OSP vs OPM — Which HCAI Program Do You Need?
Both programs live under HCAI (formerly OSHPD) and both end in a public listing. But they certify different things, take different paths, and cost different amounts. Here's the plain-English comparison.
OSP vs OPM at a glance
| Feature | OSP (Special Seismic Pre-approval) | OPM (Office of Project Management) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Certify equipment family for seismic survival | Pre-approved anchorage details database |
| Scope | Equipment + mounting + interior components | Anchorage to structure (per family of details) |
| Code basis | ASCE 7-22 Ch.13, ICC-ES AC156 | ASCE 7-22 Ch.13, ACI 318-19 Ch.17 |
| Shake table testing | Required for active Ip=1.5 equipment | Not required |
| Typical cost | $10K – $45K+ | $6K – $12K per family |
| Typical timeline | 6 – 20 weeks | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Best for | OEMs selling into many CA hospitals | Manufacturers with reusable anchorage kits |
| Listed publicly by HCAI | Yes (OSP number) | Yes (OPM number) |
When to pick OSP
- Active equipment (rotating, energized, pressurized)
- Ip = 1.5, post-earthquake function required
- Sold into many California hospital projects
- Need shake-table proof of operability
When to pick OPM
- Standard anchorage details reused across projects
- Passive equipment families (tanks, racks, panels)
- Wall- or floor-mount kits with consistent geometry
- Manufacturer wants a public HCAI listing without lab testing
Still unsure? Use this 30-second decision rule
If the equipment must keep running after the design earthquake → OSP, almost always with AC156 shake table testing.
If the equipment is passive and the value is in standardized anchorage → OPM is faster and cheaper.
If you ship multiple product lines into California hospitals → most OEMs end up with both: OSP for active gear, OPM for the shared anchorage kits.
Related guides
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