OSHA 30 Certification Guide (2025)
Updated July 1, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Looking to move into a leadership role on a construction site? Want to be the person who not only knows how to build safely—but also how to protect your crew?
Then OSHA 30 is your next step.
This 30-hour safety training program is built for foremen, supervisors, project managers, and anyone with authority on the jobsite. It’s longer, deeper, and covers more hazards than OSHA 10—because leadership comes with more responsibility.
What Is OSHA 30?
OSHA 30 is a federal outreach training program created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It’s designed for workers who have or will have supervisory responsibilities in construction, general industry, or maritime.
The training teaches you how to recognize, avoid, and control jobsite hazards—and how to comply with OSHA regulations.
Unlike OSHA 10, OSHA 30 covers more advanced topics, employer responsibilities, and how to manage crews safely.
Who Needs OSHA 30?
You should consider OSHA 30 if you are:
- A site supervisor or crew lead
- A foreman, project manager, or jobsite coordinator
- Preparing to move from technician to manager
- Working on large-scale public or federal projects
- Required to carry it by your employer, union, or local jurisdiction
Some states (like New York, Nevada, and Missouri) require OSHA 30 for supervisory roles on construction sites.
What Does OSHA 30 Cover?
OSHA 30 covers all the topics in OSHA 10—plus deeper modules on managing hazards, legal responsibilities, and advanced safety planning.
Core topics include:
- Fall protection and ladder safety
- Electrical and fire hazards
- Scaffolding, trenching, and excavation
- Confined space awareness
- Health hazards in construction
- Material handling and storage
- Safety program administration
- Employer responsibilities and recordkeeping
- Incident investigation basics
The course follows OSHA’s Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926) or General Industry Standards (29 CFR 1910), depending on your job type.
OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30
| Feature | OSHA 10 | OSHA 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Entry-level workers | Supervisors and crew leads |
| Duration | 10 hours | 30 hours |
| Depth of Training | Basic hazard awareness | In-depth safety management |
| Required For... | First-year apprentices | Supervisors on large projects |
| Cost Range | $40–$100 | $150–$250 |
How to Get OSHA 30 Certified
You can take OSHA 30 either online or in-person through an authorized OSHA Outreach trainer.
Option 1: Online Training
Online is flexible and widely accepted. You must:
- Complete 30 hours of training within 6 months
- Pass all quizzes and final exam
- Receive a plastic Department of Labor (DOL) card in the mail
- Use a provider listed on OSHA’s Outreach Training Provider page
Watch out for fake providers—avoid any site promising “instant OSHA cards” or skipping quizzes.
Option 2: In-Person Training
Great for group training or hands-on learners. Offered through:
- OSHA-authorized training centers (Search here)
- Trade unions or apprenticeship programs
- Safety consulting firms or construction associations
- Community colleges and vocational schools
How Much Does OSHA 30 Cost?
| Provider Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Online (authorized) | $150–$250 |
| In-person (group) | $200–$300 |
| Union-sponsored | Often free |
| School-sponsored | Sometimes included in tuition |
Does OSHA 30 Expire?
Technically, OSHA 30 certification does not expire. But:
- Employers and job sites may require refresher training every 5 years
- Some local or state laws (like NYC SST) treat it as valid for 5 years only
- Best practice is to renew when regulations change or you shift into a new role
Is OSHA 30 Required?
While OSHA doesn’t require the course by law, many jurisdictions, project owners, and safety-conscious employers do.
For example:
- New York City requires OSHA 30 for supervisors under its Local Law 196
- Federal contractors often include it in their safety pre-qualifications
- Union apprenticeship programs may require it by year 2 or 3
Always check with your employer, local regulations, or union safety rep.
Why OSHA 30 Is Worth It
If you're taking safety seriously—and aiming for leadership—OSHA 30 is one of the smartest investments you can make.
It:
- Sets you apart as a knowledgeable leader
- Opens the door to foreman, site lead, and supervisory roles
- Builds your confidence to spot hazards and protect your crew
- Shows employers you’re ready for responsibility
It also looks great on your resume—especially when applying to commercial, government, or union jobs.
Related Guides
FAQs
Can I take OSHA 30 online?
Yes—just make sure you use an OSHA-authorized provider listed on osha.gov.
Does OSHA 30 expire?
Not federally, but many employers expect it to be renewed every 5 years.
Is OSHA 30 better than OSHA 10?
It depends on your role. OSHA 30 is intended for supervisory workers. If you’re in charge of safety or other workers, it’s the right course.
What industries accept OSHA 30?
Construction, manufacturing, energy, logistics, warehousing, and other safety-sensitive fields.
OSHA 30 for Your Trade
Electricians: OSHA 30 is often required for supervising crews on high-voltage or commercial sites. Many electrical contractors also require it for journeymen moving into leadership roles.
HVAC Technicians: Whether you’re managing ductwork installation on a new build or leading a mechanical crew, OSHA 30 shows you can lead safely—especially on large commercial jobs.
Plumbers: Foremen and project leads in plumbing often need OSHA 30 on union or city job sites. It covers trenching, confined spaces, and PPE responsibilities common to your trade.
Welders & Pipefitters: From hot work permits to material handling and fall protection, OSHA 30 gives you the safety credentials needed for industrial welding environments.
Carpenters: If you're running framing crews, installing structural elements, or leading a team on a scaffold—OSHA 30 helps prove you understand safety planning and hazard prevention.
Looking for entry-level safety training instead? Check out the OSHA 10 Certification Guide.
See something outdated or incorrect? Contact us and we’ll get it updated.
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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