The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Spirometry Training Program is responsible for approving course sponsors to train participants on how to perform spirometry, a type of lung function test. NIOSH-approved spirometry training is required by Federal Law for individuals performing spirometry testing on workers exposed to cotton, coal, and silica dusts.

Requirements/ Recommendations for NIOSH-approved Spirometry Certification
In March, 2016, OSHA promulgated the Respirable Crystalline Silica standard. Along with the Cotton Dust standard of 1978, the OSHA Silica regulation mandates completion of a NIOSH approved spirometry course for technicians performing spirometry as part of the silica medical surveillance exam. See the Silica Medical Surveillance requirements (29CFR1910.1053(i)).

In addition, since 2013, OSHA has recommended completion of a NIOSH-approved course as best practice for all occupational spirometry technicians. See OSHA’s Guidance on Spirometry Testing in Occupational Health Programs: Best Practices for Healthcare Professionals for details.

NIOSH also requires that technicians performing spirometry tests have completed a NIOSH-approved course if clinics want to become “NIOSH-approved Spirometry Clinics” to test coal miners as part of the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP). See the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program for details.
Certificates of successful completion of a NIOSH-approved spirometry course remain active for 5 years and 7 months from the course date. Certification can be extended in 5 year increments by completing a NIOSH Approved Spirometry Refresher course before the current certificate expires.