OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: Differences, Requirements & Which You Need (2026)
Compare OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 training side by side. Hours, cost, who needs each, and which card is right for your role
OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 are both safety training courses run through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program. They cover the same types of hazards but at different depths. The main differences are who they’re designed for, how long they take, and what they cost.
Here’s the short version: OSHA 10 is for workers. OSHA 30 is for supervisors. If you’re not sure which one you need, this guide breaks it all down.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | OSHA 10 | OSHA 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Entry-level workers | Supervisors, foremen, managers |
| Training hours | 10 hours | 30 hours |
| Online cost | $25-$89 | $89-$189 |
| In-person cost | $150-$300 | $300-$600 |
| Time to complete | 1-2 days (in-person) or self-paced online | 4-5 days (in-person) or self-paced online |
| Card issued | DOL wallet card | DOL wallet card |
| Expires? | No (refresher recommended every 4-5 years) | No (refresher recommended every 4-5 years) |
| Available versions | Construction, General Industry | Construction, General Industry |
| Available online? | Yes | Yes |
Both courses result in the same type of DOL wallet card. The OSHA 30 card doesn’t “outrank” the OSHA 10 card. They serve different purposes for different roles.
Who Needs OSHA 10?
OSHA 10 is designed for entry-level workers. If you’re starting a job in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, or any industry with physical hazards, this is usually the first safety card your employer will ask for.
You probably need OSHA 10 if you’re a:
- Construction laborer, apprentice, or helper
- Warehouse worker
- Manufacturing line worker
- Maintenance technician
- Any entry-level role on a job site
Several states require OSHA 10 by law for construction workers. New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all have OSHA 10 mandates for certain construction work.
Even in states without a legal mandate, most general contractors require OSHA 10 as a condition of site access.
Read the full guide: OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training
Who Needs OSHA 30?
OSHA 30 is designed for workers with supervisory responsibility. If you manage crews, run job sites, or oversee safety programs, this is the card employers expect you to have.
You probably need OSHA 30 if you’re a:
- Foreman or crew leader
- Site superintendent
- Project manager with field responsibilities
- Safety officer or safety coordinator
- Safety manager
- Anyone who directs or supervises workers
Some employers require OSHA 30 for all supervisory positions. It’s also a common prerequisite for construction safety director roles and other leadership positions in safety.
Read the full guide: OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
What Each Course Covers
Both courses are built on the same foundation. They cover the same hazard categories. OSHA 30 just goes deeper and covers more topics.
OSHA 10 covers:
- Introduction to OSHA (worker rights, employer responsibilities)
- OSHA Focus Four hazards (falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, electrocution)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Health hazards (silica, lead, noise)
- A selection of elective topics chosen by the trainer
OSHA 30 covers everything in OSHA 10 plus:
- All required OSHA 10 topics in greater detail
- More elective topics (scaffolding, excavation, cranes, welding, electrical, and others)
- Management of safety and health programs
- Multi-employer worksite policies
- Recordkeeping and OSHA reporting requirements
- How to conduct workplace hazard assessments
The key difference isn’t just time. OSHA 30 teaches you to identify and manage hazards across a worksite, not just protect yourself. It’s training for people responsible for other workers’ safety.
Construction vs. General Industry
Both OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 come in two versions:
Construction (29 CFR 1926) covers hazards specific to construction sites: falls from heights, scaffolding, excavation, structural steel, crane operations, and concrete/masonry work.
General Industry (29 CFR 1910) covers hazards in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and other non-construction settings: machine guarding, lockout/tagout, powered industrial trucks, hazardous materials, and process safety.
Pick the version that matches your work environment. If you work on construction sites, get the Construction version. If you work in a factory, warehouse, or office with industrial hazards, get the General Industry version.
If you work in both environments, some workers carry both cards. But most people only need one.
Cost Comparison
Online training is the most affordable option for both courses:
- OSHA 10 online: $25-$89
- OSHA 30 online: $89-$189
In-person training costs more but includes hands-on demonstrations:
- OSHA 10 in-person: $150-$300
- OSHA 30 in-person: $300-$600
The DOL card you receive is identical regardless of format or price. A $25 online OSHA 10 card carries the same weight as a $300 in-person one.
Many employers pay for their workers’ OSHA training. If your employer requires the card, ask if they’ll cover the cost before you pay out of pocket.
Can You Skip OSHA 10 and Go Straight to OSHA 30?
Yes. There’s no prerequisite. You don’t need OSHA 10 before taking OSHA 30.
However, if you’re an entry-level worker, OSHA 30 is more training than your role requires. Most employers want workers to have OSHA 10 and supervisors to have OSHA 30. Having OSHA 30 as a laborer won’t hurt you, but it also won’t replace the need for OSHA 10 in jurisdictions that mandate it specifically.
If you plan to move into a supervisory role soon, going straight to OSHA 30 can save you from taking two courses. But check with your employer first. Some require both.
Career Impact
OSHA 10 is a baseline credential. It gets you on the job site. It shows employers you understand basic safety awareness. Most construction workers earn it early in their career and keep it current.
OSHA 30 carries more weight for career advancement. It signals supervisory readiness. Many employers won’t promote workers to foreman or superintendent without it. Safety-focused roles like safety manager and EHS specialist typically expect OSHA 30 as a minimum.
Neither card replaces professional certifications like the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) or ASP (Associate Safety Professional). Those are separate credentials for dedicated safety professionals. See our guide on safety certifications that boost your salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OSHA 30 replace OSHA 10? Not officially. They’re different courses for different audiences. However, since OSHA 30 covers everything in OSHA 10 and more, most employers accept OSHA 30 in place of OSHA 10. Check with your specific employer or state requirements.
Do either card expire? No. Neither the OSHA 10 nor OSHA 30 DOL card has an expiration date. OSHA recommends refresher training every 4-5 years to stay current with updated standards. Some states and employers set their own renewal requirements.
Can I take both courses online? Yes. Both OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 are available online through OSHA-authorized providers. The DOL card issued is the same as in-person training. Read more: Is Online OSHA Training Legitimate?
How long does the OSHA 30 take online? Online OSHA 30 courses are self-paced but must meet OSHA’s minimum time requirements. Most people complete it over 1-2 weeks. You can’t rush through it in a single day. The platform tracks your time to make sure you meet the 30-hour minimum.
Which OSHA card do employers prefer? It depends on the role. For workers and laborers, OSHA 10 is standard. For supervisors and managers, OSHA 30 is expected. Some large general contractors require OSHA 30 for all workers on their sites, but this isn’t common.
Is one harder than the other? OSHA 30 covers more material and takes longer, but neither course is meant to be hard. They’re training courses, not professional exams. Most providers include quizzes or assessments, but pass rates are very high.