Certus

What Certus does

Certus is a multi-brand online training and compliance platform serving regulated industries, individual learners, and government entities across North America. The company operates a portfolio of more than ten brands — including TPC Training, StateFoodSafety, OSHA Education Center, Metrix Training, SafeMotorist, Notaries.com, TradesmanCE, JADE Learning, Builders License Training, S/P2, Paulson Training, and Workforce180 — that collectively reach over 3.7 million learners annually and serve 20% of Fortune 500 companies. Originally known as American Safety Council, the business was rebranded to Certus in April 2023 to unify the portfolio under a single corporate identity following a decade of acquisition-driven expansion backed by Ridgemont Equity Partners.

The core technical asset is Fusion, a proprietary cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that delivers eLearning, instructor-led virtual training, and simulation-based technical content. Fusion provides real-time reporting, audit-ready documentation, custom learning paths, HRIS/SSO integration, and SCORM/xAPI compatibility for embedding content into customer-owned LMS environments. The company also owns Simtech, a physics-based injection molding and extrusion simulation acquired through Paulson Training (March 2024), and operates a credential verification portal at verify.certus.com. Content is anchored by more than 1,000 hours of online industrial-skills curriculum, 40+ instructor-led course topics, and 5,300+ regulatory approvals across jurisdictions.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: (1) enterprise subscription and seat-based licensing for multi-site organizations across ten verticals (manufacturing, food & beverage, retail, transportation & logistics, construction, government, education, industrial services, facility & property services, and energy & utilities); (2) direct-to-consumer one-time course and certification purchases (food handler cards, notary commissioning, driver safety, trades licensing prep); and (3) implementation, customization, and account-management professional services bundled with enterprise agreements. Distribution runs through a hybrid enterprise field-sales motion (book-a-demo, quote-based pricing for large accounts), a self-serve PLG funnel via Fusion and brand websites, and a channel-like brand-portfolio structure in which each acquired brand maintains its own market presence and customer base.

Name

Certus

Legal name

Certus

Website

https://certus.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Certus is a multi-brand online training, certification, and compliance platform serving enterprises, government, and individual learners across 10 regulated verticals in North America, anchored by its Fusion LMS and a portfolio of 10+ acquired brands reaching 3.7M+ learners annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Training and Certification Platform

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Core LMS Platforms (Academic & Corporate) (EDAFAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate/L&D Course Licensing from Creators (B2B Upskilling) (MPACALAH), Learning Technology & LMS/LXP Implementation (BPACANAH), Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA), Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations) (BPAEANAD), LMS Commerce, Licensing & Monetization (eCommerce, Subscriptions, Seat Management) (EDAFAAAK)

Keywords

• Workforce training
• Online certification
• Compliance training
• Learning management platform
• Professional licensure courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Orlando

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Enterprise Training Subscriptions and Licenses: Enterprise customers purchase training programs, licenses, and subscriptions at scale. Volume discounts and bulk licensing are available for enterprise teams. Government agencies, manufacturing firms, and multi-site organizations purchase seat-based or enterprise-wide licenses with annual or multi-year terms.
2. Individual Course and Certification Purchases: Individual learners purchase courses and certifications directly (e.g., food handler cards, notary commissioning, driver safety courses, professional licensing exam prep). Self-serve online purchasing with per-course pricing.
3. Professional Services and Custom Development: Implementation and rollout support, training needs analysis, customized learning paths, integration and optimization guidance, and dedicated account management services for enterprise clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Certus operates a cloud-based learning management system (Fusion LMS) that delivers online eLearning, instructor-led training, and simulation-based technical training across workplace safety, technical skills, food and beverage, driver safety, workforce development, and trades/licensing categories. The platform serves enterprise customers with seat-based subscriptions and individual learners with self-serve course purchases, supported by a portfolio of 10+ acquired brands (TPC Training, StateFoodSafety, OSHA Education Center, Metrix Learning, Paulson Training, etc.).

