CERCLA & Superfund
What does CERCLA training cover?
Use this guide to understand the purpose of introductory CERCLA training, how CERCLA differs from RCRA, and when hazardous-waste cleanup duties may require HAZWOPER preparation.
CERCLA addresses releases and contaminated sites
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act was enacted in 1980. It established federal authority to respond to actual or threatened releases of hazardous substances, created cleanup liability, and provided a trust fund for certain cleanups. EPA describes two broad response categories: shorter-term removal actions and longer-term remedial actions. [1]
CERCLA, RCRA, and HAZWOPER serve different purposes
| Program | Focus and training implication |
|---|---|
| CERCLA Superfund | Focus: Federal response to releases or threatened releases and cleanup of abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous-waste sites. Training: An overview course builds program knowledge. It does not create a single universal worker qualification. |
| RCRA | Focus: Ongoing management of solid and hazardous waste, including generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal. Training: Preparation should match generator status, facility type, and assigned waste-management duties. Compare RCRA training → |
| HAZWOPER | Focus: Worker protection for covered hazardous-waste operations and emergency response under 29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65. Training: The required level depends on job function, site conditions, exposure potential, and employer responsibilities. Compare HAZWOPER options → |
EPA describes CERCLA and RCRA as different but complementary statutes. OSHA identifies certain CERCLA cleanup operations within HAZWOPER coverage and requires employers to train workers according to their job functions and responsibilities. A project can therefore involve CERCLA program knowledge alongside separate RCRA and HAZWOPER obligations. [2] [3] [4]
Introductory CERCLA course available through CLS
The portal course provides a concise introduction for people who need general familiarity with the hazardous-waste cleanup program.
| Course | Introduction to CERCLA – The Hazardous Waste Cleanup Program Item #0982-2375 |
|---|---|
| Structure | One module with one course section, completed before the final exam. |
| Topics | CERCLA purpose, the relationship between CERCLA and RCRA, triggers and types of CERCLA actions, Capacity Assurance Plans, and the intersection of RCRA and CERCLA activities. |
| Final exam | Five questions selected from a larger pool; 70% passing score; retakes as needed. |
| Completion document | Downloadable, savable, or printable PDF certificate of completion from the student account. |
| Price | $24.95 · Sale, 50% off |
Price checked October 1, 2026. Confirm the final price and current course details in the CLS training portal. [5]
Who may benefit from an overview?
The course may be useful for hazardous-waste facility personnel, generators, project staff, and employees involved in hazardous-waste-site cleanup or management who need a working introduction to CERCLA. For field personnel, use the overview as background knowledge and separately determine whether the work requires HAZWOPER, RCRA, emergency-response, site-specific, or task-specific training.
Questions before enrollment
- What will the learner do? Program administration, waste management, field investigation, remediation, and emergency response can lead to different training needs.
- Is this an overview or a qualification requirement? Confirm whether the request is for general CERCLA knowledge or a specific worker qualification.
- Will the employee enter a covered cleanup area? If so, evaluate HAZWOPER applicability and the training level required for the job function.
- Does the work involve regulated waste management? Review RCRA and applicable state requirements separately.
- What project instruction remains? Identify site hazards, controls, emergency procedures, PPE, decontamination, and supervised experience that an overview course does not provide.
Is CERCLA training the same as HAZWOPER?
No. CERCLA is an environmental response and liability law. HAZWOPER is an OSHA worker-protection standard for covered hazardous-waste operations and emergency response. CERCLA cleanup work can trigger HAZWOPER requirements, but an introductory CERCLA course does not replace HAZWOPER training.
Is CERCLA training the same as RCRA training?
No. The statutes can overlap at contaminated sites, but RCRA primarily governs ongoing waste management while CERCLA addresses releases and cleanup response. Select RCRA training according to the facility and assigned waste duties.
References
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Superfund: CERCLA overview. Official overview of CERCLA authority, liability, the cleanup trust fund, and removal and remedial response actions. Open source ↗
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: CERCLA and RCRA comparison. EPA explanation of the different but complementary roles of CERCLA and RCRA. Open source ↗
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration: HAZWOPER standards and cleanup work. OSHA overview of employer programs and job-function training for hazardous waste operations. Open source ↗
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration: HAZWOPER preparedness guidance. OSHA guidance describing HAZWOPER coverage at CERCLA sites and training based on cleanup duties and exposure. Open source ↗
- CLS training portal: Introduction to CERCLA course. Portal description, course scope, section and exam information, completion document, and current enrollment details. Open source ↗