OSHA 10 Construction: 2025 Guide to Training & Card

Getting started in the construction industry is exciting, but it also comes with risks. Understanding how to stay safe on the job site is non negotiable. That’s where the osha 10 construction training comes in. This 10-hour introductory course is designed to teach new and entry-level workers how to recognize and avoid common job site hazards. It is one of the most recognized safety orientations in the field. New to the OSHA card process? See our 2025 guide to getting your OSHA 10 card.

Think of it as your first step toward building a strong safety mindset. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the program, from what you’ll learn to how you get that all important completion card.

What Exactly is the OSHA 10 Construction Course?

The OSHA 10 Hour Construction Training is an introductory course designed to teach workers how to recognize and avoid common hazards on a construction site. It’s part of a nationwide initiative called the OSHA Outreach Training Program.

It’s important to know that this program is technically voluntary from a federal standpoint. OSHA’s main goal here isn’t to teach specific regulations but to promote a culture of safety and awareness. The training provides a foundational understanding of workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to spot danger before it causes a problem. Between 2016 and 2020 alone, over 5.21 million workers received training in hazard recognition through this program.

Upon finishing the course, participants receive an official OSHA 10 hour course completion card. While many people call it a certification, OSHA is clear that the card is not a license or certification. It simply shows you’ve completed the 10 hours of awareness training.

How the OSHA Outreach Training Program Works

You might be surprised to learn that OSHA itself doesn’t directly teach these classes. Instead, it operates on a “train the trainer” model to make the training widely accessible.

Program Authorization and Trainer Requirements

OSHA authorizes a network of independent safety professionals to conduct the training. To become an authorized trainer, an individual must meet specific safety experience prerequisites and complete a special trainer course at an official OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center. These centers are the Authorizing Training Organizations that oversee the trainers and issue the official student cards.

This structure ensures that every authorized trainer follows the same program requirements and curriculum guidelines set by OSHA’s Directorate of Training and Education.

Program Requirements and Procedures

While the federal program is voluntary, the procedures are standardized. The core of the osha 10 construction program is built around established construction industry safety procedures. Trainers are expected to follow a strict code of conduct to maintain the integrity of the program. They must keep accurate records, adhere to curriculum requirements, and issue cards only to students who have completed the full training.

Oversight and Integrity

OSHA takes program integrity seriously. Each trainer is linked to their Authorizing Training Organization, which monitors compliance. There are investigation and review procedures in place for trainers who violate program rules. To help employers and students verify instructor credentials, OSHA even maintains an Outreach Trainer Watch List, which identifies individuals who are no longer authorized to conduct training.

What You’ll Learn: The Core Curriculum

The osha 10 construction curriculum is designed to be a broad introduction to job site safety. The training is meant to be participatory and engaging, not just a lecture.

Introduction to OSHA

A key part of the course is an introduction to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration itself. You will learn about:

• Worker Rights: You have the right to a safe workplace, to be trained on hazards, and to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

• Employer Responsibilities: Employers have a duty to provide a workplace free from known health and safety hazards.

• How to File a Complaint: The course covers the process for filing a confidential safety and health complaint with OSHA if you believe your workplace is unsafe.

The Construction Focus Four Hazards

The majority of training time is dedicated to the most common causes of fatalities on construction sites, known as the Construction Focus Four. These are:

1. Falls (from heights)

2. Electrocution

3. Struck By (flying, falling, or rolling objects)

4. Caught In or Between (crushed by equipment, structures, or materials)

Other Training Resources and Topics

Beyond the Focus Four, the course covers other critical topics and training resources, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), health hazards like silica exposure, and tool safety. You can explore more construction safety topics. Trainers have some flexibility to choose elective topics relevant to their audience. Many providers also offer Spanish language resources and presentations to serve a diverse workforce.

The OSHA Card System Explained

After completing the training, you’ll receive a wallet card. But there are different types of cards within the OSHA Outreach program.

The Card Hierarchy: Student vs. Trainer Cards

• Student Course Completion Card: This is the card you receive after finishing an osha 10 construction or 30 hour course. It lists your name, the course completed, and the issue date.

• Authorized Trainer Card: This is the card held by the instructor. It proves they are authorized by an OTI Education Center to teach the course and has a four year expiration date, requiring them to complete a trainer reauthorization course to stay current.

Card Expiration and Replacement Policies

For the construction industry, the student OSHA 10 card does not have an expiration date according to OSHA. However, some employers or local regulations might require you to retake the training every few years to stay fresh on safety principles.

If you lose your card, you must request a replacement through your original trainer or their Authorizing Training Organization. They are generally only able to issue one replacement card.

Finding and Registering for an OSHA 10 Construction Class

Ready to sign up? You have a few options for finding and taking a class.

How to Find an Authorized Trainer

You can search for trainers through the OTI Education Centers. Before you register for any osha 10 construction course, you should always ask to see the instructor’s Authorized Trainer card to verify their status is current.

Online vs. In Person Training

The osha 10 construction course can be completed in person or online. Online training offers flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace from anywhere. Platforms like SkillCat provide an affordable and convenient way to access osha 10 construction training online through authorized partners, helping you get your card efficiently. Check out our accessible training options to get started. For details on typical pricing, approved providers, and how cards are issued, read our complete guide to OSHA 10 training costs and card providers.

Registration and What to Expect

The registration process is straightforward. Once you find a provider, you simply sign up and pay any associated fees. The training itself must be completed over a minimum of two days, as OSHA limits training to 7.5 hours per day. Be prepared for an interactive experience with discussions and activities designed to connect safety concepts to real world job tasks.

Is OSHA 10 Construction Training Required?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is: it depends.

Federal vs. State Requirements

Federally, OSHA does not require osha 10 construction training. However, several states and municipalities have made it a legal requirement for workers on certain projects, especially public works. These states include Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island. Many employers across the country also mandate it as a standard part of their safety policy.

Who is a Construction Worker?

The training is intended for anyone working on a construction site. A construction worker is generally defined as any laborer or mechanic engaged in construction, alteration, or repair work. This includes a wide range of trades from carpentry and electrical to plumbing and site cleanup. If you’re aiming for HVAC roles, our AC technician training overview outlines a practical path.

Completing an osha 10 construction course is a powerful first step in your career, showing employers you take safety seriously. Explore courses with SkillCat and build your safety foundation today. If you’ll be working with refrigerants, make sure you understand EPA 608 certification costs and process.

Frequently Asked Questions about OSHA 10 Construction

What is the main purpose of the OSHA 10 Construction course?

The primary goal is to provide entry level workers with a basic awareness of common job site hazards and an understanding of their rights under OSHA. It focuses on hazard recognition and avoidance, not on memorizing specific OSHA standards.

Does the OSHA 10 Construction card expire?

According to OSHA, the student completion card for construction does not expire. However, some states, cities, or employers may require you to renew the training every three to five years.

Is an OSHA 10 card a certification or a license?

No. The official name is a “course completion card”. It is not a professional certification or license. It simply documents that you have completed 10 hours of safety awareness training.

How long does the OSHA 10 Construction training take to complete?

As the name suggests, it takes 10 hours of instructional time. Due to OSHA rules limiting daily training time, the course must be spread over at least two days.

Can I take the OSHA 10 Construction course online?

Yes, you can. Many OSHA authorized trainers offer the course through online platforms. This provides a flexible and convenient option for workers to complete their training.

How do I get a replacement for a lost or damaged OSHA 10 card?

You must contact the original trainer who taught your course or their Authorizing Training Organization (ATO). Only they can issue an official replacement card, and typically only one replacement is allowed.