OSHA Safety Exam Study Guide (2026)
Everything the OSHA Construction Safety Practice Test (29 CFR 1926) tests, topic by topic: what each section covers, the facts that come up most, and how to study it. Pair it with the free 15-question practice test.
The exam at a glance
| Questions | Major section of NASCLA, Florida PM and state trade exams |
|---|---|
| Time | Lookup-heavy on open-book exams |
| Passing score | Applies to every exam |
| Format | 29 CFR 1926 is on most approved reference lists |
| Licensing body | OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (construction standards) |
| Test provider | All test vendors |
Mind map: the whole exam on one screen
1. Fall Protection
Subpart M sets when fall protection is required and how guardrails, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems must perform. Falls are the leading cause of construction deaths, so this is one of the most heavily tested areas. Expect number questions on heights, forces and distances.
Key facts
- Fall protection is required on walking/working surfaces 6 feet or more above a lower level (29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)).
- Guardrail top rail height is 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, above the walking/working level (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(1)).
- Top rails must withstand 200 pounds of outward or downward force; midrails must withstand 150 pounds (29 CFR 1926.502(b)(3) and (b)(5)).
- Personal fall arrest: max arresting force 1,800 pounds with a body harness, free fall no more than 6 feet, deceleration distance no more than 3.5 feet (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)).
- Anchorages for personal fall arrest must support at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached, or be part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two, supervised by a qualified person (29 CFR 1926.502(d)(15)).
- Safety nets go no more than 30 feet below the work surface (29 CFR 1926.502(c)(1)). Toeboards are at least 3 1/2 inches high (29 CFR 1926.502(j)(3)).
- A hole is a gap or void 2 inches or more in its least dimension. Covers must be secured and marked HOLE or COVER (29 CFR 1926.500(b) and 1926.502(i)(4)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Do not mix up trigger heights: 6 feet is the Subpart M general rule, but scaffolds use more than 10 feet under Subpart L.
2. Stairways and Ladders
Subpart X covers when a stairway or ladder is required and how ladders must be built, placed and used. Questions focus on access heights, ladder angles, extension above landings and stair rail rules. Most answers are single numbers you can look up quickly in 1926.1051 to 1926.1053.
Key facts
- A stairway or ladder is required at every personnel point of access with a break in elevation of 19 inches or more, unless a ramp, runway, embankment or personnel hoist is provided (29 CFR 1926.1051(a)).
- Portable ladders used to reach an upper landing must extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1)).
- Non-self-supporting ladders are set so the base is about one-quarter of the working length out from the top support, the 4 to 1 rule (29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(5)(i)).
- Ladder rungs, cleats and steps are spaced 10 to 14 inches apart, center to center (29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(3)(i)).
- Portable ladders must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load; extra-heavy-duty type 1A metal or plastic ladders need 3.3 times (29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1)).
- Stairways with 4 or more risers or rising more than 30 inches, whichever is less, need at least one handrail and stairrails on unprotected sides (29 CFR 1926.1052(c)(1)).
- Stairs are installed between 30 and 50 degrees from horizontal, and riser height and tread depth may not vary more than 1/4 inch within a stairway system (29 CFR 1926.1052(a)(2) and (a)(3)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Read whether the question asks about a ladder (Subpart X, 1926.1053) or a stairway (1926.1052), since the numbers and section differ.
3. Scaffolds
Subpart L sets strength, platform, access, inspection and fall protection rules for scaffolds. Exam questions test capacity ratios, platform widths, plank overhangs and the 10 foot fall protection trigger. Competent person and qualified person duties are also common.
Key facts
- Each scaffold and component must support its own weight plus at least 4 times the maximum intended load (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)).
- Suspension ropes on non-adjustable suspension scaffolds must support at least 6 times the maximum intended load (29 CFR 1926.451(a)(4)).
- Fall protection is required for employees on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level (29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)).
- Platforms and walkways must be at least 18 inches wide, and the front edge may be no more than 14 inches from the face of the work unless guardrails or fall arrest are used (29 CFR 1926.451(b)(2) and (b)(3)).
- Planks must extend at least 6 inches over the centerline of the support, and no more than 12 inches for platforms 10 feet or less in length (29 CFR 1926.451(b)(4) and (b)(5)(i)).
- Supported scaffolds with a height to base width ratio over 4 to 1 must be tied, guyed or braced (29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)).
