OSHA 10 Certification: 2025 Guide to Getting Your Card

When people ask, “What is OSHA 10 certification?” they’re referring to a foundational 10-hour safety training program from the OSHA Outreach Training Program. This course is designed to teach entry-level workers how to recognize and prevent common workplace hazards. While it's widely called the OSHA 10 certification, it's important to know that OSHA officially issues a course completion card, not a formal certification. However, this credential, often simply called the OSHA 10 card, is one of the most recognized and requested safety qualifications in the country, and for good reason.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the OSHA 10 certification. We will cover what the training involves, why it’s not technically a certification, who needs it, and how you can get your card the right way.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program Explained

The program behind the OSHA 10 certification is a larger initiative called the OSHA Outreach Training Program. This is a voluntary program created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to teach workers how to recognize and prevent common workplace hazards. It’s all about promoting a culture of safety.

The program’s reach is impressive, showing just how much employers and workers value this training. Here are a few key things to know about the program:

• Hazard Focused: The main goal is to teach hazard recognition, avoidance, and prevention, not to make you an expert on every single OSHA rule.

• Authorized Trainers: Courses are delivered only by OSHA authorized trainers, who are safety professionals with specific experience and training, not by OSHA employees directly.

• Completion Cards: When you finish a course, you receive an official Department of Labor (DOL) course completion card, which is what people call an “OSHA 10 card.”

What is the OSHA 10 Hour Program?

The OSHA 10 certification program is a foundational safety course designed to give workers a solid introduction to job site safety. It covers essential topics like your rights as a worker, your employer’s responsibilities, and how to identify and avoid the most common dangers you’ll face on the job.

The curriculum is structured to provide a baseline of safety knowledge. For instance, the Construction course has a mandatory section on the “Focus Four” hazards (falls, electrocution, struck by, and caught in or between) which are responsible for the most fatalities in the industry. The training is spread over at least two days because OSHA limits daily instruction to 7.5 hours, ensuring you have time to absorb the material.

Who Should Get an OSHA 10 Card?

OSHA 10 hour training is specifically designed for entry level workers. This includes:

• People new to industries like construction, manufacturing, warehousing, or apartment maintenance.

• Young workers who may have higher injury rates due to a lack of experience.

• Anyone starting a job with potential hazards who has no previous formal safety training.

Many companies and apprenticeship programs make the OSHA 10 certification course a required part of their onboarding process for new hires. The best part is that there are no prerequisites, so anyone can take the course and gain valuable safety knowledge.

OSHA 10 vs. OSHA 30: What’s the Difference?

While both are part of the Outreach program, the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses serve different audiences.

• Audience: The OSHA 10 hour course is for entry level workers. The 30 hour course is for supervisors, managers, or workers with some safety responsibilities.

• Depth: The OSHA 30 course is much more comprehensive. It covers all the topics from the 10 hour course but goes into far greater detail and includes additional subjects. Think of the OSHA 10 as a safety overview and the OSHA 30 as a deep dive.

For most new workers, an OSHA 10 certification is the perfect starting point.

Finding and Verifying an Authorized OSHA Trainer

Because an official OSHA card is so valuable, it’s critical to get your training from a legitimate, authorized source.

The Role of an OSHA Authorized Trainer

An OSHA authorized trainer is a safety professional who has met strict requirements to teach Outreach courses. To become a trainer for the construction industry, for example, an individual needs at least five years of construction safety experience and must pass an intensive OSHA trainer course. Their authorization is not permanent; they must take an update course every four years to maintain their status. For how teams keep training standards high, see our quality control resources.

How to Verify a Trainer’s Authorization

Before you sign up for a class, you have the right to verify your instructor is authorized. Here’s how:

1. Ask to see their card. Every authorized trainer has a card that lists their name, authorizing organization, and expiration date.

2. Check the expiration date. If the card is expired, they are no longer authorized to teach.

3. Contact the OTI Education Center. The trainer’s card will show which OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center authorized them. You can contact that center to confirm the trainer’s status.

Where to Find an OSHA 10 Course Online

Yes, you absolutely can get your OSHA 10 certification online. OSHA has authorized a select number of providers to offer 10 and 30 hour courses entirely online. This has become an incredibly popular option for its flexibility. You can learn at your own pace, starting and stopping the course as needed.

OSHA requires online courses to be highly interactive with videos, quizzes, and exercises to keep you engaged. Upon passing the final exam, you’ll receive the exact same official DOL card as you would from an in person class. For those needing to meet job requirements quickly, SkillCat offers convenient, OSHA authorized training that fits your schedule.

Authorized Online OSHA Training Providers

OSHA maintains an official list of authorized online training providers to ensure that workers receive high quality instruction. Choosing a provider from this list is the best way to guarantee you will receive a legitimate DOL card. Some of the OSHA authorized providers include:

• 360Training (OSHAcampus)

• AdvanceOnline

• ClickSafety

• HSI (Summit Training Source)

• Redvector (Vector Solutions)

• UL Solutions (PureSafety)

• University of South Florida

OSHA encourages students to research multiple vendors to find the program that best suits their needs.

Is OSHA 10 Training Available in Spanish?

Sí, the OSHA 10 certification is widely available in Spanish. Recognizing that a large part of the U.S. workforce speaks Spanish, especially in construction, OSHA ensures training is accessible. A significant portion of Hispanic workers, around 30% of the construction industry, can benefit from safety training in their native language.

You can find in person classes taught by Spanish speaking trainers and several authorized online providers offer the course completely in Spanish. The course content is identical to the English version, ensuring every worker receives the same vital safety information.

