For Contractors Working on Mine Sites

Are You in Need of
MSHA Training?

As a contractor, MSHA training requirements are typically yours to manage. We make it straightforward — get certified online, on your schedule, and show up to every job site ready to work.

MSHA Blue Card Certified Trainers  |  Online & On-Demand  |  English & Español

MSHA TRAINING FOR CONTRACTORS — SIMPLIFIED

Contractors work across mine sites in every capacity — maintenance, electrical, inspections, construction, and more. Whatever brings you on site, MSHA requires you to have current training certifications before you can work.The requirements aren’t always obvious. Which part applies to you? How many hours do you need? What’s the difference between new miner and refresher training? This page answers those questions and points you to the right course — so you can get certified and get to work.

msha-contractors

CONTRACTOR COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Before you set foot on a mine site, make sure you’ve covered these bases.

Get Your MSHA Identification Number (MIIN)

Every miner — including contractors — must have an MSHA Individual Identification Number. This tracks your training records and verifies compliance. Register directly through MSHA before your first site visit.

Determine Your Training Category

Are you working at a Part 46 or Part 48 operation? This classification determines your training requirements, documentation obligations, and recordkeeping. If you're not sure, we can help you figure it out.

Complete Required Training

New to mine sites? You'll need New Miner Training (24–32 hours depending on your operation). Already certified? Annual refresher training keeps your cert current. Both are available online, on your schedule.

Keep Your Certifications Current

New Miner Training gets you on site. Annual Refresher Training (8 hours, every 12 months) keeps you there. Make sure your records are up to date before every new assignment.

PART 46 VS. PART 48 – WHICH APPLIES TO YOU?

Your training requirements depend on the type of mine site you’re working at. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.

SURFACE OPTIONS

PART 46 TRAINING

Applies to surface mining operations — sand, gravel, stone, clay, and most non-metal, non-coal mines. If you’re working at a surface operation, this is your category.

  • ✔ New Miner Training — 24 hours, required before working on site
  • ✔ Annual Refresher Training — 8 hours, required every 12 months
  • ✔ Available online and on-demand
  • ✔ Available in English and Español

 

UNDERGROUND & METAL/NON-METAL

PART 48 TRAINING

Applies to surface mining operations — sand, gravel, stone, clay, and most non-metal, non-coal mines. If you’re working at a surface operation, this is your category.

  • ✔ New Miner Training — 24 hours, required before working on site
  • ✔ Annual Refresher Training — 8 hours, required every 12 months
  • ✔ Available online and on-demand
  • ✔ Available in English and Español

 

GET CERTIFIED ONLINE

    How MSHA Safety Services Can Help

    All courses are available live online. MSHA Blue Card Certified trainers. English and Spanish. On-demand options available for Part 46.

    ✔ Part 46 New Miner Training — 24 Hours

    ✔ Part 46 Annual Refresher Training — 8 Hours

    ✔ Part 48 Subpart B New Miner Training (Surface) — 24 Hours

    ✔ Part 48 Subpart B Annual Refresher Training (Surface) — 8 Hours

    ✔ Part 48 Subpart A New Miner Training (Underground) — 32 Hours

    ✔ Part 48 Subpart A Annual Refresher Training (Underground) — 8 Hours

      CONTRACTOR COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

      Mandatory training doesn’t have to be a grind. Our courses are built to keep you engaged — so you retain what matters and walk away confident on site.

      MSHA Blue Card Certified Trainers

      Every course is led by or built by Blue Card Certified instructors with real-world mining experience. You're learning from people who know the industry, not just the textbook.

      Live Online Training

      All courses are available online — no driving to a facility, no time off the job site. Part 46 also offers an on-demand option if you need maximum flexibility.

      4.94 / 5 for Teaching

      Our students rate us 4.94 for teaching, 4.93 for instructor knowledge, and 4.95 for engagement. That's not an accident — it's how we build every course.

      English & Español

      All courses are available in both English and Spanish — because everyone on site deserves training they can actually understand.

      "Most fun and engaging MSHA training I have ever attended."

      "I have only ever done OSHA classes. I would much rather do this class."

      "First underground MSHA class, best I've ever had and sets the bar really high!"

      "Kept my attention and was fun and entertaining. Great instructor."

      READY TO GET CERTIFIED?

      Don’t show up to a job without the right training. Find your course and get scheduled today.

      CONTRACTOR FAQ

      WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PART 46 AND PART 48 TRAINING?

      Part 46 applies to most surface mining operations — sand, gravel, stone, and clay. Part 48 covers underground mines and metal/non-metal operations. The type of site you’re working at determines which part applies to you. Not sure? The mine operator or site supervisor can usually confirm which category the site falls under.

      WHAT HAPPENS IF I SHOW UP TO A MINE SITE WITHOUT PROPER MSHA CERTIFICATION?
      You’ll be turned away and won’t be able to work until you’re certified. Mine operators are required to verify training before granting site access. Our online courses are on-demand, so you can get certified quickly before your next assignment.
      DO I NEED NEW MINER TRAINING OR ANNUAL REFRESHER TRAINING?
      If you’ve never worked on a mine site before — or your previous certification has lapsed — you need New Miner Training (24–32 hours depending on your operation). If you’re already certified and keeping your credentials current, you need Annual Refresher Training (8 hours, every 12 months).
      HOW LONG DOES TRAINING TAKE AND CAN I DO IT ONLINE?
      Yes — all courses are available online and on-demand. New Miner Training is 24–32 hours depending on your operation. Annual Refresher Training is 8 hours. You can complete courses on your own schedule, starting immediately after enrollment.
      ARE COURSES AVAILABLE IN SPANISH?
      Yes. All Part 46 and Part 48 courses are available in both English and Spanish.
      HOW LONG DOES MSHA TRAINING TAKE?
      All courses are available online. Part 46 New Miner Training is 24 hours and Annual Refresher is 8 hours. For Part 48, Subpart B (Surface) New Miner Training is 24 hours, Subpart A (Underground) New Miner Training is 32 hours, and Annual Refresher for both is 8 hours. Part 46 is also available on-demand if you need maximum flexibility.
      MSHA Safety Services