OSHA 30 Exam Practice Test: Questions and Answers

For safety and liability reasons, you can’t just walk onto a construction site and start working. You must undergo certain training before even getting hired. One such example is OSHA 30. But the course also comes with a final exam that can be intimidating. After all, it stands in the way of you starting your career.

Worry not! In this blog, we’ll help you prepare for the exam with some examples of questions similar to what you’ll see and their respective answers. So, let's get started on helping you ace your OSHA 30 final exam!

What Is OSHA 30?

OSHA 30 is a training program designed to educate workers and supervisors on their rights and responsibilities related to workplace safety. It is offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a government agency that sets and enforces standards for workplace safety and health in the U.S.

The OSHA 30 training program is intended to provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to identify, prevent, and control workplace hazards.

The program consists of 30 hours of training that covers all the same topics as OSHA 10 but includes new and more in-depth topics. It is typically delivered in a classroom or online format and culminates in a final exam that participants must pass to obtain an OSHA 30 card for Construction or General Industry.

What Is the Difference Between the Construction and General Industry Exams?

Besides the difference in the training topics (discussed below), the difference between the Construction and General Industry exams is in industry relevance. The Construction exam is tailored for those working in construction or related fields, addressing the dynamic and high-risk nature of construction sites, while the General Industry exam applies to environments with more standardized operational hazards, making it suitable for workplaces like factories, retail, and offices.

What Topics Are Covered in the OSHA 30 Exam?

The OSHA 30 Exam covers topics based on the type of industry: Construction or General Industry. Each program is designed to address specific hazards and safety practices relevant to the respective workplace environment. Here's an overview:

OSHA 30 Construction Industry Topics

Mandatory Topics (14 Hours)

1. Introduction to OSHA (1 hour)
2. Managing Safety and Health (2 hours)
3. OSHA Focus Four Hazards (6 hours):
   1. Falls (minimum 1 hour and 30 minutes)
   2. Electrocution
   3. Struck-By (e.g., falling objects, trucks, cranes)
   4. Caught-In/Between (e.g., trench hazards, equipment)
4. Personal Protective Equipment and Lifesaving Equipment (2 hours)
5. Health Hazards in Construction (2 hours)
6. Stairways and Ladders (1 hour)

Elective Topics (12 Hours)

Participants must choose at least 6 topics, with a minimum length of 30 minutes for each. Examples include:

• Scaffolds
• Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, and Elevators
• Fire Protection and Prevention
• Excavations
• Concrete and Masonry Construction

Optional Topics (4 Hours)

• Foundations for Safety Leadership (minimum 2 hours and 30 minutes)
• Other construction-related hazards or expanded mandatory/elective topics.

OSHA 30 General Industry Topics

Mandatory Topics (12 Hours)

1. Introduction to OSHA (1 hour)
2. Managing Safety and Health (2 hours)
3. Walking and Working Surfaces, including Fall Protection (1 hour)
4. Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, and Fire Protection (2 hours)
5. Electrical Safety (2 hours)
6. Personal Protective Equipment (1 hour)
7. Materials Handling (2 hours)
8. Hazard Communication (1 hour)

Elective Topics (10 Hours)

Participants must choose at least 5 topics, with a minimum length of 30 minutes for each. Examples include:

• Lockout/Tagout
• Machine Guarding
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Ergonomics
• Industrial Hygiene

Optional Topics (8 Hours)

• Additional general industry hazards or expanded mandatory/elective topics.

How Hard Is the OSHA 30 Test?

The difficulty level of the OSHA 30 test can vary depending on a variety of factors, including your prior knowledge of workplace safety and health, your attention and retention of the course material, and your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The test has multiple-choice questions, and participants must achieve a passing score to obtain an OSHA 30 certification.

However, the exam is considered challenging as it covers a wide range of topics related to workplace safety and health, including hazard recognition, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, and more.

