MSHA Part 46 Certification Practice Exam

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Part 46 Certification Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Comprehensive Practice for Surface Miners, Contractors, and Supervisors

• What is the main purpose of MSHA Part 46 training?
• To teach miners how to operate heavy machinery
• To ensure miners understand and can follow safety and health

standards

• To test miners’ physical strength
• To provide first aid certification

Rationale: Part 46 ensures miners are aware of hazards and know how to

work safely under MSHA standards.

• / 4

• Which of the following is considered a “mine” under MSHA regulations?
• Only underground tunnels
• Any area where minerals are extracted from the earth
• Only coal mining sites
• Construction sites

Rationale: A mine includes surface and underground sites where minerals

are extracted or processed.

• Who must receive Part 46 training?
• Only new employees
• All miners, including contractors and supervisors, who work at a mine

site

• Only equipment operators
• Office staff

Rationale: All individuals working on mine property are subject to Part 46

training requirements.

• How often must experienced miners receive refresher training?
• Every 3 years
• Every 6 months
• Every 12 months
• Every 2 years 2 / 4

Rationale: Annual refresher training is required to maintain safety

awareness.

• What is the minimum number of hours required for new miner training

under Part 46?

• 16 hours
• 24 hours
• 8 hours
• 32 hours

Rationale: MSHA mandates at least 24 hours of new miner training before

independent work.

• When must a new miner complete the initial 4 hours of training?
• Before performing any mining work
• After one week on the job
• After completing orientation
• Only if assigned to machinery

Rationale: The first 4 hours are required before any work exposure to mine

hazards.

• Which of the following is NOT a required topic under Part 46 training?
• Emergency procedures 3 / 4

• Local restaurant options
• Health and safety standards
• Rights of miners

Rationale: Training must cover mine hazards, not irrelevant community

information.

• Who is responsible for developing and implementing a training plan?
• Individual miners
• The federal government
• The mine operator or production-operator
• Local authorities

Rationale: Mine operators must prepare and maintain a written training

plan.

• What documentation must be kept for each miner’s training?
• Verbal confirmation
• Signed daily logs only
• Written training records with date, duration, and instructor
• Supervisor’s notes

Rationale: MSHA requires formal documentation to verify training

compliance.

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