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Your Complete Guide to Taking the Online OSHA 10/OSHA 30 Training Course and Exam

Updated: Jun 21, 2024


Obtaining OSHA 10 or 30 certification can significantly enhance your resume. Serving not only as a testament to your skills but also as a valuable credential recognized across industries. Not only that, but the actual content you will earn is invaluable to your career. Fortunately, you can complete the entire training and exam online and asynchronously. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore all aspects of the certification including:

  • identifying reputable providers of online training

  • choosing between OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses

  • understanding course and exam structures

  • insights from personal experiences

  • and the essential steps to obtaining and maintaining your Department of Labor (DOL) card

Understanding these aspects will empower you to make informed decisions that will enhance your professional credentials effectively.



Identifying reputable providers of online training


Did you know that there are only eight authorized online outreach training providers? Yet, there are hundreds of unaccredited trainings out there. The accredited providers are listed on the OSHA.org website at https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach/training-providers. I have outlined them below as well. Search within your specific industry and choose the hours that suit your needs.



Do I need an OSHA 10 or an OSHA 30?


The decision is straightforward: are you looking for an entry-level position or aiming for higher-level positions? If there's even an inkling that you might pursue advancement in the future, opting for the OSHA 30 is wise. It’s a waste of time and money to obtain an OSHA 10, only to have to pursue an OSHA 30 a few years down the road. 



What is the price difference?


Based on what I've observed, the cost of OSHA 10 courses is typically around $89, whereas OSHA 30 courses tend to be approximately $159. However, it's worth noting that many training providers frequently offer discounts or sales, so shopping around can often lead to finding a better deal.



Which authorized training provider should you choose?


Ideally, the optimal online learning course should align with your industry (whether construction or general), offer the required number of hours, fit within your budget, and feature an interface that enhances your user experience. This ensures a seamless and effective learning process tailored to your needs and preferences.



What does the course and exam look like?


Typically, these course layouts follow a structured approach:


  • Learning Objectives for the Entire Module: Clearly defined goals outlining what will be covered.

  • Introduction: Overview explaining the specific learning objectives for each component within the module.

  • Component Content: Detailed content presented across multiple pages or sections, addressing the module's objectives.

  • Component Summary: Recap of key points covered in the component.

  • Module Summary: Comprehensive review of all components within the module.

  • Short Quiz: A quiz comprising 5 to 12 questions, designed to assess understanding.

  • Quiz Attempts: Three attempts allowed; failure to pass requires repeating the module.

  • Final Exam: A comprehensive exam at the end of the course, testing knowledge across all modules.

  • Overall Course Timer: Tracks the total duration taken to complete the entire course, although the course itself is typically not timed.



Insights from personal experience


I opted to use the website www.360training.com for my OSHA 30 training. I found their interface user-friendly, they offered discounted courses at the time, and they also had a variety of other training courses that interested me for future exploration. Here are some essential tips for your successful experience:


When you create an account, write down all pieces of information directly into someplace safe


This specific site I used frequently (and randomly) made you type in the answers to your security questions. You only have 60 seconds each time or you get locked out of your account. I understand that it is probably to ensure that the person who registered is also still the person taking it. So if you're the type of person to put random things for your security questions, here is your sign to at least write it down.


You need the full 10 or 30 hours of seat time


When I took my OSHA 30 course, I didn't rush. I took my time, made notes, read everything carefully, and looked to other sources when I felt lost. I never failed a quiz or had to retake a course. That being said, I completed the entire course in a whopping 18 hours and 22 minutes. The kicker is, you need 30 full hours of seat time. This meant my exam did not open for another 11 hours and 38 minutes, so I had to "review" the modules over and over again until the time was up.



Pay Attention the information (Seriously)


I understand, long training sessions can become tiring, especially when they are content-heavy. However, it's crucial to stay attentive. While you may already know much of the material, the information you don't know can be extremely significant. Risk management and safety are the top priorities in the construction industry, and mastering these concepts is essential for your success and well-being.



Acquiring you DOL (Department of Labor) Card


When you successfully complete the exam, you should be able to access your certificate of completion online. Additionally, you'll receive a notification informing you that your physical card will be mailed to you within 5-14 business days. It's important to monitor this process to ensure you receive the physical card. If you don't receive it, there is a limited window to request a free replacement, so act promptly to avoid any issues.


Conclusion


Completing an OSHA 10 or 30 training course is a significant step towards enhancing your career and ensuring workplace safety. By choosing the right course, preparing effectively, and staying attentive throughout your training, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and certification that can open doors to new opportunities.


Remember, whether you're just starting out or aiming for a higher-level position, investing in your safety education is always worthwhile. Keep track of your progress, ensure you receive your physical card, and maintain your certification to stay compliant and up-to-date with industry standards.




 


Interested in learning more about workplace safety and professional development? Check out additional resources and articles on my HerProjectKnowledge site. Dive deeper into topics that can help you advance your career and enhance your expertise. Start exploring now and take charge of your professional growth!





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