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HAZWOPER Emergency Response Incident Commander Technician (Initial)

Advanced OSHA-Compliant Training for Incident Commanders and HazMat Specialists

EMI classes are only available through the Indianapolis Ivy Tech campus at this time. For more information, contact Indianapolis-EMI@ivytech.edu.

This advanced course is delivered under the supervision of the Ivy Tech Environmental Management Institute (EMI) and meets the OSHA HAZWOPER requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) and 1926.59(q) for responders who must operate at levels beyond the Hazardous Materials Technician.

OSHA recognizes two roles above the Technician level:

  • HazMat Specialist
  • Incident Commander

Instead of offering two separate minimal courses, EMI provides a comprehensive 40-hour HAZWOPER Professional program that fully prepares participants to perform both roles.

Why EMI offers a 40-hour combined course: OSHA allows a minimal 24-hour course for Incident Commanders and requires no additional training beyond the Technician level for HazMat Specialists. However, EMI’s professional judgment is that:

  • Incident Commanders should not direct HazMat Technicians unless they themselves fully understand technician-level PPE limitations, hazards, and response options.
  • HazMat Specialists—often serving as lead responders or team liaisons—benefit from the same knowledge base as the person in charge.

Therefore, EMI’s combined Incident Commander / HazMat Specialist course is intentionally structured as an expanded 40-hour program to ensure safe, informed, and competent leadership during hazardous materials incidents. This course prepares responders to take charge of emergency operations, lead entry and backup teams, assess chemical and biological hazards, and coordinate overall response strategy.

Upon successful completion of the HAZWOPER Emergency Response Incident Commander / Technician Initial course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in:

  • OSHA HAZWOPER requirements for emergency responders
  • Chemical, biological, and physical hazard classification and identification

Participants will also receive hands-on, integrated classroom training that reinforces:

  • Decision-making responsibilities of Incident Commanders
  • Liaison and oversight functions of HazMat Specialists
  • Selection and limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE) for response teams
  • Response strategy development for complex hazardous materials incidents

If there are no upcoming dates listed below, please reach out to the EMI team at indianapolis-emi@ivytech.edu. We will work with you to ensure you get the EMI class you need in a timely manner.

When you click on the  below, you will be directed to the Skills Training Self-Registration Portal. Once you are redirected to the registration page, click on "New to Skills Training?" even if you have an existing username. 

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Note: You will be asked to provide your SSN; this is necessary to match or create a new account with the College. This data is encrypted and deleted from the registration platform once it has been transmitted into our closed database. Please review the College's Skills Training Terms and Conditions and the Student Financial Agreement fully before submitting your registration. 

There are several flexible options available to help cover the cost of your skills training class:

  • One-time payment – Pay the full class price upfront.

  • Payment plan – Split your payments into 3-, 6-, or 9-month installments ($30 to set up, no interest).

  • Employer sponsorship – Your employer may fund your training as part of a workforce development or upskilling initiative - ask them today!

Need help deciding? Select "Unsure" on the registration form and our team will reach out to discuss details with you. 

Upcoming Classes

Class Location

Class Dates
Time
Location
Cost
  • Jan 5, 2026 – Jan 7, 2026 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Monday-Wednesday
Indianapolis
$425
Register

In Person, Instructor-Led

  • Jan 5, 2026 – Jan 9, 2026 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday
Indianapolis
$700
Register

In Person, Instructor-Led

Costs may vary by location given differences in the cost of supplies and class provider.