Product overview

Certus is a portfolio company operating as a unified platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering centers on the Fusion learning management system (LMS) for training administration, combined with comprehensive training content libraries across technical skills, workplace safety, food & beverage, driver training, workforce development, and trades & licensing. Certus serves multiple industries through acquired brands including TPC Training (industrial skills and workplace safety), StateFoodSafety (food safety certification), OSHA Education Center (OSHA-authorized training), Metrix Learning (workforce development), Notaries.com (notary services), SafeMotorist (driver safety), TradesmanCE (professional trades education), JADE Learning (alarm/electrical continuing education), Builders License Training, S/P2 (career technical training), Paulson Training (plastics processing), and Workforce180 (workforce development). The platform delivers training through on-demand eLearning, instructor-led training (virtual or in-person), simulation-based technical training, and microlearning formats. Key platform features include credential verification, compliance tracking, and integration capabilities with existing HRIS and LMS systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TPC Training: Industry leader in training and workforce management solutions with a best-in-class learning platform for industry training requirements and employee training tracking.
• StateFoodSafety
• OSHA Education Center
• Metrix Learning
• Notaries.com
• SafeMotorist
• TradesmanCE
• JADE Learning
• Builders License Training Institute
• S/P2
• Paulson Training
• Fusion

Products and services

• Fusion LMS Platform Proprietary cloud-based learning management system enabling employees and managers to assign training, track progress, manage certificates, run real-time reports, and integrate with HRIS/SSO systems. Used by enterprise customers and individual learners.
• Technical Skills Training Industrial skills training including electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, and maintenance courses available online and via instructor-led formats. Designed for enterprise workforce upskilling across 10+ industry verticals.
• Workplace Safety Training OSHA-authorized safety courses including OSHA 10/30-Hour Outreach training, HAZWOPER, MSHA Part 46, and site safety programs. Delivered online or via private instructor-led group sessions for construction and general industry.
• Food and Beverage Training ANAB-accredited food safety training including Food Handler, Food Manager, Alcohol Server/Seller, and Allergen Awareness certifications. State-accepted and government-approved across jurisdictions.
• Driver Training State-approved driver education, defensive driving, CDL/ELDT training, DOT compliance, and HAZMAT training. Serves commercial vehicle operators, fleet drivers, and consumer drivers seeking insurance reductions or ticket dismissal.
• Workforce Development Vocational and professional development training for automotive service, collision repair, construction, heavy-duty/diesel, cosmetology, culinary, welding, machining, and related skilled trades.
• Trades and Licensing Pre-licensing and continuing education courses for professional trades including electricians, contractors, plumbers, HVAC technicians, real estate, insurance, architecture, pest control, and tax preparers.
• Plastics Processing Training Training for injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and PET-ISBM processes. Includes Simtech simulation technology, ProMolder Certification, and instructor-led Paulson Plastics Academy seminars for plastics manufacturing professionals.
• Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate First-of-its-kind global standardized safety credential for data center personnel, with 16 self-paced modules covering electrical hazards, fire prevention, heat, noise, chemical management, confined spaces, and emergency procedures. 30-question exam, 2-year credential validity.
• Enterprise Solutions Scalable workforce training solutions for multi-site organizations across 10 industries (manufacturing, food and beverage, retail, transportation, construction, government, education, industrial services, facilities, energy and utilities) including training needs analysis, implementation support, customized learning paths, and dedicated account management.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3.7M+ students served annually across all brands and segments
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Data Center Safety Council (DCSC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025DCSC, an industry group of data center innovators and hyperscalers, partnered with Certus to launch the first-ever Data Center Safety Awareness Certificate. DCSC led development with EHS leaders at global data centers; Certus delivers the training via its platform. Certificate provides a global standardized baseline in safety awareness for data center environments.
• Paulson Training Programs, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2024Certus acquired Paulson Training in March 2024 to expand its portfolio of business-to-business industrial skills and simulation offerings. Paulson provides science-based injection molding and extrusion technology training and Simtech simulation platform. Nearly 50 years of operating history; serves 5,000+ companies and 50,000+ plastics professionals worldwide. Paulson continues to serve customers under its current brand with Certus platform support.
