8-hour or 16-hour EM 385 training?

Start with the manual and contract

EM 385-1-1 is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Occupational Health Requirements manual. The current official publication is dated March 15, 2024 and supersedes the November 30, 2014 edition. For construction contracts, the manual says contractors must follow the version in effect on the solicitation date, including interim changes; existing contracts may continue under the earlier edition identified for that contract. Check the solicitation, contract safety provisions, and project direction before selecting training. [1] [2]

The manual contains role-specific and activity-specific training requirements. A general EM 385 course can provide useful orientation to selected subjects, but the course title alone does not demonstrate qualification for every assignment.

Compare the 8-hour and 16-hour courses

Both offerings are online and mobile ready. Each has one module, sequential sections, a 25-question final exam, a 70% passing score, and retakes as needed. The main differences are audience, duration, and breadth of coverage.

CLS EM 385-1-1 course comparison

Course	Details
16-hour EM 385-1-1 Item #0899-2226	Intended use: Broader initial orientation for non-supervisory contractors, military personnel, and government employees when a contract or project calls for EM 385 training. Structure: 19 sequential sections. Topics include SOH program management, first aid, temporary facilities, PPE, welding and cutting, electrical safety, material handling, demolition, equipment, fall protection, scaffolding, access, excavation, and confined spaces. Price: $170.00 · Sale, 19% off
8-hour EM 385-1-1 Item #0900-2227	Intended use: Refresher option for learners who previously completed 16-, 24-, or 40-hour EM 385 training. Structure: 13 sequential sections. Topics include SOH program management, first aid, PPE, electrical safety, tools, material handling, fall protection, access, and excavation and trenching. Price: $125.00 · Sale, 32% off

Prices checked October 1, 2026. Prices are in USD. Confirm the final price and current course details in the CLS training portal. [3] [4]

Choose a starting point

1. Check the contract and manual edition. Identify the EM 385-1-1 edition and any training language incorporated into the project.
2. Confirm the learner’s assignment. General orientation, refresher preparation, SSHO duties, competent-person roles, equipment operation, and environmental cleanup can carry different requirements.
3. Review prior training. Use the 8-hour course only when the learner’s previous EM 385 preparation and the project’s refresher expectations support that choice.
4. Ask who accepts the training. Confirm with the employer, contracting team, client, or SSHO before purchasing a course for an entire crew.
5. Plan the remaining instruction. Add site orientation and any hazard-, task-, equipment-, or emergency-specific training required for the work.

These courses do not establish SSHO qualification by themselves

The 2024 manual defines separate training, experience, designation, and project-presence requirements for Site Safety and Health Officers. Completing an 8- or 16-hour general EM 385 course does not by itself establish SSHO qualification. Review Chapter 2 and the project contract before assigning an SSHO. [2]

Questions before enrollment

Is the 8-hour course always required every year?

The portal presents it as an annual refresher for people with qualifying previous EM 385 training. Project requirements can differ. Confirm the expected interval and accepted prior training with the employer or project authority before enrolling.

Does the 16-hour course cover the entire manual?

No. It covers selected subjects from the manual. The official EM 385-1-1 publication, contract requirements, and role-specific provisions still need review.

Will either course make someone a competent person?

A course certificate alone does not establish competent-person status. The employer must evaluate the knowledge, training, experience, authority, and applicable role requirements for the work.

References

1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Official EM 385-1-1 publication record. Current official publication record for the Safety and Occupational Health Requirements manual, dated March 15, 2024. Open source ↗
2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: EM 385-1-1, March 15, 2024. Official manual covering applicability, contract requirements, roles, safety programs, and activity-specific requirements. Open source ↗
3. CLS training portal: 16-hour EM 385-1-1 course. Portal course description, scope, structure, exam, completion document, and current enrollment details. Open source ↗
4. CLS training portal: 8-hour EM 385-1-1 course. Portal course description, refresher audience, structure, exam, completion document, and current enrollment details. Open source ↗