National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program

What is the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP)?

NSTMOP is a Hazardous Occupations Safety Training in Agriculture (HOSTA) project to train 14-and 15-year-old youth to get certified for the legal operation of farm tractors and powered machinery as an employee on the farm of a non-family member. This certification is connected to a 1969 U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) ruling establishing a list of agricultural tasks hazardous to youth younger than 16. As a result of this ruling, the employment of youth under 16 for tasks that require the operation of a tractor and machinery is illegal unless the youth has undergone safety training and received the certification. While the certification is not required for youth under 16 to operate a tractor and machinery on the farm of family members, the NSTMOP is an excellent program for youth as it allows them to develop safe habits.

NSTMOP Certification Course for Students

Extension and high school agricultural educators typically offer and lead the certification course. Topics covered include general agricultural safety, tractor and equipment operation, and highway transportation. Students are certified after passing a fifty-question written knowledge test, an operating skills test, and a pre-op/driving test.

Becoming an NSTMOP Instructor

Anyone can become an NSTMOP instructor by completing and passing the online NSTMOP Instructor Training Course. However, only high school agricultural or local county extension educators test youth and deliver the certificate. See below for additional information about roles and responsibilities.

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Instructors must pass this course with a minimum score of 80%. Once certified, you will be given access to additional instruction materials, including the instructors' manual and PowerPoint slides to help you teach safety materials and more.

If you have questions about the program, please email nstmop@psu.edu or call 814-865-4582.

Curriculum

The NSTMOP recommends 24 hours of instruction, divided into six modules. These include task sheets along with skills and safe-driving instructions. The task sheets serve as the basis of the program.

The NSTMOP student manual (available in English and in Spanish) provides in-depth information on what youth can expect when working on a farm, safety basics, agricultural hazards, how to operate a tractor, and how to handle materials, among other essential topics. This latest edition features updated regulations, vibrant and detailed illustrations and photos, and an improved user-friendly layout, and includes:

• An introduction to the NSTMOP
• A program outline for the six modules
• A driving test layout and evaluation form
• A list of core competencies that each student must master
• Instructional task sheets

Instructors have also used the NSTMOP curriculum to teach new and inexperienced tractor operators of all ages and backgrounds how to safely operate farm tractors and other machinery. In addition, the curriculum introduces farm and ranch hazards and risks. When students 16 years of age and older complete the program, formal evaluation (the written knowledge, operating skills, pre-op/driving tests) and the Department of Labor certificate of completion are not required. Instructors may use these components to add structure to their teaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions are derived from the NSTMOP instructors.

Q. Can I teach this program to youth (14 and 15-year-olds) if I am not an Extension Educator or Ag Instructor?

Yes. However, an Extension educator or a high school agriculture instructor must be present during testing and sign off on the training as the Certifying Authority for the US DOL Certificate of Training. The US DOL Certificate of Training requires a signature from the person conducting the training and a signature from the Certifying Authority. Extension Educators and Vocational Agricultural Instructors are considered the only individuals who can serve in the capacity of the Certifying Authority. If providing the training, you must sign the US DOL Certificate of Training and have an Extension Educator or Agriculture Instructor serve as the Certifying Authority. As a Certifying Authority, Extension Educators and Vocational Agricultural Instructors should review and verify instructional content/delivery, testing procedures, and students' performance.

Q. How old does a person need to be to become an NSTMOP instructor?

There are two answers to this question:

1. If an instructor teaches the NSTMOP course to 14 and 15-year-olds, that instructor should teach under or with either an extension educator or a vocational agricultural teacher. Program Leaders or Community Lead Instructors are typically extension educators or vocational agricultural teachers. The US DOL certificate requires an Ag Instructor or Extension Educator to sign the certificate.
2. While there is no age regulation if someone wants to become an NSTMOP instructor, we highly recommend that the person be an adult, experienced, and mature enough to teach tractor safety to others.

Q. I do not know how to drive a tractor. Can I still become an NSTMOP Instructor?

To be an effective instructor, you should be familiar with agricultural production practices, be knowledgeable about tractors and machinery, and have a general awareness of agricultural hazards.

If you are uncertain of your tractor operation skills, plan to have an additional instructor with this knowledge and experience to assist you. NSTMOP instructors often coordinate with volunteers to facilitate the tractor operations skills practicum during the course. If you decide to become an NSTMOP instructor, you should familiarize yourself with the skill activities and technical content through professional development workshops or finding a local mentor through the NSTMOP program.  The instructor should be an experienced driver who can safely back the tractor to hitch properly to farm implements.