- A competent person must inspect scaffolds for visible defects before each work shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity (29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Scaffold toprails use a 38 to 45 inch range, not the 42 inch plus or minus 3 inch Subpart M rule, so check which subpart the question is in.
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4. Excavations and Trenching
Subpart P covers trench and excavation hazards, mainly cave-ins, egress, atmospheres and falling loads. Expect questions on depth triggers for protective systems and ladders, spoil placement, soil types and inspection timing. Cave-ins kill quickly, so OSHA enforces these rules strictly.
Key facts
- A protective system (sloping, shoring or shielding) is required at 5 feet or more unless the excavation is in stable rock; under 5 feet it is needed if a competent person sees signs of a cave-in (29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1)).
- Trenches 4 feet or more deep need a stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe exit within 25 feet of lateral travel (29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Two depth triggers cause most mistakes: 4 feet is for ladders and air testing, 5 feet is for cave-in protection.
5. Electrical Safety
Subpart K covers temporary power, ground-fault protection, cords and wiring on construction sites. The exam focuses on GFCI rules and the assured equipment grounding conductor program. Electrocution is one of OSHA's Focus Four hazards.
Key facts
- Employers must protect employees from ground faults using GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding conductor program (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(i)).
- All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets on the site that are not part of permanent wiring and are used by employees need GFCI protection (29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(ii)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: If a question mixes up GFCI and assured grounding, remember the rule lets the employer choose either one.
6. Cranes and Derricks
Subpart CC covers crane assembly, power line safety, inspections and operator qualification. Power line clearance is the most tested item, followed by inspection frequency and who may perform each inspection. Learn Table A in 1926.1408.
Key facts
- If any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line up to 350 kV, the employer must deenergize and ground, keep 20 feet away, or use Table A clearance (29 CFR 1926.1408(a)).
- Table A minimum clearance: up to 50 kV, 10 feet; over 50 to 200 kV, 15 feet; over 200 to 350 kV, 20 feet; over 350 to 500 kV, 25 feet (29 CFR 1926.1408, Table A).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Know the difference: competent person does shift and monthly inspections, qualified person does the annual inspection.
7. Recordkeeping and Reporting
Part 1904 covers recording work-related injuries and illnesses and reporting severe events to OSHA. Questions test deadlines, posting dates, retention periods and small-employer exemptions. These are easy points if you memorize the numbers.
Key facts
- Report a work-related fatality to OSHA within 8 hours (29 CFR 1904.39(a)(1)).
- Report an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours (29 CFR 1904.39(a)(2)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Do not confuse reporting (8 or 24 hours to OSHA) with recording (7 calendar days on the 300 Log).
8. Health Hazards
Health standards in Part 1926 cover exposures such as silica, lead and noise. Questions usually ask for exposure limits and medical surveillance triggers. Look up the specific section number when the exam is open book.
Key facts
- Respirable crystalline silica PEL is 50 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour TWA; the action level is 25 (29 CFR 1926.1153(b) and (d)).
- Silica medical exams are required for employees who must wear a respirator under the standard for 30 or more days per year, repeated at least every 3 years (29 CFR 1926.1153(h)).
Flashcards
Exam tip: Silica and lead share the same 50 microgram PEL, so read the question for the action level, which differs.
How to pass
- Learn the trigger heights: 6 ft for fall protection, 10 ft for scaffolds, 4 ft and 5 ft in trenches, 19 inches for stairs.
- On open-book exams, tab each subpart. Most questions take one lookup.
- Recordkeeping dates (Feb 1 to Apr 30, 5 years) are free points.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I study for the OSHA Safety exam?
Most working candidates need 4 to 8 weeks at 45 to 60 minutes a day. Book your exam once your Readiness Score has stayed at 80 or higher for about a week.
Is the OSHA Safety exam open book?
29 CFR 1926 is on most approved reference lists. Check the current candidate information bulletin from OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (construction standards) for the approved reference list and tabbing rules.
What score do I need to pass the OSHA Safety exam?
Applies to every exam. The exam has major section of nascla, florida pm and state trade exams and a time limit of lookup-heavy on open-book exams.
What are the most tested topics?
The outline covers fall protection, stairways and ladders, scaffolds, excavations and trenching, electrical safety, cranes and derricks, recordkeeping and reporting, health hazards. Use the free practice test to see which ones you need most.
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Summarized from official candidate information and the statutes, codes and regulations cited, checked October 2026. Confirm current requirements with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 (construction standards).