In short
The most common trade certifications are the OSHA 10 and 30 hour safety cards, the EPA Section 608 card for handling refrigerant, NCCER craft credentials, AWS welder certifications, forklift operator training, NATE for HVAC technicians and NCCCO crane operator certification. Some are required by federal rules, such as EPA 608 and crane certification. Others are required by employers or project owners. Most take days or weeks, not years.
| Certification | Who needs it | Required by |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 | New construction workers | Many employers, some states and projects |
| OSHA 30 | Foremen, leads, safety roles | Employers and projects |
| EPA 608 | Anyone who opens refrigerant circuits | Federal rule |
| NCCER | Craft workers in industrial and commercial construction | Employers and owners |
| AWS Certified Welder | Welders | Employers and codes on the job |
| Forklift | Anyone running a powered industrial truck at work | Federal rule (employer must train and evaluate) |
| NATE | HVAC technicians | Voluntary; employers value it |
| NCCCO | Crane operators | Federal rule for most construction cranes (NCCCO is one accredited option) |
All certification guides
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Straight answers
What is the difference between a license and a certification?
A license is issued by a state or city and lets you legally do certain work. A certification shows you passed a course or test from an organization such as OSHA, EPA or a trade group.
Which certification should I get first?
For construction, the OSHA 10 is a common first card. For HVAC, the EPA 608. For welding, a basic AWS test in the process you will use.
Do certifications expire?
Some do and some do not. EPA 608 does not expire. AWS welder certifications need regular maintenance, and crane certifications must be renewed every five years.