OSHA 10 Classes 2026: Online vs. Classroom, Cost & Card
- SkillCat Team
- Nov 17, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Starting a new job in the trades or just need a refresher on site safety? You have probably heard about getting your “OSHA 10 card”. But what exactly are OSHA 10 classes? In simple terms, they are introductory 10 hour safety courses for entry level workers. As part of the OSHA Outreach Training Program, these classes provide a general awareness of common workplace dangers and your rights as a worker.
This guide will walk you through what OSHA 10 classes cover, why you might need it, and how you can get started. For more safety how tos and trade tips, explore our HVAC Technician Blog.
What is the OSHA Outreach Training Program?
The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary initiative from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that teaches workers about recognizing and preventing job site hazards. It has been a cornerstone of workplace safety education since 1971. The program offers 10 hour and 30 hour courses taught by OSHA authorized trainers who deliver critical information on common safety and health risks.
It is important to know that OSHA does not federally mandate this training for all workers. It is an educational program. However, many employers and some states require workers to complete OSHA 10 classes to ensure a baseline understanding of safety. For example, at least seven states have laws making these classes mandatory for certain construction jobs.
One more key point: these courses result in a course completion card, not a professional certification. Think of it as a foundational safety orientation that shows you are ready to contribute to a safe work environment.
OSHA 10 vs. OSHA 30: Understanding the Hierarchy
The Outreach Training Program has two main levels for workers, the 10 hour class and the 30 hour class. The one you need depends on your role at the job site.
OSHA 10 Hour Training: For Entry Level Workers
OSHA 10 classes are the introductory safety courses aimed at entry level workers. The class provides a general awareness of common workplace dangers and your rights. The goal of OSHA 10 classes is to help you recognize and avoid hazards. If you are new to the trades, this is almost always the right course for you.
OSHA 30 Hour Training: For Supervisors
The 30 hour course is more in depth and is intended for supervisors or workers with some safety responsibilities. This training provides a greater level of detail on a wider range of safety topics. It is designed for those who need to understand safety protocols, avoid hazards, and ensure compliance on a larger scale. If you are moving toward a lead role, explore our advanced training for techs.
OSHA Training Classes by Industry
To make the content relevant, OSHA offers different versions of its training tailored to specific industries. Each one focuses on the unique hazards found in that type of work environment.
Construction 10 Hour Training
The Construction version of OSHA 10 classes is one of the most common and is designed for work on construction sites. The training focuses heavily on what OSHA calls the “Focus Four” hazards:
Falls
Struck by incidents
Electrocutions
Caught in or between accidents
These four hazard types are responsible for a large percentage of construction worker deaths, which is why they get so much attention in the course.
General Industry 10 Hour Training
This version is for everyone working outside of construction, such as in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and property maintenance settings. The General Industry course covers safety topics relevant to these workplaces, including:
Machine guarding
Electrical safety
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Maritime 10 Hour Training
The Maritime industry, which includes shipyard work and cargo handling, has its own unique risks. The Maritime 10 hour training addresses these specific dangers, with topics like crane safety, confined space entry on vessels, and hazards specific to dock work.
Disaster Site Worker Training
This specialized training is for workers who provide skilled support services or site cleanup after natural or man made disasters. This course covers the unique challenges of disaster sites, such as respiratory protection, decontamination, and the Incident Command System. It is available in 7.5 hour and 15 hour formats.
How to Get Your OSHA Card: Online vs. In Person
You have two main options for completing your OSHA 10 classes. You can find an in person class or take one online through an authorized provider. For any version (Construction, General Industry, 10 hour, or 30 hour), you must use an OSHA authorized source.
Finding a Classroom Trainer
If you prefer learning face to face, you can find an OSHA authorized classroom trainer. These are certified instructors who lead live classes, which gives you the chance to ask questions in real time. OSHA maintains a public database where you can search for authorized trainers in your area. When you look for a trainer, make sure they are legitimate. OSHA keeps a “Watch List” of trainers who have violated program rules, so it is always good to double check.
Using an OSHA Authorized Online Provider
For maximum flexibility, online OSHA 10 classes are a fantastic choice. You can learn at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection. However, you must use a provider that is officially authorized by OSHA. If you take a course from a non authorized website, your completion card will not be valid.
OSHA provides a list of approved online providers on its website. This is where a platform like SkillCat comes in handy. Through its authorized partners, SkillCat offers OSHA 10 training that is both affordable and convenient, allowing you to get the same official Department of Labor card you would in a classroom.
Training in Spanish
Recognizing the diverse workforce, OSHA has approved select providers to offer online courses entirely in Spanish. This ensures that Spanish speaking workers can fully understand the critical safety information. These courses cover the exact same material and result in the same official completion card. Have questions before you enroll? Ask the community in our Questions & Answers forum.
Your OSHA Course Completion Card
Once you successfully complete an OSHA 10 or 30 class, you will receive an official course completion card from the Department of Labor. This wallet sized card is your proof of training.
What the Card Represents
The OSHA card shows employers you have a foundational knowledge of workplace safety. It proves you have been trained on how to spot common hazards and understand your rights. Modern cards have security features like a QR code to prevent fraud, making it easy for an employer to verify your training.
Card Replacement and Expiration
What if you lose your card? You can request a replacement from the original trainer or online provider who issued your card. You are only allowed one replacement card per class. You can only request a replacement within five years of your training date. After five years, you would need to retake the course to get a new card.
A common question is whether the cards expire. According to OSHA, the student course completion cards do not have an expiration date. While some employers or local rules might require you to take a refresher course every few years, the card itself remains valid.
Frequently Asked Questions about OSHA Training
How long does it take to complete an OSHA class?
The training is designed to take 10 or 30 hours, depending on the course. Because OSHA rules limit training to a maximum of 7.5 hours per day, the 10 hour course must be spread out over at least two days. The 30 hour course takes at least four days.
How much do OSHA classes cost?
The cost can vary. Online OSHA 10 classes are often very affordable. For example, you can get your OSHA 10 training through a SkillCat partner for around $50. In person classes might cost more depending on the provider.
Is the OSHA card a certification?
No. OSHA is very clear that the Outreach Training Program provides an awareness level education. The card you receive is a course completion card, not a professional certification.
Do I need an OSHA card for my job?
At the federal level, it is a voluntary program. However, your employer or state might require it. Seven states (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Missouri, and Nevada) have laws requiring it for certain construction projects. Many employers also require it as a standard policy.
Can I take OSHA classes online?
Yes, you can. Just make sure you choose an online provider that is officially authorized by OSHA. A card from an unapproved provider is not valid.
Do OSHA 10 cards expire?
No, the course completion cards issued to students do not expire. Some job sites or local regulations may require periodic refresher training, but the card itself is valid indefinitely.
What if I lose my OSHA card?
You can request one replacement card from the original training provider, but only if you took the class within the last five years. After five years, you must retake the course to get a new card.
