How Difficult Is The OSHA Certification Course?

Do you know that a study shows that around 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries occur in the private industry sector? Of these, about 888,220 injuries or illnesses cause an employee to miss at least a day of work. These statistics emphasize the need to have an OSHA card to promote workplace safety and improve knowledge.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification course promotes workplace safety and health standards, educating you on how to identify, prevent, and address potential hazards on your job. However, many prospective learners may wonder how challenging the OSHA certification course is and whether it’s achievable for them. 

This blog post will explore the difficulty of the OSHA certification course, what it entails, the different course levels (OSHA 10 and OSHA 30), and how to succeed in the training.

What is the OSHA Training Course

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training courses are designed to educate both employees and employers on the recognition, avoidance, and prevention of safety and health hazards in the workplace. Once you have completed the outreach program and specialized training, you will receive an OSHA card to show your credibility. The course provides l safety and health training for various industries, categorized into two levels, OSHA 10-hour training and OSHA 30-hour training. 

Also Read: What is Osha Training 

OSHA 10-Hour Training

OSHA 10-hour courses are for entry-level workers to have an understanding of general safety and health hazards. They are mainly offered in four different versions based on the specific professional needs:

• Osha 10 Hour General Industry Course

• Maritime

• Osha 10 Hour Construction Course

• Disaster site worker

OSHA 30-Hour Training

OSHA 30-hour courses are for supervisors, managers, and other responsible professionals who want to enforce safety regulations. They cover in-depth information and are offered in the following versions: 

• General Industry

• Construction

• Maritime

What is an OSHA Certification Card?

OSHA certification card is provided after the completion of your respective training. Authorized instructors will issue it with no expiration date. If you lose your card and need a replacement, you can contact the OSHA training organization. They will issue a new card for the respective charges. However, keep in mind that replacement cards can only be availed if you have completed the training within the last five years.

Read More: How to Request a Replacement for Your OSHA 10 Card Online

Is the OSHA Certification Course Difficult to Pursue?

The difficulty level of the OSHA course depends on your choice of acquiring an OSHA 10/30 card. OSHA 10 is an entry-level training program that will take 10 hours to complete. On the other hand, OSHA 30 is an intensive training program designed for workers and supervisors with safety responsibilities. There are also specific guidelines for OSHA training suitable for the construction industry.

To acquire an OSHA training card, you have to cover various topics, including identifying job hazards, employer responsibilities, and employee protections. Getting the certification is completely voluntary. However, remember the particular requirements might vary depending on where you work, your role and your living place.

Read More: Osha 10 certification Cost

Why You Might Find the OSHA Certification Difficult

Although the OSHA certification courses are designed to be accessible, you will not face any issues with content. However, some individuals may find certain aspects challenging in acquiring the OSHA card, which are discussed as follows: 

• Time Commitment: Both the OSHA 10 and 30 courses require a significant time commitment. For busy professionals, finding the time to complete the training can be difficult.

• Learning Pace: The material is delivered at a set pace, and some participants may struggle to keep up. If you’re not familiar with the safety topics being discussed, it may take more effort to absorb the information. If you opt for online training, you may get options for self-paced learning. 

• Regulatory Language: OSHA regulations can sometimes be wordy and filled with legal or technical terms. While the courses break down these terms, some participants may still find it challenging to understand the regulations fully.

• Exams: Although most people pass the final exams, test anxiety or difficulty with multiple-choice questions can make the assessment feel more difficult.

Read More: Examples of Osha Violations 

How to Choose the Right OSHA Training Course?

Read More: How OSHA10 Increases Workplace Safety in  Construction

Tips to Prepare for OSHA Training

OSHA has a national network of education centers that deliver effective occupational safety and health training. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the comprehensive training program:

Have the Right Equipment

Most OSHA classes are online and can be accessed from anywhere. Therefore, make sure you have a computer and internet access to avoid any technical difficulties. In addition, certain online providers will require you to visit sites to get real experience. For this, you can always keep a notebook and essential safety equipment ready. 

Think Critically

Take each topic of the OSHA training and think critically about the issues. Put yourself in the situation to have a personal learning experience. This will help you learn faster and follow the safety guidelines in your workplace. 

Review and Ask Questions

During the course, you will be given study guides to prepare for the exam. Take your time to review the guides and note down the questions you may have. Inquire about your doubts with the course instructors to ensure you understand every element of the training. 

Continue your Education

While updating your OSHA card once every few years is not required, it is recommended that you upgrade your skills once every few years. Enroll in a refresher course to keep the skills and practices fresh in your mind.

Read More: Which Course is Valuable Between IOSH and OSHA?

Ensure Your Workplace Safety with an OSHA Card!

How difficult is the OSHA card course? For most people, the 10-hour course is manageable, while the 30-hour course is more demanding but still achievable. The courses are designed to be accessible to workers of all educational backgrounds, and the content is presented in an easy-to-understand way. While there are challenges, especially for those unfamiliar with safety regulations, the training is not impossible to complete.

Considering your industry, job role, regulatory requirements, and employer, you can choose the most appropriate course for you. To stay current with the OSHA practices and principles, you can enroll for proper OSHA training and stay informed about industry updates.

References:

1. OSHA 30 Hour General Industry Training | OSHA Industrial Safety Certification

2. Is It Worth Getting OSHA Certified? - Hard Hat Training

3. How to Get OSHA 30 Certification – Safety Associates For Employers

4. How to Get OSHA Certified in 5 Easy Steps

5. OSHA Certification: How Do You Become OSHA Certified?