New York City Department of Buildings recognizes several scaffold safety courses for workers, users, installers and supervisors. The correct course depends on the scaffold type and the person’s duties.
What is the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher course?
NYC DOB lists the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User and Refresher as an approved scaffold course. Tribune offers the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User / Refresher course for students who need that specific pathway.
What other supported scaffold courses are available?
Tribune also maintains course pages for the 32-Hour Supported Scaffold Supervisor / Installer pathway and the 8-Hour Supported Scaffold Refresher. Confirm the exact title required for your role before registering.
What suspended scaffold courses are available?
Suspended scaffold training is separate from supported scaffold training. Tribune offers information for the 16-Hour Suspended Scaffold User, 8-Hour Suspended Scaffold Refresher, and 32-Hour Suspended Scaffold Supervisor courses.
Supported vs. suspended scaffold
Supported scaffold and suspended scaffold courses cover different equipment, hazards and responsibilities. Workers should take the course that matches the scaffold type and duties they will perform rather than assuming one scaffold credential covers every role.
How does scaffold training relate to SST?
Certain DOB-approved scaffold courses can also appear within the Site Safety Training framework. Workers should confirm whether they need a scaffold credential, SST credit, or both. See Tribune’s NYC DOB Training hub and SST Training NYC page for related pathways.
Is there one “scaffold certification” for NYC?
No. People often search for “scaffold certification,” but NYC DOB recognizes several different scaffold course titles. The correct course depends on whether you are a user, installer/remover, supervisor, or working with supported versus suspended scaffolds.
What is a scaffold card?
Some NYC DOB scaffold courses are associated with a scaffold card or other worker credential. The course you need depends on your role and the work being performed. If you were told to get a “4-hour scaffold card,” start with the 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User / Refresher page and confirm the exact employer or DOB requirement.
How long does scaffold training last?
Course duration varies by role. Common DOB-recognized scaffold courses include 4-hour, 8-hour, 16-hour and 32-hour options. Longer hours do not automatically mean a “higher” version of the same credential—the course title and scaffold type matter.
Can I take scaffold training online?
Delivery format depends on the specific course and current DOB rules. Tribune only links to an online option when a valid approved online course is available. Otherwise, students should register for the in-person course or call the office.
Which scaffold course page should I review first?
Start with the scaffold type and your actual duties. The table below links to Tribune’s course information; it is not an eligibility determination. Confirm the required course title with your employer and the current DOB requirements.
| Training need to discuss | Course information |
|---|---|
| Supported scaffold user or refresher | 4-Hour Supported Scaffold User / Refresher |
| Supported scaffold installation or removal | 32-Hour Supported Scaffold Installer and Remover |
| Supported scaffold supervision | 32-Hour Supported Scaffold Supervisor |
| Suspended scaffold use | 16-Hour Suspended Scaffold User |
| Suspended scaffold supervision | 32-Hour Suspended Scaffold Supervisor |
What information should I bring when choosing a scaffold class?
- The scaffold type and the tasks your employer expects you to perform.
- Your existing course completion records and any scaffold card details.
- Whether you need initial training, a refresher or a separate SST requirement.
- Your preferred delivery format and the date you need training completed.
For the full course family, visit Scaffold Training NYC. Tribune Training Academy is at 40-38 75th Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Call (718) 790-2664 for help matching your training request to the available course options.
Related scaffold and SST guides
Official NYC DOB references
See NYC DOB Approved Courses & Requirements and the DOB Registered Course Provider list.
Course and card requirements vary by role and can change. Confirm the current DOB requirement for the work you will perform.