Q. Once a student has received the certification, can they drive a tractor on a public road?

Each state's legislative body has passed laws that govern motor vehicle use in their state. Since farmers sometimes use the highways to transport farm equipment and products, special rules are included in the state motor vehicle code to ensure agricultural producers use the roads safely. In Pennsylvania, 14- and 15-year-olds can operate farm tractors only on public roadways that bisect or adjoin their residence.

Please review Task Sheets 1.2.5 State Vehicle Codes and 4.14 Operating the Tractor on Public Roads in the NSTMOP Student Manual for more information. Check your state's codes to ensure compliance.

Q. Where can certified instructors download course materials?

Once a person completes the online NSTMOP instructor course, NSTMOP staff will provide the course material to the new instructor. For more information about course materials, contact our staff at nstmop@psu.edu.

Q. What paperwork do I need to fill out at the end of a course?

For each student, you should fill out three copies of the DOL Certificate of Training (appendix J in the instructor manual): One copy for your records, one copy for the student for their records, and one copy for the student to give to their employer.

Q. How long do I need to keep my student records?

You should keep documentation on the completion of training for three years or until the student reaches the age of 16.

Q. I have been a HOSTA master trainer since 2003 and would like to hold a workshop to train community lead instructors. Are there updated materials since this time? Am I responsible for providing training materials?

• Yes. NSTMOP staff updated the following: PowerPoint presentations and supplemental materials in 2023 and student and instructor manuals in 2021.
• Yes, instructors should provide training materials to their students.

Q. Can I substitute a skid steer or another vehicle in place of the tractor for this certificate training program?

No. This certificate program is designed explicitly for tractors (over 20 horsepower).

Q. When is a support staff person available if I have questions or issues?

The NSTMOP office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST) except on holidays. We encourage you to prepare for courses ahead of time if they will take place outside of regular business hours. If you have questions, please contact the NSTMOP office at 814-865-4582 or nstmop@psu.edu.

Q. Do I have any special liability concerns to think about if I hold tractor safety training for youth?

The liability associated with conducting the NSTMOP is no different from any other educational program or activity in which Extension agents or agriculture teachers engage. If you have some form of approval as an instructor and follow standard teaching protocol, you have the normal liability protection that all extension agents and agriculture teachers have when teaching approved courses or curricula. All state Extension services and high schools have 501(c)3 status as nonprofit organizations. Specialists, agents, and teachers are employees covered by their employer's liability policy or policies. If a county, state, or school normally has youth sign additional liability waiver forms or collect a small insurance fee, the organization should also do so for this program. Note: All practice sessions with tractors, equipment, and testing sites should be conducted on property with injury and liability protection.

Q. Our school district does not own a tractor. What if we use a "borrowed" tractor for our classes? How does this impact our liability?

Your school district should contact their insurer to be sure you are following the policies that are contained within your contract. They should also advise you if you need any additional liability waiver forms. Most one-day policies are for a small fee, which could be integrated into the course fee if charged.

Q. A student younger than 14 years old wants to learn how to drive a tractor. Can I teach them during my NSTMOP course?

Students younger than 14 are not permitted to drive a tractor except on their home farm. Instructors should not let students younger than 14 drive a tractor at any time during the course. A 13-year-old can sit through the classroom only part of the training, but per regulation, they can only do tractor driving, skills testing, or practicing as part of the course once they are 14 years old. Note: It is recommended that the Written Exam, Operating Skills, and Driving Test be given within 60 days of each other.

Q. Is a 16-year-old required to have this certificate to work on a farm?

According to the U. S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, amended in 1968, individuals 16 years and older can be employed in agriculture without this certification. However, agricultural safety and health training is encouraged for farm workers of any age.

Q. A previous student received her certificate in New York and is moving to Kentucky. Can she use her certificate in Kentucky?

The curriculum is universal and applies to any state in the United States. However, you should check with each state's department of labor to see if their state labor work regulations for youth under 18 are more restrictive than the federal regulations. The most restrictive regulations typically take precedence.

