Compare All Safety Certifications Side by Side (2026)

Ten workplace safety certifications exist in the U.S. that cover the majority of jobsite hazards. Picking the right one (or the right combination) is a lot easier when you can see them all in one place.

That’s what this page is. One table. All 10 certs. Hours, cost, renewal rules, format, and who actually needs each one.

Full Certification Comparison Table

A few things jump out from this table. OSHA 10 and 30 cards don’t expire, which makes them the lowest-maintenance option. HAZWOPER certs cost the most and require annual refreshers. And forklift training can be free because your employer is legally required to provide it.

Cheapest Certifications to Get

If you’re paying out of pocket, two certifications stand out.

OSHA 10 (either construction or general industry) runs as low as $25 online through authorized providers. You can finish it in a couple of days. For the price and effort, it’s the best value in workplace safety training. Most construction and industrial employers expect it, and several states require it by law.

The HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher costs $39-$50 online. But you can only take it if you already hold a HAZWOPER 24 or 40-Hour certification, so it’s not a starting point.

Forklift certification can cost $0 if your employer provides it, which they’re supposed to. More on that below.

Which Certifications Can You Complete Entirely Online?

All four OSHA Outreach courses (OSHA 10 Construction, OSHA 30 Construction, OSHA 10 General Industry, OSHA 30 General Industry) are available 100% online through OSHA-authorized providers. You complete the coursework at your own pace and receive a DOL wallet card by mail.

The HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher is also fully online.

Confined space and fall protection have online awareness-level courses that cover the theory. But if your job involves actual permit-required confined space entry or fall protection system use, you’ll need hands-on training too. The online piece alone won’t satisfy OSHA requirements for workers who face those hazards daily.

HAZWOPER 40 and 24-Hour courses are available online for the classroom portion. Both require supervised field exercises to complete. You can’t skip the hands-on component.

Forklift certification always requires an in-person practical evaluation. No exceptions. OSHA won’t accept an online-only forklift course.

Which Certifications Does Your Employer Pay For?

Three certifications on this list are employer obligations under OSHA standards, not voluntary credentials you go get on your own.

Forklift training under 29 CFR 1910.178 is the employer’s responsibility. Your employer must provide the training, conduct the practical evaluation, and pay for it. If an employer tells you to get forklift certified on your own dime before your first day, that’s a red flag.

Confined space training under 29 CFR 1910.146 works the same way. If your job involves entering permit-required confined spaces, your employer must train you. They can’t pass that cost to you.

Fall protection training under 29 CFR 1926.503 is also an employer obligation on construction sites. The standard says the employer “shall provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards.”

OSHA 10 and 30 cards are different. These are voluntary training programs. Many employers pay for them or reimburse the cost, but they aren’t legally required to. If you’re job hunting in construction, getting your OSHA 10 on your own for $25-$89 gives you an edge over candidates who don’t have it.

HAZWOPER training falls somewhere in between. If your employer assigns you to hazmat work, they’re responsible for your training. But if you’re trying to break into environmental remediation, getting your HAZWOPER 40 on your own shows initiative and opens doors faster.

Best Certifications for Career Advancement

The OSHA 10 is a starting point. It gets you on the jobsite. But it won’t get you promoted.

If you’re building a safety career, the OSHA 30 is the first step up. Supervisors and foremen need it, and it signals that you understand hazard recognition at a deeper level than the 10-hour course covers.

HAZWOPER 40 opens up environmental and hazmat work, which pays more than general construction labor. The BLS reports that hazardous materials removal workers earn a median salary of $48,560 per year, and experienced workers in high-demand areas earn significantly more.

For the biggest salary jump, look beyond the 10 certifications on this page. Professional credentials like the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) and ASP (Associate Safety Professional) correlate with salaries above $100,000. We break this down in our guide on safety certifications that boost your salary.

Not Sure Which Certification You Need?

Start with your job title and industry. Construction workers need the construction versions. Warehouse and factory workers need general industry. If you handle hazardous materials, you need HAZWOPER at the right level.

For a more personalized recommendation, check out our guide: What Safety Certification Do I Need?

And if you’re debating between the 10-hour and 30-hour OSHA courses specifically, our OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30 comparison breaks down that decision.

Frequently Asked Questions