OSHA 10 Certification Guide
Updated July 1, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
If you're just getting started in construction or the skilled trades, there's one safety credential that shows up everywhere: OSHA 10.
Whether you're sweeping floors or wiring panels, OSHA 10 tells employers: "I understand the basics of jobsite safety, and I take it seriously."
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what OSHA 10 covers, who needs it, how to get it, and how to make sure you’re taking the real, authorized version—not a fake or shortcut course.
What Is OSHA 10?
OSHA 10 is a 10-hour safety training course authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and delivered through OSHA-authorized trainers. It’s designed for entry-level workers in construction, general industry, and maritime.
OSHA doesn’t run the classes themselves—they approve trainers and curriculum. The official name is the OSHA Outreach Training Program.
Who Needs OSHA 10?
OSHA 10 isn’t federally required by law, but it’s often mandatory if you’re:
- Entering the construction or maintenance trades
- Joining an apprenticeship program
- Working on municipal, state, or federal job sites
- A young worker under 18 entering a high-risk job
- Bidding on a government or public works contract
Some states—like New York, Nevada, and Massachusetts—require OSHA 10 by law for specific roles.
Many employers expect it within your first 30 days, or even before your first shift.
What Does OSHA 10 Cover?
The course is focused on hazard recognition and prevention. For construction workers, topics typically include:
- Fall protection
- Ladder and scaffold safety
- Electrical hazards
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Excavation and trench safety
- Hazard communication (chemical labels, SDS)
- Workers’ rights under OSHA
- Employer responsibilities under federal law
Course content is based on OSHA’s Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926).
OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30
| OSHA Course | Best For | Duration | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 | Entry-level workers | 10 hours | $40–$100 |
| OSHA 30 | Supervisors, foremen, leads | 30 hours | $150–$250 |
If you’re aiming for leadership roles or supervising crews, OSHA 30 is a better fit.
How to Get OSHA 10 Certified
You have two options:
Option 1: Take It Online
This is the most popular method. You’ll:
- Sign up through an OSHA-authorized provider
- Complete all lessons and quizzes
- Receive a plastic Department of Labor (DOL) card by mail upon passing
Make sure your provider is listed on the official OSHA training provider site. Avoid sites that advertise instant certificates or same-day cards.
Option 2: In-Person Class
OSHA 10 is also available through:
- Union halls
- Trade schools and community colleges
- Safety training organizations
- OSHA Education Centers (Find one here)
In-person training is ideal if you prefer hands-on learning or are part of a group session.
Cost of OSHA 10
| Provider Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Online (authorized) | $40–$100 |
| In-person | $50–$120 |
| Union-sponsored | Often free |
| School-sponsored | Sometimes included in tuition |
Some employers and apprenticeship programs will cover the cost for you, so always ask.
Does OSHA 10 Expire?
OSHA 10 cards do not technically expire, but many employers, job sites, and unions treat them as valid for five years. After that, they may ask for a refresher.
For example, New York City’s Site Safety Training laws require a current OSHA card to work on most job sites.
How to Spot a Fake OSHA Course
Unfortunately, there are scam websites selling fake OSHA cards or unapproved training.
To be valid, your OSHA 10 course must:
- Be taught by an authorized outreach trainer
- Issue a plastic DOL card with a hologram
- Match your industry (Construction or General Industry)
- Be listed on OSHA’s official training provider list
Avoid providers that promise:
- Same-day OSHA cards
- No quizzes or required hours
- Instant printouts that look like certificates
Is OSHA 10 Worth It?
For new tradespeople, absolutely.
It’s often your first required credential. It shows you're serious about safety, helps you get hired faster, and could even lower your employer’s insurance costs. And at under $100, it's one of the cheapest, most effective certifications you can get.
According to OSHA, the outreach program has helped over 20 million workers improve safety awareness since it launched in the 1990s.
Related Guides
FAQs
Can I get OSHA 10 online?
Yes, as long as the provider is OSHA-authorized and listed on OSHA.gov.
Does OSHA 10 expire?
No, but some employers and jurisdictions treat it as valid for 5 years.
How long does it take to complete OSHA 10?
About 10 hours. You can spread it out over several days or complete it in one sitting.
Is OSHA 10 required for every job?
Not federally, but many states and employers require it for construction, manufacturing, and public works.
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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