The Definition of Qualified Person

Definition of Qualified Person

Under OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR 1926.32), a qualified person is "one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project." The emphasis is on proven technical ability in a specific subject, such as designing a fall arrest system, engineering a scaffold or rigging a load.

A qualified person is different from a competent person. A competent person can identify hazards on site and has the authority to take prompt corrective action. A qualified person has the technical expertise to design, calculate or solve problems, but does not automatically have authority to stop work. On many jobs the same individual holds both roles, but the two designations should not be confused.

Key Facts About Qualified Persons

• OSHA does not issue a "qualified person" card. Qualification is demonstrated through credentials, training and experience, and the employer is responsible for making sure the person meets the definition.
• Qualification is task-specific. A qualified scaffold designer is not automatically qualified to design a horizontal lifeline or rig a crane lift.
• OSHA requires a qualified person for tasks such as designing horizontal lifelines and certain fall protection systems (1926.502), designing scaffolds (1926.451) and many crane-related activities (1926 Subpart CC).
• Electrical standards use a separate definition: a qualified person is someone trained and able to demonstrate skills in the construction and operation of electrical equipment and the hazards involved (1910.399).

Example of a Qualified Person

A contractor needs a horizontal lifeline for roofers working along a long, unprotected edge. A structural engineer with fall protection design experience calculates the anchor loads, line deflection and clearance needed, and signs off the design. The engineer is the qualified person for the system. A site supervisor who inspects the installed lifeline each day and can stop work if it is damaged acts as the competent person.

How to Designate a Qualified Person

1. List the tasks on your sites where OSHA or your own procedures require a qualified person.
2. Define the knowledge, credentials and experience needed for each task.
3. Verify each candidate's degree, certification, training records and track record on similar work.
4. Document the designation, including the specific scope the person is qualified for.
5. Review designations when standards, equipment or job scope change, and keep records audit-ready.

Related Terms

• Competent Person
• Qualified Rigger
• Qualified Signal Person
• Fall Protection
• Lift Plan

Qualified Person Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a qualified person and a competent person?

A competent person can recognize existing and predictable hazards and has the authority to take prompt corrective action. A qualified person has demonstrated technical ability to solve problems in a specific subject, such as engineering or design. One is about authority on site, the other about expertise.

Does a qualified person need a professional engineering license?

Not always. OSHA's definition allows either a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or extensive knowledge, training and experience. Some specific standards do require a registered professional engineer, so check the exact requirement for the task.

Can one person be both qualified and competent?

Yes. Many experienced supervisors and engineers hold both designations for a given task, as long as they meet both definitions and have been given the authority a competent person needs.

How should employers document a qualified person?

Keep a record of the person's credentials, training and relevant experience, along with the specific tasks or systems they are qualified for. Digital training and competency records make it easier to prove qualification during an audit or inspection.