That said, adequate preparation, including studying the course material and taking practice tests, can also improve your chances of passing the test. Additionally, attending the course with an open mind, engaging in group discussions, and asking questions when necessary can enhance your understanding of the material, making the test easier to navigate.

How Many Questions Are on the OSHA 30 Final Exam?

The OSHA 30 final exam typically consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. However, the exact number of questions may vary slightly depending on the training provider or course format. For example, with OSHA.com, the final exam consists of 20 questions.

The exam covers all the topics taught in the OSHA 30 training program and tests your knowledge of the information covered throughout the course. Participants are required to achieve a passing score to obtain an OSHA 30 certification, which is typically set at 70% or higher.

Keep in mind that you only get three opportunities to pass the final exam. If you do not pass it after the third try, you will be locked out of the course and cannot complete your outreach training in an online setting.

How Long Is the OSHA 30 Final Exam?

The completion time for the OSHA 30 final exam depends on the number of questions on the exam and how well you studied and attended class.  

As mentioned earlier, participants are required to achieve a passing score to obtain an OSHA 30 certification, which is typically set at 70% or higher. It's important to manage your time effectively during the exam and pace yourself so that you have enough time to read and answer all the questions.

Moreover, you have six months from your course enrollment date to complete the 30-hour OSHA Outreach Training. Once the six months pass, your account expires, and you will be required to purchase the course again.

Tips to Prepare for the OSHA 30 Exam

Before we dive into the OSHA 30 practice test, here are some quick tips to keep in mind when preparing for your OSHA 30 exam:

• Understand the Course Structure: Familiarize yourself with the mandatory, elective, and optional topics specific to your industry (Construction or General) and focus on high-weight topics like OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards for Construction or Hazard Communication for General Industry.
• Engage Actively During Training: Take detailed notes during sessions to reinforce learning, participate in discussions, and ask questions to clarify doubts.
• Review Course Materials: Revisit training slides, handouts, and OSHA standards provided during the course and pay attention to charts, examples, and real-world applications of OSHA standards.
• Practice Exams: Test your knowledge with end-of-module quizzes or practice tests (if provided by your training provider), identify weak areas, and focus on improving them.
• Memorize Key Standards and Concepts: Learn OSHA-specific regulations and codes relevant to your industry and key concepts like hazard recognition, fall protection, and emergency procedures.
• Utilize OSHA Resources: Explore OSHA’s website or training guides for supplemental information and updates and use tools like OSHA’s eTools to understand safety practices.
• Time Management: Dedicate specific hours daily to reviewing the material and breaking down topics into manageable sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Stay Calm During the Exam: Read questions carefully and eliminate incorrect answers, manage your time efficiently, and avoid overthinking.
• Take Care of Yourself: Get adequate rest before the exam day, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced meal to maintain focus.

OSHA 30 Practice Test

It’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below, you'll find a few OSHA 30 practice questions. Once you finish answering the questions, we'll discuss the correct OSHA 30 test answers in detail. Let's begin!

1. What is the minimum clearance distance between overhead power lines and a person?

A) 4 feet

B) 6 feet

C) 8 feet

D)10 feet

 

2. What is the maximum allowable weight that an employee can lift at one time without assistance or mechanical devices?

A) 20 pounds

B) 50 pounds

C) 75 pounds

D) 100 pounds

 

3. When should you inspect a scaffold?

A) Before each work shift

B) Before each use

C) After each use

D) After an accident occurs

 

4. Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard in the workplace?

