National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) Instructor Training
- Skill Level
- Beginner Intermediate
- Length Content Access
- 365
- Sections
- 4
- Length
- 2 hours
- Language
- English
- Note
- This course offers 2 PDE Act 48 hours and a certificate of completion. This course is excluded from promotional discounts.*
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be ready to organize and teach the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) to youth. In this self-paced course, you will learn how to conduct the written, operating skills, and driving tests, and you will be prepared to successfully organize and communicate safety information and procedures to youth.
Through educational videos and short readings, you will learn about Hazardous Occupation Orders in Agriculture, Minimum Core Content Areas, how to organize a training program, testing procedures, and certification procedures.
To become a Penn State NSTMOP instructor and receive a certificate, you must pass this course with a minimum score of 80%. You will then gain access to instruction materials, including the instructors' manual, a PowerPoint presentation to help you teach the safety materials, additional instructor materials, and your instructor certificate number.
This course offers 2 Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Act 48 hours. To receive these hours, you must provide your PPID # and approve for Penn State to release your educational information for Act 48 purposes when registering.
The NSTMOP is a training program for 14- and 15-year-olds seeking employment in production agriculture. The U.S. Department of Labor requires youth younger than age 16 who wish to work on a non-family-owned farm to complete this training. Farm operations present a wide range of hazards for workers, and youth are especially at risk for severe injuries and fatalities. By becoming an instructor and offering training programs you are providing an important service to increase the safety of American farms.
- As a NSTMOP instructor, you must have an Extension Educator or an Ag Educator sign off on the training as the Certifying Authority for the USDOL Certificate of Training.Â
- You can take this course and not receive Act 48 hours. For more information about Act 48 hours, visit the PDE Continuing Education web page.
This course is managed by the Agricultural Safety and Health Program in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State.
Need assistance?
- If you are having trouble accessing the course after registering, please call 877-345-0691.
- If you completed the online course, but did not receive a confirmation email containing your instructor number or online materials within 24 hours, please call 877-345-0691 or contact customer support.
- If you have questions about the course content or certification process, please contact the NSTMOP office at 814-865-4582 or by email.
National Safe Tractor and Machinery Safety Student Manual
Purchase the 3rd Edition: National Safe Tractor and Machinery Safety Student Manual.
* This course is excluded from promotional discounts.
- Individuals well-versed in agricultural production practices, knowledgeable about tractors and machinery, and aware of common agricultural hazards, and are interested in certifying youth for employment in agriculture. Â
You will learn how to:
- Understand agricultural Hazardous Occupation Orders
- Identify Minimum Core Content areas
- Understand instructional and testing processes
- Recognize responsibilities and testing procedures for instructors
- Conduct written skill and driving tests
What happens after I register for an online course?
Each registrant will receive an email with an activation link. The online course will be accessible from the "Account Dashboard" once it's activated.
What if I do not receive an activation e-mail after completing course registration?
Start by checking for the activation email from Penn State Extension in your spam folder. You may also resend the e-mail from your account dashboard by going to "My Account", finding the order that contains the online course registration(s), and clicking on "View Order". Click the "RESEND EMAIL" button.
How do I register for a course or make a purchase over the phone?
Contact our customer service team at 1-877-345-0691 for assistance over the phone. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
How long does it take to complete an online course?
Every course is different. The estimated length for a specific course can be found in the course description. You can work through a course at your own pace. However, please keep in mind that you will lose access to the course one year after the purchase date, regardless of whether the course is complete.
Do I have to complete an online course within a certain timeframe? Will I ever lose access to an online course?
You can work through a course at your own pace, but access expires on the date indicated on your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page.
Are online courses graded?
Some courses are graded. Other courses are not graded. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a course is graded.
Do online courses have assignments or quizzes?
Online courses do not have assignments. Many online courses require you to answer questions and/or take quizzes, but not all courses do. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course requires you to answer questions and/or take quizzes.
Do I receive any credits or certification for completing an online course?
Certificates are available for some courses, but not all courses. When applicable, certificates are issued upon successful course completion with a passing grade. The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course.
Some courses also provide credits that can go towards professional certifications. None of the online courses offer credits that can go on a college transcript.
Please refer to the course description to learn if a specific course offers certificates and/or credits towards professional certification.
How will I access my certificate once I complete an online course?
Upon successful completion of an online course, you will be able to access your certificate by logging in and visiting the "Progress" page in your specific course. If a course is graded, successful completion requires you to earn a passing grade.
The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course. Once you register for an online course, please log in to learn about a specific course's grading criteria.
Also, keep in mind that not all courses offer certificates. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course offers a certificate.
What materials will I need to complete an online course?
You must have internet access. Most courses do not require you to have any other materials, but it is best to refer to the course description to confirm. Although it is not required, if you wish to take notes, it is recommended that you have access to paper, a notebook, or a word processor.
What are the technical requirements for online courses?
You will need a computer or mobile device with internet access. Online courses are compatible with most up-to-date browsers. Cookies will need to be enabled in your browser settings, and we recommend clearing the "psu.edu" cookie before starting an online course. You can also use a non-cache storing (private) browing session to alleviate issues accessing your online course.
Sound is also recommended, but not required.
Is there technical support for online courses?
Yes! If you are experiencing a "Sign In or Register" message when attempting to access your online course, follow these instructions for clearing your browser cookie for "psu.edu" and try again. You can also use a non-cache storing (private) browser session to alleviate issues accessing your online course.
If you encounter a technical error, such as problems with pages loading, video playback, or course appearance, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
Can I enroll in multiple online courses at one time?
There is no limit on the number of courses you can enroll in at one time. However, we recommend that you only enroll in the number of classes you are comfortable taking. Please remember that you can work on a course at your own pace but will lose access on the Expiration Date indicated in your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page, regardless of whether the course is complete.
I am not a Penn State student. Can I enroll in an online course?
Yes! Anyone can sign up for a course. You do not have to be a Penn State student.
Will online courses go on a college transcript?
No. Online courses do not offer credits that can be transferred to a college transcript.
Who can take online courses? Are there any prerequisites?
Anyone can sign up for an online course! Some courses have prerequisites, but most do not. To find out if a course has a prerequisite, please refer to the course description.
Who are the online course instructors?
All online course instructors are Penn State Extension educators and/or Penn State faculty members.
Are online courses accessible for people who require special needs or services?
Yes. Penn State has specific accessibility requirements regarding online content, both to benefit learners and to comply with the law. We design online course content to meet those requirements.
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