What Is OSHA Certification?

Officially, there’s no such thing as "OSHA certification," and OSHA itself discourages the use of the phrase. However, it's often used to refer to OSHA's Outreach program, because the DOL does issue official OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour cards. 

These aren't required by OSHA, but they are required by certain states and types of employers. So how do you know which online OSHA Outreach course to take?

What Is OSHA 10 Training?

"OSHA 10" is the Outreach training designed to give entry-level workers a general overview of job-related health and safety hazards.  If you need Outreach training and you DON'T have supervisory responsibilities, you should take OSHA 10-Hour. 

OSHA 10-hour courses are further divided up by industry. If you're a construction worker, you need OSHA 10-Hour Construction. For everyone else, you’ll typically need OSHA 10-Hour General Industry.

What is OSHA 30 Training?

"OSHA 30" is the Outreach training designed for anyone with supervisory responsibilities. That includes safety directors, foremen, and field supervisors. Supervisors need to know the rules for everyone working under them, so the range of topics is broader than OSHA 10.

Like OSHA 10, OSHA 30-Hour courses differ by industry. Construction workers have their own industry-specific programs (OSHA 30 Construction), while everyone else falls under General Industry.  

OSHA 30 General Industry is perfect for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, health care, and other medium- to high-risk industries.  

How Do You Get a DOL Card?  

You can earn an official DOL card by completing an OSHA Outreach training program. OSHA doesn't provide this training itself.  It lays out the rules for these programs and approves third parties who undergo a rigorous training process.

You want to look for a provider that is "OSHA-authorized" when shopping for a DOL card. You can confirm their credentials on OSHA's website.

How Long Is OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Good For?

DOL cards don't expire at the federal level.  But some states or industries have specific frequency requirements.  Even when they don't, we recommend you renew your training every 3-4 years to keep up with any changes in OSHA regulations. 

Shop online now for your OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour training course!