Resources · Training
Ten hours for the crew. Thirty for whoever runs it.
OSHA's Outreach Training Program issues the 10- and 30-hour cards that jobsites and contracts demand. Here's who needs which, what the courses actually cover, and the compliance gap the cards don't fill.
| OSHA 10 | OSHA 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Entry-level workers | Supervisors, foremen, safety leads |
| Length | 10 hours (2 days) | 30 hours (4 days) |
| Depth | Hazard awareness basics | Standards, programs, management responsibility |
| Typical mandate | All workers on covered projects | Supervisory roles on covered projects |
| Renewal | Not required federally; some states/contracts impose 5-year refreshers | Same |
| Legal status | Voluntary federally; mandatory via ~10 state laws & many contracts | Same |
OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30 at a glance
What the cards are — and aren't
Outreach training is awareness education, not certification of competence and not a substitute for the standard-specific training OSHA requires: a fresh OSHA 30 doesn't satisfy §1926.503 fall protection training, forklift certification, or LOTO authorization. Those obligations attach to specific standards and specific workplaces. The cards get workers onto sites; the standard-specific training keeps employers compliant.
Mandates come from below the federal level: states like New York (SST), Massachusetts, Connecticut, Nevada, and Missouri require cards for public or all construction work, and general contractors bake them into subcontracts regardless of law. Check your state and your contract — the strictest applicable rule wins.
After the card: the reference problem
Outreach courses survey dozens of standards in hours — retention fades in weeks. What remains is the need the card created: knowing that a rule exists is not knowing what it says. RegLogic is the follow-through — the searchable library where the supervisor who learned about Subpart M in class reads §1926.501(b)(13) on the roof where it applies.
OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: what is the difference?
OSHA 10 is a 10-hour safety awareness course for entry-level workers covering basic hazard recognition, worker rights, and employer responsibilities. OSHA 30 is a 30-hour course for supervisors and workers with safety responsibilities — covering the same topics in greater depth plus program management and specific hazard standards.
Neither course is a certification or license — they are voluntary training programs. The DOL card proves attendance, not competency. Many employers require one or both for site access, but OSHA itself does not mandate them for most workers.
Do you need OSHA 10 before OSHA 30?
No — there is no prerequisite. You can take OSHA 30 without completing OSHA 10. Many workers take OSHA 10 first because it is shorter and sufficient for most entry-level site access requirements. If your role involves supervising others, OSHA 30 is appropriate regardless.
Does OSHA 30 expire?
The DOL card itself does not expire — OSHA has no official expiration policy. However, many employers require cards issued within 3-5 years. Some jurisdictions have their own renewal requirements. The regulations taught in the courses do change, so older cards represent training on potentially amended standards.
Best practice: retake every 5 years or when changing industries. RegLogic keeps you current on the actual regulation text between courses.
OSHA 10 and 30 cost and duration
OSHA 10 typically costs $25-$100 online or $150-$300 in-person, taking 10 hours minimum. OSHA 30 costs $50-$200 online or $300-$600 in-person, taking 30 hours minimum. OSHA does not set pricing — costs vary by authorized training provider.
After completion, the trainer requests a DOL card from OSHA. Cards typically arrive 6-12 weeks later. Some employers accept the completion certificate while waiting.
Which industries require OSHA training cards?
Construction is the most common — most GCs require OSHA 10 for workers and OSHA 30 for supervisors. Manufacturing, warehousing, and utilities increasingly require them. Government contracts frequently specify OSHA training as a bid requirement.
Even where not legally mandated, a current OSHA card affects hiring decisions, insurance rates, and prequalification scores on competitive bids.
Every standard referenced here is one search away in RegLogic — start here.
Start HereFAQ
Common questions
Does an OSHA 10 card expire?
Federally, no — but several states and many contracts require cards issued within the last five years. New York's SST card, for instance, requires renewal.
Is OSHA 10/30 required by federal law?
No — the Outreach Program is voluntary federally. State laws and contract requirements are what make the cards effectively mandatory in much of construction.
Does OSHA 30 make someone a competent person?
No. Competent-person status requires ability to identify hazards plus employer authorization to correct them — a designation your employer makes, task by task, not a card any course issues.
Is OSHA 10 required by law?
OSHA itself does not require it for most workers. However, some jurisdictions mandate it (NYC requires OSHA 10 for all construction workers), and many employers require it for site access.
What is the difference between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30?
OSHA 10 is 10 hours for entry-level workers. OSHA 30 is 30 hours for supervisors. Neither is a certification — both are voluntary training programs.
Does OSHA 30 expire?
The DOL card has no official expiration. However, many employers require cards within 3-5 years, and some jurisdictions have renewal requirements.
Can I take OSHA 30 without OSHA 10?
Yes — there is no prerequisite. OSHA 30 can be taken independently.
How much does OSHA 10 cost?
Typically $25-$100 online or $150-$300 in-person. OSHA does not set pricing — costs vary by provider.
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