Difference Between OSHA 30-Hour & OSHA 10-Hour

OSHA 10-Hour vs. OSHA 30-Hour: What’s The Difference

The terms OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour are often used interchangeably, with everyone from employers to upstarts thinking there’s little difference between both these courses. While the 10-hour OSHA training and the 30-hour OSHA training have some similarities, it’s important to note that both these courses are not the same. 

In this guide, we are going to explore the unique differences between the two programs and help professionals select the right option for them. 

What Makes OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA Different?

Naturally, the OSHA 30-hour program covers workplace safety much more comprehensively than the 10-hour program. OSHA 10-Hour is a basic safety course that is most suitable for workers, so they can protect themselves from different workplace hazards.

Meanwhile, OSHA 30-Hour is targeted towards supervisors, safety managers and site leaders who are tasked to protect workers during different projects. These individuals in fields like construction, mining, manufacturing and healthcare have to often perform site inspections and ensure the safety of large workforces. The 30-hour goes covers additional topics to equip these individuals with in-depth knowledge of worksite safety.

OSHA 10-Hour vs OSHA 30-Hour: The Subjects Covered

When it comes to subjects, OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour covers similar topics related to fall hazards, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard communication. However, these topics are covered in more detail in the 30-hour training program. The detailed program often also introduces new courses such as confined spaces, work-related injury and record keeping and bloodborne pathogens (BBP) among others.

Keep in mind that there’s no set course outlines for both forms of workplace safety programs. OSHA authorizes different trainers to provide these trainings through its “outreach training programs”. These trainers then shape these courses according to their own understanding. However, in every case, the distinction between OSHA 10-Hour vs. OSHA 30-Hour is that the latter covers more aspects of workplace safety and in greater detail.

How Long Does It Take To Complete These Programs?

OSHA allows online and in-person instructors to teach for 7.5 hours a day. This means you can complete the 10-Hour training in two days. By the same standard, the 30-Hour training can be finished in a minimum of 4 days.

While learning online, it is generally recommended to take your time with this course to effectively understand the content. Most online OSHA course providers give you six months to complete both of the courses before they expire. This is an ample time to learn at your own pace.

Should You Enroll in OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour?

Anyone who is starting a career as a manual worker or has a staff-level job that requires OSHA training, should enroll in the 10-hour course. Having an OSHA 10-Hour certificate improves your chances of being employed by businesses that operate in a high-risk environment as they prefer candidates who have knowledge of workplace safety procedures.

OSHA 30-Hour is a course that’s designed for management-level professionals who are assigned to look after the safety of different teams. It is a more comprehensive course that could make you eligible for a promotion within your organization.

Do You Need To Complete OSHA 10-Hour To Qualify For OSHA 30-Hour?

The simple answer is no. The 10-hour OSHA course is not a prerequisite for the 30-hour training program. You can enroll directly into this course and earn your certificate and later on, a DOL card issued by the US Department of Labor. However, if you have previously completed your 10-hour course, starting the OSHA 30-Hour program should be the next logical step.

What’s The Difference Between OSHA 10-Hour vs OSHA 30-Hour certification?

Passing OSHA’s outreach training qualifies you to earn the certification of your respective courses. The certificates are emailed almost instantly and clearly state what length of training you have completed. For instance, the OSHA 10-Hour certificate will clearly mention that you have completed 10-hours of training.

After successfully passing the final exam, you are delivered a wallet-size plastic DOL card within 90 days. Usually, it takes 2 to 4 weeks for this card to arrive at your provided address. This DOL clearly mentions which program you have completed.

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