OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training: Full Guide to Certification (2026)

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction training is the supervisor-level safety course for the construction industry. It covers the same hazards as the OSHA 10-Hour Construction course but goes deeper and adds management-specific topics like hazard assessment, safety program management, and OSHA recordkeeping.

If you supervise workers on a construction site, this is the card employers expect you to have.

Who Needs the OSHA 30 Construction Card?

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction course is designed for workers with safety responsibility over others. That includes:

• Foremen and crew leaders
• Site superintendents
• Project managers with field duties
• Safety officers and safety coordinators
• Competent persons (workers designated to identify and correct hazards)
• Safety committee members
• Anyone who directs or oversees construction workers

OSHA itself doesn’t require the OSHA 30 card for all supervisors. It’s a voluntary training program. But many employers, states, and cities do require it.

State and local requirements:

• New York City All supervisory employees on construction sites must have an OSHA 30 card within 15 days of hire (Local Law 196)
• Philadelphia At least one supervisory employee of licensed contractors on permitted construction or demolition work must have OSHA 30
• Nevada Supervisory employees in the entertainment industry must complete OSHA 30 within 15 days of hire
• Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Rhode Island Various requirements for supervisors on public works and construction projects

Even without a legal mandate, most general contractors and large construction firms require OSHA 30 for all supervisory personnel. It’s a standard expectation for anyone in a leadership role on a job site.

What Does the Training Cover?

The OSHA 30-Hour Construction course covers more topics in greater depth than the 10-hour version. The curriculum includes:

Required topics:

• Introduction to OSHA. Worker rights, employer responsibilities, how to file complaints
• OSHA Focus Four Hazards. Falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution
• Personal protective equipment (PPE). Selection, use, and maintenance
• Health hazards in construction. Silica, lead, asbestos, noise exposure
• Managing safety and health programs. This is the key topic that separates OSHA 30 from OSHA 10

Additional topics covered:

• Stairways and ladders
• Scaffolding. Types, inspection, fall protection requirements
• Excavation and trenching. Cave-in prevention, protective systems
• Crane and rigging safety
• Welding and cutting
• Electrical safety
• Fire protection and prevention
• Confined space entry
• Hazardous materials and hazard communication
• Signs, signals, and barricades
• OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements
• Job site inspections and hazard identification
• Multi-employer worksite policies

The “Managing Safety and Health” module is mandatory and only appears in the 30-hour course. It teaches how to build and run a workplace safety program, conduct safety meetings, perform job site inspections, and manage injury/illness prevention.

Not sure whether you need the 10-hour or 30-hour? Read our comparison: OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: Which Do You Need?

How to Get Certified

There are no prerequisites. You don’t need an OSHA 10 card first. Anyone can enroll in the OSHA 30-Hour Construction course.

Step 1: Choose your format. Online and in-person training both result in the same DOL card. Pick whichever works for your schedule.

Step 2: Complete all 30 hours of training. Online courses are self-paced but must meet OSHA’s minimum time requirements. You can’t rush through the material. In-person classes typically run 4-5 consecutive days.

Step 3: Pass the assessments. Most providers require a minimum score of 70% on quizzes and a final exam. The assessments aren’t difficult. They test whether you understood the material.

Step 4: Receive your DOL card. After completion, your trainer submits your information to OSHA. You’ll get a temporary printable certificate immediately and a Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card within 2-8 weeks, depending on the provider.

The DOL card is credit-card sized with an orange stripe (indicating OSHA 30 Construction). It includes a QR code on the back for authenticity verification.

Cost Breakdown

Online courses: $89 to $189. Most major providers charge around $159 at full price, with frequent promotions dropping to $99-$119.

In-person courses: $300 to $600, depending on location and provider. Some state programs offer lower-cost options.

The DOL card you receive is identical regardless of format or price. An $89 online course produces the same card as a $600 in-person class.

Many employers pay for their supervisors’ OSHA 30 training. If your company requires the card, ask about reimbursement before paying out of pocket.

Online vs. In-Person Training

Both formats are legitimate and produce the same DOL card.

Online training is self-paced. You can work through the material over days or weeks, fitting it around your schedule. Most online courses must be completed within 6 months. The platform tracks your time to make sure you actually spend 30 hours on the material. You can’t complete a 30-hour course in a single sitting.

In-person training is typically delivered over 4-5 consecutive days. It includes hands-on demonstrations and direct interaction with the trainer. Some workers prefer this format for the classroom experience, and some employers require it.

OSHA accepts both formats equally. Is online OSHA training legitimate? Yes, as long as the provider is authorized through an OSHA Education Center.

State-Specific Requirements

OSHA 30 is a federal program, but requirements vary by state and city:

• New York City OSHA 30 required for all construction supervisors within 15 days of hire. NYC also requires additional Site Safety Training (SST) cards under Local Law 196.
• Philadelphia At least one supervisor per licensed contractor on permitted construction/demolition must have OSHA 30.
• Nevada Required for entertainment industry supervisors within 15 days of hire.
• Connecticut Required for supervisors on state-funded public works projects.
• Massachusetts Required for supervisors on public construction projects.
• Missouri Required for supervisors on public works projects.

More than 20 states operate their own OSHA-approved State Plans with requirements that can exceed federal standards. Check your state’s specific requirements.

Career Impact

OSHA 30 Construction is a career-advancing credential. It signals to employers that you’re ready for supervisory responsibility and understand how to manage safety on a job site.

Jobs that commonly require OSHA 30:

• Construction superintendent
• Project manager
• Site safety officer
• Safety manager
• Construction safety director
• Foreman or crew leader

Salary impact: Positions requiring OSHA 30 typically pay $42-$55 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $70,000 to $113,000 or more depending on role, location, and experience.

OSHA 30 is a strong first step, but it’s not the ceiling. For dedicated safety career paths, consider professional certifications like the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or ASP (Associate Safety Professional). See our guide: Top Safety Certifications That Increase Your Salary

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need OSHA 10 before I can take OSHA 30? No. There are no prerequisites. You can go straight to OSHA 30 without taking OSHA 10 first.

Does the OSHA 30 card expire? No. The DOL card doesn’t have an expiration date. However, OSHA recommends refresher training every 4-5 years. Some employers, unions, and states set their own renewal requirements.

Does OSHA 30 replace OSHA 10? Not officially. They’re different courses for different audiences. But since OSHA 30 covers everything in OSHA 10 and more, most employers accept OSHA 30 in place of OSHA 10. Verify with your employer or state requirements.

How long does the online course take? You need to complete 30 hours of actual training time. Most people finish the online course in 1-2 weeks. OSHA limits online training to 7.5 hours per day, and the platform tracks your time. You can’t fast-forward through the material.

What’s the difference between Construction and General Industry OSHA 30? Construction OSHA 30 covers hazards specific to construction sites (falls, scaffolding, excavation, cranes). General Industry OSHA 30 covers manufacturing, warehousing, and other non-construction settings. Choose the version that matches your work environment.

Is the OSHA 30 exam hard? No. It’s a training course, not a professional exam. Most providers require a 70% passing score on assessments. Pass rates are very high. The goal is to make sure you understood the material, not to fail you.