How to Become a Certified Coal Miner

Coal miners may need additional, periodic training to maintain their certification.

Coal miners face hazardous and sometimes life-threatening situations under the ground. They regularly work with explosive devices and they may be exposed to harmful gases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007 about 25 coal miners in every 100,000 suffered a fatal injury. Certification helps make the working conditions safer by requiring coal miners to complete training and safety courses. The specific certification requirements will vary from state to state.

Instructions

1. Visit the website of the licensing board for your state. Determine your state's requirements for certified coal miners. Some states offer different types of certifications, rather than a general coal miner's certification. For example, the Mine Safety and Training Division of Illinois offers certifications for mine inspectors, mine managers and shaft and slope workers.

2. Complete any training courses mandated by your state. Kentucky's Office of Mine Safety and Licensing offers a 40-hour inexperienced underground miner course and a 20-hour inexperienced surface miner course, along with other classes including emergency technician training. In this state, you must take at least one of the inexperienced miner courses to qualify for certification. West Virginia requires aspiring coal miners to complete an apprenticeship that consists of either 40 hours or 80 hours of classroom instruction.

3. Fulfill the required amount of relevant work experience or on-the-job training your state requires. Kentucky requires a minimum of 45 full-time days of work experience.

4. Pass any examinations that your state requires for certification. For example, Illinois requires successful completion of written and oral exams.

5. Fill out your state's application for coal miner certification once you have fulfilled all the requirements. Provide information about your education and coal miner training. Attach any supporting documents that your state requires for licensing, such as proof of your work experience. Mail the application to the address indicated on the form to obtain your coal miner certification.

References

• Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Coal Miner Certification
• Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet: Department for Natural Resources - Office of Mine Safety and Licensing
• Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet: Application for Miner Certification
• West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training: West Virginia Certified Mining Instructors (80 and 40 Hour) - In State
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Mining
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities in the Coal Mining Industry

Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor: Injury Trends in Mining