The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training (WV MHST) consists of three regional offices and the West Virginia Training and Conference Center (WVTCC), which hosts the former Region 3 office. All offices provide examinations for certifications required by the WV MHST. Regional offices conduct inspections, and investigations of all serious mining accidents, provide industry training, review safety programs, issue permits, and more. 

The Region 3 or Danville, WV office closed in 2020 and relocated to the WVTCC at 431 Running Right Way, Julian, WV, and supports the certification process. We have multiple safety instructors at this location who can help guide the way for miners who are interested in getting into the industry, answer questions regarding expired cards, advise them on the necessary paperwork to receive new certifications and their respective required classes, give appropriate referrals to approved WV instructors, and provide information regarding any other state requirements. Most training events held at the WVTCC require the trainee to take an exam to receive their certification. This is an essential step for miners to complete to move into their new position or to keep their positions with their company.

The WVTCC and regional offices are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If taking an exam, it is important to arrive by 2:30 p.m. to make sure you allow yourself the appropriate time to complete the exam. Before arriving to take your exam, it is recommended to call to verify the appropriate forms needed to test, (5000-23s), and that they are properly completed, and notarized if required. To reach a WVTCC instructor, please call (304) 369-7823. 

Walk-ins are OK at the WVTCC for the following exams: 

• Surface Apprentice 
• Surface Miner
• Underground Apprentice 
• Underground Miner 
• Shot Firer
• Belt Examiner 
• Coal Truck Driver 
• Electrical Apprentice 
• EMT-Instructor
• Underground Mine Foreman Upgrade 
• Surface Mine Foreman Upgrade 
• Mine Foreman Reciprocity 
• Shaft/Slop Shot Firer
• Qualified Clearing Crew
• Safety Sensitive 

Please make an appointment for the following exams: 

• EMT-Miner
• Gas Testing
• Mine Foreman
• Assistant Mine Foreman
• Clay Mine Foreman 
• Shaft/Slope Superintendent 
• Shaft/Slope Examiner Foreman
• Mine Rescue Team Member 
• Gas Test Instructor, Construction, Shaft/Slope Supervisor 

The new WVTCC office focuses more on supporting the industry by providing mine safety training in-house, satisfying industry training programs by supplementing demand with our instructors, monitoring hands-on training, providing a training venue that includes electrical and mine labs, and offering exams/certifications. If you need support with permitting, inspections, or any other operations, please call the WV MHST headquarters office for more information at (304) 558-1425.