Common Questions About Your OSHA 10 Card

Once you complete your training, the card itself becomes an important document. Here are a few common questions about it.

Is an OSHA 10 Card Actually a “Certification”?

This is a common point of confusion. While many people use the term OSHA 10 certification, the card you receive is technically a course completion card. OSHA itself states that the Outreach Training Program is not a certification program.

A professional certification usually requires extensive experience, a difficult exam, and ongoing renewal. The OSHA 10 card, on the other hand, shows you have successfully completed a foundational safety course. It doesn’t expire, according to federal OSHA rules. While it’s not a formal certification, the OSHA 10 certification is an extremely valuable credential that is recognized and often required by employers everywhere. If you also need a formal, industry recognized credential, see our EPA certification guides.

Card Hierarchy: 10 Hour, 30 Hour, and Trainer

OSHA’s program has a clear structure.

• 10 Hour Card: This is for entry level workers, providing basic awareness of job site hazards.

• 30 Hour Card: Intended for supervisors or workers with safety responsibilities, this course offers more depth on a wider range of topics.

• Authorized Trainer Card: This is the highest level, signifying that the holder is authorized by OSHA to teach 10 and 30 hour courses.

An employer who requires a 10 or 30 hour card may accept a trainer card as a substitute, but this is at their discretion.

How to Replace a Lost OSHA 10 Card

If you lose your OSHA 10 card, you can request a replacement, but there are rules.

• You must contact the original trainer or training provider who issued your card.

• There is a five year time limit. Replacements can only be issued if the training was completed within the last five years.

• You are only allowed one replacement card per course.

Your provider will likely charge a small fee to cover the cost of processing and printing the new card.

How to Avoid OSHA 10 Card Scams

Unfortunately, the demand for OSHA 10 cards has led to scams. To protect yourself, always follow these rules:

• Only use authorized trainers. Never buy a card from someone without taking the full 10 hour course.

• Be wary of shortcuts. Any offer to get your card in just an hour or two is a scam.

• Verify suspicious cards. Newer plastic cards have a QR code on the back that can be scanned to verify their legitimacy with the issuing OTI Education Center.

• Report fraud. If you encounter a scam, you can report it to OSHA’s Outreach Fraud Hotline.

Is OSHA 10 Training Legally Required?

This is a key question. At the federal level, OSHA does not have a rule that requires every worker to complete OSHA 10 training. The program is considered voluntary by OSHA.

However, many states and employers do require it. Several states, including Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, and Connecticut, have passed laws mandating OSHA 10 training for workers on public construction projects. Beyond legal mandates, countless private employers and general contractors require it as a standard policy for site access. So while federal OSHA doesn’t require it, in practice, getting an OSHA 10 certification is often a necessity to get on the job.

What You’ll Learn: Industry Versions and Worker Rights

The training is tailored to make sure you learn about the hazards most relevant to your job.

Different Types of OSHA 10 Courses

There are several industry versions of the OSHA 10 hour course. The two most common are:

• OSHA 10 Construction: This is for workers in construction, demolition, and major renovation. It focuses heavily on the “Focus Four” hazards (falls, electrical, struck by, caught in or between).

• OSHA 10 General Industry: This is for a broad range of other workplaces, including manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and retail. Topics include machine guarding, hazard communication (chemical safety), and electrical safety in a plant setting.

There are also more specialized versions for Maritime work and Disaster Site Workers. If you work in HVAC, explore our HVAC articles to connect OSHA concepts to everyday field scenarios.

Your Rights and Your Employer’s Responsibilities

A critical part of any OSHA 10 course is the “Introduction to OSHA” module. This section teaches you about your legal rights and your employer’s obligations under the law. You will learn that you have the right to:

• A safe and healthful workplace.

• Receive training about hazards in a language you understand.

• Be provided with necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost.

• Report an injury or safety concern without fear of retaliation. Get tips on speaking up in our soft skills series.

• File a confidential complaint with OSHA to request an inspection.

This knowledge is empowering and is a key step in building a workplace where everyone looks out for each other. Getting the right training is the first step toward a long and safe career. To get started, you can explore SkillCat’s affordable and accessible OSHA 10 course today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the OSHA 10 Card

1. How long does an OSHA 10 course take to complete?

The course involves 10 hours of instructional time. Due to OSHA regulations limiting training to 7.5 hours per day, the course must be spread over a minimum of two days.

2. Does an OSHA 10 card expire?

According to federal OSHA, the DOL completion card does not expire. However, some states, cities, or employers may require you to retake the training every 3 to 5 years to stay current on safety practices.

3. How much does an OSHA 10 course cost?

The cost varies by provider. Online courses are often the most affordable, typically ranging from $50 to $80. This fee usually includes the training, final exam, and the official DOL card mailed to you.

4. Can I get my OSHA 10 card entirely online?

Yes. You can complete the full 10 hour course online through an OSHA authorized provider. This provides a flexible, self paced way to earn the same official card you would receive in an in person class.

5. Is the OSHA 10 card for construction different from the one for general industry?

Yes. While both are 10 hour courses, the content is tailored to different work environments. The Construction card covers hazards specific to building sites, while the General Industry card focuses on risks in places like factories, warehouses, and healthcare facilities. You should take the course that matches your job.

6. What is the main difference between an OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 card?

The OSHA 10 card is designed for entry level workers, providing a basic safety orientation. The OSHA 30 card is a more in depth, 30 hour course intended for supervisors and workers with safety responsibilities.