If you work construction in the US, sooner or later somebody — a general contractor, a city ordinance, a union hall — is going to ask for your OSHA card. The first question is always the same: do I need the 10-hour or the 30-hour?
The short answer
| OSHA 10 | OSHA 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Entry-level workers on the tools | Supervisors, foremen, safety leads |
| Course length | 10 hours over at least 2 days | 30 hours over at least 4 days |
| Topics | ~8 (Focus Four + PPE, health, ladders) | ~24 (9 required + electives) |
| Typical cost (online) | $60–$90 | $160–$190 |
| Card issued | DOL wallet card | DOL wallet card |
Rule of thumb: if you direct other people’s work — even informally as a lead hand — get the 30. If you’re on the tools, the 10 is usually what’s asked for.
What OSHA 10 covers
The 10-hour construction course is hazard-awareness training. The heart of it is the Focus Four — falls, electrocution, struck-by, and caught-in/between — which together account for the majority of construction fatalities. Add personal protective equipment, health hazards, and stairways and ladders, and you have the full syllabus.
Tip: Every topic in the 10-hour course has a free practice quiz on this site — start with Introduction to OSHA and work through all eight.
What OSHA 30 adds
OSHA 30 repeats the required core at greater depth, then adds elective topics that matter once you’re responsible for a crew:
- Managing safety and health — programs, inspections, incident investigation
- Foundations for Safety Leadership — the CPWR leadership module
- Trade-specific electives — scaffolding, excavations, cranes, confined spaces, steel erection, welding, concrete, and more
That’s why the SafePath OSHA 30 app also packs a supervisor toolbox — toolbox talks with attendance signatures, incident reports, audit checklists, and crew certification tracking — because the 30-hour card usually comes with the paperwork.
Where the card is legally required
The Outreach Program is voluntary at the federal level, but plenty of jurisdictions have made it mandatory:
| Jurisdiction | Requirement |
|---|---|
| New York City | OSHA 10 minimum for all site workers; 30 for supervisors (Local Law 196) |
| Nevada | OSHA 10 within 15 days of hire; 30 for supervisors |
| Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, West Virginia | OSHA 10 on public/state-funded projects |
| Many GCs nationwide | OSHA 10/30 as a site-access condition regardless of law |
Remember: only an authorized Outreach trainer can issue your Department of Labor card. Prep apps — ours included — get you ready for the class; they don’t replace it. Find a trainer on our resources page.
How to prepare
Walk into your class already knowing the material and the course becomes a formality:
- Read the study lessons for each topic — 5–10 minutes each.
- Take the free practice quizzes until you’re consistently above 80%.
- Use the app’s mock tests for full-length runs.
Both apps are bilingual — every question and lesson is available in Spanish. Practica en español aquí.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip OSHA 10 and go straight to OSHA 30?
Yes. OSHA 30 is not a sequel to OSHA 10 — it's a longer, deeper course that includes everything OSHA 10 covers plus supervisor-level topics. If your role calls for OSHA 30, take it directly.
Does an OSHA card expire?
Federal OSHA cards don't technically expire, but many employers and several states (like New York City under Local Law 196) require refresher training every 5 years. Check your state and employer requirements.
Is OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 required by federal law?
The Outreach Program is voluntary under federal law, but many states, cities, and employers make a card a condition of site access — including NYC, Nevada, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia for public projects.
How much do the courses cost?
Authorized online OSHA 10 construction courses typically run $60–$90, and OSHA 30 runs $160–$190. In-person classes vary by trainer. The SafePath prep apps are free to try and help you walk in prepared.
Practice what you just read
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Free practice questions from every topic — in English and Spanish.