• Workforce180coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2023Certus acquired Workforce180, a US-based eLearning certification company, to expand its workforce development solutions and enhance offerings for workforce training and credentialing. Workforce180 deepened Certus's offerings for unemployed, underemployed, and dislocated workers and those who support them.
• DoorDashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStateFoodSafety (Certus brand) partnered with DoorDash to deliver an industry-first merchant benefits program, providing special rates on food safety training to DoorDash merchant partners.
• American Culinary Federation (ACF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerStateFoodSafety partnered with the American Culinary Federation to provide special rates on food safety training to ACF members.
• Paulson Plastics AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaulson Training (Certus brand) partners with Paulson Plastics Academy for instructor-led plastics training seminars, expanding delivery formats for injection molding and extrusion education beyond digital courses and simulations.
• University of South FloridacoreTechnology or IntegrationCertus holds an OSHA-authorized training partnership with the University of South Florida, enabling it to deliver OSHA 10- and 30-hour Outreach training for construction and general industry.
• Automotive Lift InstituteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCertus offers exclusive partner credentials courses from the Automotive Lift Institute as part of its career and technical training library.
• Daimler TrucksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCertus offers exclusive partner credentials courses from Daimler Trucks as part of its career and technical training library.
• Crash ChampionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCertus offers exclusive partner credentials courses from Crash Champions as part of its career and technical training library.
• ValvolineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCertus offers exclusive partner credentials courses from Valvoline as part of its career and technical training library.
• WD-40® BrandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCertus offers exclusive partner credentials courses from WD-40® Brand as part of its career and technical training library.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Skillsoft: Skillsoft is a large enterprise corporate learning platform offering compliance, leadership, and technology training to global enterprises. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving enterprise L&D with similar compliance and certification content, though Skillsoft is significantly larger and more diversified across IT, leadership, and compliance.
• UL Solutions (formerly ClickSafety): UL Solutions offers safety training through ClickSafety, focusing on OSHA, environmental, and construction compliance. Strong competitor in workplace safety training; comparable enterprise content library and regulatory approval positioning, though operating as part of a broader testing/certification services conglomerate.
• National Safety Council (NSC): NSC is a nonprofit safety leader offering workplace safety training, certifications, and First Aid/CPR programs. Comparable in workplace safety content and OSHA-aligned training for enterprises, though NSC operates as a mission-driven nonprofit with different GTM economics.
• Coursera for Business: Coursera partners with universities and companies to deliver online courses, certificates, and degree programs to enterprise L&D buyers. Comparable as an enterprise LMS/content platform serving Fortune 500 corporate training needs, though Coursera skews more toward academic and technology content versus Certus's regulated industrial verticals.
• Udemy Business: Udemy Business provides a subscription-based enterprise learning platform with thousands of courses across business, technology, and compliance. Comparable as a multi-course enterprise LMS, though Udemy skews toward broader professional skills versus Certus's deep regulated-industry specialization.
• Pluralsight: Pluralsight is a tech-focused enterprise learning platform for IT, software development, and cybersecurity skills training. Comparable as a subscription-based enterprise learning platform, though focused on technology skills rather than regulated industrial and safety compliance.

Direct peers

• Vector Solutions: Vector Solutions is a leading provider of training and compliance SaaS for safety, workforce, and operational excellence across regulated industries (manufacturing, construction, energy, public safety). One of the closest direct competitors to Certus, with comparable enterprise sales motion, similar content libraries, and overlapping vertical focus.
• 360training: 360training offers regulated online training for workforce and consumer compliance, including OSHA, food safety, real estate, and healthcare. Direct competitor in the regulatory compliance and state-approved certification space, serving both individuals and enterprises.

Emerging players

• LearnSafe (SafetySkills): SafetySkills (now LearnSafe) provides online OSHA and workplace safety training for SMB and enterprise. A more focused, emerging competitor in workplace safety eLearning with comparable subject matter expertise but smaller scale and brand recognition.
• TalentLMS: TalentLMS is a cloud-based learning management system targeting SMB and mid-market with course libraries and compliance features. Comparable as an LMS platform serving training administrators, though more horizontal/general-purpose versus Certus's vertical specialization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Certus