United States
Hong KongThe competent person explained
A competent person is capable of identifying hazards and is authorized to take prompt corrective action. A qualified person has a degree, certificate or extensive knowledge and experience. Authority against expertise.
Two terms that sound interchangeable and are not. The exam knows this and uses it.
The definitions
A competent person is one capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. That is 29 CFR 1926.32(f).
A qualified person is one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has demonstrated the ability to solve problems relating to the work. That is 1926.32(m).
The distinction in one line
Competent is about authority. Qualified is about expertise.
A competent person must be able to stop work. A qualified person must be able to solve a technical problem, and need not have any authority at all.
Somebody who can spot every hazard on a site but cannot order work stopped is not a competent person under the definition. Knowledge alone does not satisfy it, and that is what questions test.
Which tasks need which
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Daily excavation inspection | Competent person |
| Scaffold erection supervision and inspection | Competent person |
| Ladder training | Competent person |
| Formwork removal plan | Qualified person |
| Fall arrest anchorage design | Qualified person |
| Excavation protective system beyond 20 feet | Registered professional engineer |
The pattern holds: inspection and supervision go to the competent person, design and technical determination to the qualified one.
A third term
Registered professional engineer, which appears where the stakes are highest - excavations beyond 20 feet, for instance. Not the same as qualified, and questions offer all three.
Common questions
What is a competent person under OSHA?
Somebody capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective action, at 29 CFR 1926.32(f).
What is a qualified person?
Somebody with a recognized degree, certificate or extensive knowledge and experience who can solve problems relating to the work.
What is the difference?
Competent is about authority to act. Qualified is about technical expertise.
Who inspects an excavation?
A competent person, daily and as conditions change.
Who designs a protective system beyond 20 feet?
A registered professional engineer, which is a third and stricter category.