Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) f rom NSTMOP Instructors

When is a support staff person available if I have problems?
The NSTMOP Office is open 7am to 4pm EST Monday through Friday except holidays. There is not a support person available on weekends, holidays or after 4 pm EST. We encourage you to prepare for courses ahead of time if they will take place outside of regular business hours. If you have questions, please contact the NSTMOP Office at 814-863-8124 or e-mail us at nstmop@psu.edu.

There is a 13 year-old from my community who wants to be certified. Can she complete the course?
A 13 year-old can sit through the classroom part of the training, but by law, CAN NOT do any tractor driving, skills testing, or practicing as part of the course until they turn 14 years old.

How do I handle students that have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and want to participate in the NSTMOP?
There are several aspects to answering this question and instructors must always use professional judgment in responding to the particulars of the individual that wants to participate.

First, the NSTMOP is not a mandatory program or course offering. This means: a) students are not required to take the NSTMOP; b) you are not required to offer it to them; and c) you are not required to modify an IEP so that a student can participate in the NSTMOP.

Second, the NSTMOP is primarily for students who expect to be employed on a farm outside of school time by someone other than a parent or legal guardian. If employment operating agricultural equipment is not a realistic expectation by the IEP student or parents, the program is not needed for that student.

Third, the Informed Consent (IC) may be required by your employer before anyone can participate in the NSTMOP. The IC must be signed by the parent or legal guardian and the student. The IC indicates, among other things, that the student is 14 years of age and: “ do( es) not have any physical or mental limitations for participation in this project.” The NSTMOP should not be offered to anyone for whom this would not an accurate statement. In most cases, a phone call to the parent or legal guardian to explain the purpose and requirements of the NSTMOP resolves any issues. Having said this, IEP students may benefit from some level of participation in the NSTMOP. For instance, they may be able to participate in all learning activities except the skills and driving tests (includes any practice sessions). This means the student could participate in educational sessions and take the written exam. It is allowable for any student to have test questions read to him or her, and to have extra time to take the written exam. If you allow an IEP student to participate in the educational only part of the NSTMOP, you do not need to have an IC signed, nor do we need a program evaluation form from the student.

Is there a place where instructors can download course materials?
Yes. Instructors can download course materials from HOSTA NSTMOP Instructor Material group at cms.psu.edu once you have a friends of Penn State account, as described in the instructor section of this website.

Is there a version of the Master Score sheet into which I can type my students' information?
Yes. You can find this version of the Master Score Sheet in the instructor group at cms.psu.edu once you have joined the group.

Students younger than 14 years old are wanting to learn how to drive a tractor. Can I teach them during my NSTMOP course?
Students younger than 14 years old are not permitted to drive a tractor except on their home farm. Instructors should not let students younger than 14 years old drive a tractor at any time during the course.

I am a HOSTA Master Trainer and am holding a workshop to train community lead instructors in my state. Am I responsible for providing the training materials?
Yes. The NSTMOP CD you received from Penn State is reproducible, so you can copy that for your participants. You can download all of the task sheets from the website. You can also contact the NSTMOP Office and we will print out and mail you the full instructor's manual for a fee.

Do I have any special liability concerns to think about if I hold a tractor safety training for youth?
The liability associated with conducting the NSTMOP isn't any different than any other educational program or activity extension agents or agriculture teachers engage in. All state extension services and high schools have 501(c )3 status as nonprofit organizations. Specialists, agents and teachers are all employees and covered by their employer's liability policy or policies. As long as the instructor has some form of "approval" as an instructor, and they are following normal teaching protocol, then he or she has the normal liability protection that all extension agents and agriculture teachers have when they are teaching "approved courses or curriculums." If a county/state/school normally has youth sign additional liability waiver forms, or collects a small fee for insurance (e.g., $1 in PA for some 4-H activities), then they should also do it for this program. Additionally, be sure that all practice sessions with tractors and quipment and all tests are held on property that has injury and liability protection.

How do I get a tractor safety certification course I am teaching to show up on the HOSTA NSTMOP website?
Call or e-mail 814-863-8124 or nstmop@psu.edu.

How do I change my contact information listed in the "Find a local instructor" feature on the main HOSTA NSTMOP page?
This information comes from a background database of instructors. You will need to contact us to get that information changed. (814-863-8124 or nstmop@psu.edu)

How do I order copies of the task sheets?
You can order copies of the task sheets by contacting the NSTMOP Office (814-863-8124 or nstmop@psu.edu)

What paperwork do I need to fill out at the end of my course?

1. You and your students should fill out the course evaluation forms the day of the test. Please have your students return the evaluations to you before you issue their certificates.
2. You should fill out three copies of the Department of Labor Certificates of Training (Appendix L in the Instructor Manual)
1. One copy you keep for your records
2. One copy goes to the student for their records
3. One copy goes to the student to give to their employer
3. Fill out the Master Score Sheet
1. An editable version can be found in the HOSTA Instructor Space
2. Or copy it and write in your students' information from Appendix E in the Instructor Manual
4. Send the evaluation forms, Master Score sheet, and the $5 fee* per student to the address below.

National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program
The Pennsylvania State University
Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department
246 Agricultural Engineering Building
University Park , PA 16802

* The $5 fee is only for students that wish to receive a NSTMOP Certificate of Completion Card. Checks should be made out to NSTMOP. Invoices can be sent from the NSTMOP Office if required. For an invoice, call or email the NSTMOP Office at 814-863-8124 or nstmop@psu.edu.