Qualified person
Someone with a recognized credential, or extensive knowledge, training and experience, who has shown they can solve problems in the subject.
Definition, in the source's words
29 CFR 1926.32(m)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Qualified means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”
What it means
Qualified is about problem-solving ability in a subject, shown either by a credential or by extensive knowledge, training and experience. Unlike the competent person definition, it says nothing about authority to stop work.
Standards usually call for a qualified person where design or engineering judgment is needed, for example when a fall arrest anchorage isn't rated for 5,000 pounds.
Example
Under 1926.502(d)(15), a personal fall arrest anchorage that can't hold 5,000 pounds per attached employee may still be used if it's part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person. An engineer who designs and checks that anchorage is acting as the qualified person.
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 8, Training, Education, and Communication
Practice: Competent vs Qualified Person
CHST: CHST5 Domain 3, Safety Program Development, Implementation, and Sustainment
Questions
- Can a qualified person also be the competent person?
- Yes, if they also have the authority to take prompt corrective action. The two definitions test different things: problem-solving ability for qualified, hazard recognition plus authority for competent.
Related
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.