What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30?

OSHA 10 is a 10-hour hazard-awareness course intended for workers. OSHA 30 is a 30-hour course better suited to supervisors or workers with safety responsibility. Both are voluntary under federal OSHA and neither is a certification, though some states, cities and employers require them as a condition of work.

OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: Which Do You Need and What It Costs

Who Takes Which

OSHA 10: entry-level workers who need to recognize common job hazards.
OSHA 30: supervisors, foremen and workers with safety responsibility.
Each comes in versions such as Construction and General Industry. Pick the one that matches your work.

Is It Required?

OSHA calls Outreach a voluntary program that does not meet the training requirements of any OSHA standard. Some states, cities and contracts do require it, so check your project and your state. Separate topic training may still be required: use the OSHA training finder to see what applies to your tasks.

Cards and Records

Trainers have 90 days after the course to issue cards.
Replacement cards cannot be issued for training completed more than five years ago.
OSHA keeps no records of Outreach classes. Trainers and online providers keep them for five years, so ask them for a replacement.

What It Costs

As a planning range, online courses run about $60–$90 for OSHA 10 and $160–$190 for OSHA 30. In-person prices vary, and group classes are usually quoted per class. These are our assumptions, not survey data. Find safety trainers, and ask to see their authorization.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change and State Plan states may differ, so confirm with the current standard or your state agency.

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OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30