 training for each contractor or employee varies based on the worker’s level of responsibility and their specific job tasks. The table below outlines which course level applies to each role:
| Role | Required Training | Notes |
| Non-supervisor employees | 16 hours | Considered the entry-level training for employees covered by USACE rules |
| Managers and supervisors | 24 hours | Intermediate level; suitable for team leads |
| Site Safety and Health Officers (SSHOs) | 40 hours | Appropriate for professionals with overall responsibility for workplace health and safety, including superintendents, foremen, and SSHOs |
| SSHOs (ongoing) | 8-hour annual refresher | Required each year after initial 40-hour completion |
For most roles, EM 385-1-1 does not technically expire; however, it is common for employers or contract managers to require periodic refresher training to ensure ongoing compliance and awareness.
Key Benefits of Holding This Certification
Earning this credential produces measurable advantages across several areas of professional practice.
Contract eligibility and bid approval
EM 385 training gives you the knowledge needed to successfully win a bid for government construction work. In many cases, your bid will be rejected if it does not include a site-specific safety plan that meets all EM 385-1-1 requirements.
Reduced financial exposure
In the event of a contracting officer finding a violation on a government construction project, you could be fined up to $2,000 per day until it is remedied, and your work will be halted until compliance is satisfied. Certification equips teams with the knowledge to avoid those costly interruptions.
Stronger safety culture across all project levels
Proper training ensures that safety procedures are followed, reducing incidents and the likelihood of penalties, and certification helps instill a mindset of safety across all project levels, from management to subject workers.
Flexible, self-paced online completion
The EM 385-1-1 online training format allows participants to complete required coursework remotely while developing practical knowledge of jobsite hazards and safety responsibilities. Participants have up to a year to complete their EM 385 training online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to complete EM 385-1-1 training?
Training on the requirements in EM 385-1-1 is mandatory for contractors, employees, military personnel, and others working on contract projects subject to these requirements.
Is EM 385-1-1 stricter than standard OSHA requirements?
While OSHA training courses are ideal for standard workplace safety, the EM 385 manual has more strict and rigorous training requirements. Some workers on federal contracts may need both credentials.
How often does the certification need to be renewed?
While the EM 385-1-1 certification does not have a specific expiration date, you may be required by USACE to enroll in refresher training on a regular basis, typically every three years. SSHOs additionally complete an 8-hour annual refresher.
Can the training be completed entirely online?
USACE Safety and Health regulations allow you to take training online as long as the course meets the requirements laid out in EM 385-1-1. Self-paced modules make scheduling straightforward for both individuals and teams.
For professionals and organizations seeking a reliable path to federal construction compliance, OSHA Pros – OSHA.net offers the 40-hour EM 385-1-1 online course alongside OSHA 10, OSHA 30, HAZWOPER, and other workplace safety programs. Their EM 385-1-1 Certification helps professionals demonstrate completion of training focused on federal construction safety requirements. Completing the correct course level before pursuing a government contract is one of the most direct steps a contractor can take to protect both their workforce and their bottom line.
