Course Comparison
Supervisor vs. Competent Person
Supervisor training covers authorizing a single entry. Competent Person training covers owning the entire confined space program.
Confined Space Supervisor
Focused on the entry supervisor's duties for a given entry: verifying conditions, authorizing the permit, and directing emergency response if something changes.
- Per-entry authorization and oversight
- Does not include site-wide space classification
- Does not include building a written program
Competent Person
Program-level training: identifying and classifying every confined space on a site, building the written permit program, planning rescue capability, and maintaining recordkeeping.
- Site-wide hazard classification
- Written program development
- Rescue & emergency preparedness planning
The deciding question: is this person authorizing individual entries within an existing program, or building and owning the program itself, classifying spaces, writing procedures, and planning rescue? The latter needs Competent Person training. Note that OSHA defines a Competent Person by knowledge, experience, hazard-recognition ability, and authority to take corrective action; training supports this role, but the employer must formally designate the Competent Person for the specific worksite.
Still Not Sure?
Use the full decision guide to match your role to a course.