Q. On more than one occasion, I have had individuals from various religious sectors ask if they can participate in the NSTMOP training. My concern is for their safety because they are wearing loose clothing. It is recommended in the instructor manual that proper dress for test participation should be snug-fitting clothing and long pants. Inappropriate dress includes baggy pants, shorts, sandals, jewelry, watches, and necklaces. Should I permit them to take the operating and driving exam?

Safety is always our number one concern. The NSTMOP does not recommend wearing loose clothing or accessories during the Operating skill test and the Driving test. The final decision, however, about what to allow always rests with the instructor. You can find a reasonable accommodation by speaking with the student and parents. The official USDA certificate of completion can only be issued if the student completes all three parts of the testing procedure.

Q. How does the Independent Study option work?

The NSTMOP materials were designed for use in various instructional settings. Instructors can use the curriculum in the following ways:

• a traditional classroom setting (secondary-level agricultural classroom setting),
• an Extension/4-H program,
• an independent study format or
• a combination of these.

There are 48 Task Sheets in the NSTMOP Student Manual identified as core (C) that cover the Minimum Core Content Area (MCCA) topics and should be used to prepare students for the NSTMOP Written Test. Written test questions come from these Task Sheets. To meet the current requirements of the USDOL HOOA exemption, instructors should provide a minimum of 24 hours of instructions dedicated to these topics.

Students who cannot access 4-H or secondary agriculture classes can use the NSTMOP student manual and other educational resources (i.e., Deere & Company's Farm and Ranch Safety Management book, other written texts, other instructional task sheets, student worksheets, tractor and machine operator and service manuals, demonstrations, vendor tractor and equipment safety videos, reputable Internet resources, AgSafety4U online course and guest speakers) along with the Skills and Driving test guidelines and forms, to prepare for testing with the nearest Community Lead Instructor (CLI). These other resources are separate from the NSTMOP course. The student must maintain contact with the CLI and complete and pass all required exams.

Success for the student selecting the independent study option is increased by:

• The student works with a mentor (e.g., parent, teacher, neighbor, farmer, etc.) to answer questions while studying the Task Sheets in the NSTMOP student manual.
• The student maintains contact with the CLI to communicate progress, request sample test questions to measure strengths and weaknesses and stay on track to meet test dates and times.

The CLI must maintain contact with the student to ensure their focus and progress toward the test date(s). Note: It is recommended that the Written Exam, Operating Skills, and Driving Test be given within 60 days of each other.

Q. How do I handle students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and want to participate in the NSTMOP?

Several factors impact the answer to this question, and instructors must always use professional judgment in responding to the needs of individual students.

The NSTMOP is an optional program or course offering, which means that students are not required to take the NSTMOP, no institution is required to offer the course, and instructors are not required to modify an IEP so that a student can participate in the NSTMOP.

In addition, the NSTMOP is primarily for students who expect to be employed outside of school time on a farm, outside of school time, by someone other than a parent or legal guardian. If employment operating agricultural equipment is not a realistic expectation of the IEP student or their parents or guardians, the student need not complete the program.

Finally, note that your employer might require informed consent (IC) before the student can participate in the NSTMOP. A parent or legal guardian and the student must sign the IC document. The IC indicates, among other things, that the student is 14 years of age and "[does] not have any physical or mental limitations for participation in this project." The NSTMOP should only be offered to people for whom this statement would be accurate. In most cases, a phone call to the parent or legal guardian to explain the purpose and requirements of the NSTMOP resolves any issues.

IEP students who do not complete the program might benefit from some level of participation in the NSTMOP. For instance, they may be able to participate in all learning activities, such as educational sessions and the written exam, aside from the skills and driving tests (including any practice sessions). Students may have test questions read aloud to them and may have extra time to complete the written exam. If you allow an IEP student to participate in only the educational part of the NSTMOP, you do not need to obtain an IC or a program evaluation form from the student.

History of NSTMOP and HOSTA

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) is a project through the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative States Research, Education and Extension Service's Hazardous Occupations Safety Training for Agriculture (HOSTA) Program.

Collaborators developed this program to respond to the need for resources to inform and support the Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification Regulation, which the U.S. Department of Labor administers.

The collaborators include Penn State University, Ohio State University, and the agricultural division of the National Safety Council, which developed this program through funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This program is now managed solely by Penn State.

Contact Information

National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program
The Pennsylvania State University
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Ag Safety and Health
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-4582
Email: nstmop@psu.edu