A) Chemical spill

B) Heat stress

C) Mold exposure

D) Noise exposure

 

5. What is the minimum height for fall protection on a construction site?

A) 2 feet

B) 4 feet

C) 6 feet

D) 8 feet

 

6. Which of the following is an example of a hazard associated with excavation work?

A) Heat stress

B) Electrocution

C) Fall hazards

D) Noise exposure

 

7. What is the most effective way to control hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing of equipment?

A) Isolation of equipment from its energy source

B) Posting warning signs

C) Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)

D) Removing equipment from service

 

8. What is the purpose of lockout/tagout procedures?

A) To prevent workers from being exposed to hazardous energy

B) To prevent workers from using equipment improperly

C) To prevent workers from damaging equipment

D) To prevent workers from leaving equipment unattended

 

9. Which of the following is an example of a non-ionizing radiation hazard?

A) X-rays

B) Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

C) Gamma rays

D) Beta particles

 

10. What is the minimum distance that a forklift must maintain from an electrical power line?

A) 5 feet

B) 10 feet

C) 15 feet

D) 20 feet

 

OSHA 30 Answer Key

1. D) 10 feet

Explanation: OSHA requires that a minimum clearance distance of 10 feet be maintained between overhead power lines and any person or equipment unless specific engineering controls are put in place to protect workers.

2. B) 50 pounds

Explanation: OSHA recommends that the maximum allowable weight for manually lifting objects is 50 pounds. Anything heavier than that should be lifted using mechanical aids such as cranes, forklifts, or hoists.

3. B) Before each use

Explanation: Scaffolds should be inspected before each use to ensure that they are in safe working condition.

4. C) Mold exposure

Explanation: Biological hazards in the workplace include exposure to mold, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

5. C) 6 feet

Explanation: Fall protection is required on a construction site when working at a height of 6 feet or more.

6. C) Fall hazards

Explanation: Excavation work presents a risk of cave-ins, which can lead to falls and other injuries. Proper shoring and trenching techniques should be used to prevent cave-ins and other hazards associated with excavation work.

7. A) Isolation of equipment from its energy source

Explanation: The most effective way to control hazardous energy during maintenance or servicing of equipment is to isolate the equipment from its energy source through lockout/tagout procedures.

8. A) To prevent workers from being exposed to hazardous energy

Explanation: Lockout/tagout procedures are used to prevent workers from being exposed to hazardous energy, such as electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy, while servicing or maintaining equipment.

9. B) Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Explanation: Non-ionizing radiation hazards include UV radiation, infrared radiation, and microwave radiation, among others. Ionizing radiation hazards include X-rays, gamma rays, and beta particles.

10. B) 10 feet

Explanation: A forklift must maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from an electrical power line.

Is There an OSHA 30 Study Guide?

Yes, there are study guides available for the OSHA 30 training program.

Study guides are designed to help you prepare for the final exam by summarizing and reviewing the course material. They typically include key concepts, important terms, and definitions, and OSHA 30 questions with answers.

In fact, as a training provider, we offer study guides available in PDF format. Our OSHA 30 courses include a free OSHA 30 study guide to make your study session a little bit easier!

Our PDF study guide will ensure you are ready to take the final exam to receive your certification and wallet card. The study guide is a great supplement to the OSHA 30-Hour Outreach Course and can serve as a quick OSHA 30 final exam “cheat sheet” for future use.

It's important the study guide aligns with your learning style and preferences and uses it with other study methods, such as attending the course, taking practice tests, and seeking clarification on unclear topics.

What Happens if You Fail the OSHA 30 Exam?

If you fail the OSHA 30 exam, the consequences and retake policies depend on the training provider's specific guidelines. Generally, you are allowed up to three attempts to pass each end-of-module quiz and the final exam, with a minimum passing score of 70%. If you do not achieve a passing score after three tries, you may be required to re-register and retake the entire course, which could involve additional time and costs.

To improve your chances of passing, thoroughly review the course materials, focus on areas where you struggled, and consider utilizing practice tests, like the one featured in this article. Approaching the retake with confidence, adequate preparation, and with the right provider can significantly enhance your likelihood of success.

Pass Your OSHA 30 Exam With OSHA.com

Do you need OSHA 30 training? As a top OSHA-Authorized Outreach training online provider, OSHA.com offers OSHA 30 courses for both the Construction and the General Industry. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to pass your OSHA 30 exam on your first try and become OSHA certified!