Nationally recognized training offered annually

Great Environmental Safety Trainers’ Institute

A premier “Train-the-Trainer” program designed for Instructors funded by NIEHS to prepare instructors in Waste Site Cleanup (HazWOPER).

Video Overview of the GreatEST

Master HazWOPER Training

A 5.5-day institute for Instructors with 50% hands-on learning in OSHA HazWOPER 1910.120(e) applicable for cleanup operations for general site workers & delivering training to adult learners, confined space non-entry rescue, hazard awareness & communication.

  • Graduates earn an NPETE Certificate (renewable every 2 years), ID Card, and full access to the CCCHST training network.
  • From respiratory protection and hazard communication to emergency planning and confined space safety—participants gain tools to teach and lead.
  • Bring nationally recognized curriculum back home to train responders, workers, students, and volunteers.
  • Financial Support Available
Download Program Guide

Stay Current

Stay current with NPETE’s StayFreshers, annual conferences, and partner trainings—all designed to keep instructors sharp and connected.

  • Earn stipends (up to $15,000 annually) for reporting and delivering certified training in your community in our DMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instructors are prepared through a 5.5-day Train-the-Trainer Program called the GreatEST Institute to deliver required training for public and private responders and workers including:

The initial off-site training required by the OSHA HAZWOPER standard at 1910.120(e) applicable to cleanup operations for general site workers and general site workers delivering training to adult learners

Confined Space Non-Entry Rescue

Hazard Awareness and Communication

Participants will learn to protect themselves and their communities from exposure to hazardous materials encountered during hazardous waste site cleanup, Brownfields redevelopment, transportation of hazardous materials, and response to spills and releases of hazardous materials.

NPETE offers this Train-the-Trainer annually in conjunction with Scott Community College, part of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, an NPETE Strategic Partner, located in Bettendorf, Iowa.  This program is designed to prepare up to 20 Instructors per year with an intensive hands-on application of skills for Waste Site Cleanup. Apply via online application. Join our Mailing List to receive notification when applications open.

The following prerequisites must be completed by the deadline stated in the acceptance letter. Prerequisites are for accepted applicants only. Students who register for GreatEST but do not meet the prerequisites will be dropped from the course.


Medical & Liability Waiver Form (included in application)
Code of Conduct (included in application)
The National PETE Waste Site Worker Online Course
Passing a minimum 50 Question Waste Site Worker exam with 80% or better score
FEMA IS-100.C: Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100 Course
FEMA IS-700.B: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction Course
A signed document from your physician stating that you are capable of wearing respiratory protection

Upon completion of the Great Environmental Safety Training Institute (GreatEST TTT) successful participants will be able to prepare workers to prevent and respond to hazardous materials incidents, as well as how to protect themselves and their communities when working with hazardous chemicals and hazardous situations. Successful participants can offer hazardous waste instruction and training to workers who provide skilled support or clean-up services in response to natural and manmade disasters to identify, avoid, control and prevent hazards.