OSHA 10 Course Guide (2025): Costs, Requirements, Benefits

Getting started in a new trade, whether it’s construction, manufacturing, or another hands on field, comes with a lot of questions. One of the first things you’ll likely hear about is the need for an OSHA card. The OSHA 10 course is the most common starting point for entry level workers, serving as a fundamental introduction to workplace safety.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from what the course covers and how much it costs to why it’s a valuable credential for your career.

What Is the OSHA Outreach Training Program?

First, let’s zoom out a little. The OSHA 10 course is part of the broader OSHA Outreach Training Program. Established back in 1971, this is a voluntary program from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) designed to teach workers about their rights and how to recognize, avoid, and prevent common job site hazards.

While OSHA itself doesn’t federally mandate this training for every single worker, its popularity is undeniable. Between 2016 and 2020 alone, over 5.21 million workers were trained through the program. It’s become an industry standard for foundational safety education, delivered by a network of OSHA authorized instructors.

A Closer Look at the OSHA 10 Course

The OSHA 10 course is a 10 hour training program designed specifically for entry level workers. Think of it as Safety 101. The goal isn’t to make you a safety expert but to give you a solid awareness of major hazards, your rights, your employer’s responsibilities, and how to report unsafe conditions.

The curriculum always includes an introduction to OSHA and then dives into specific topics relevant to your industry. To ensure everyone has time to absorb the material, OSHA requires that the 10 hours of training be spread over at least two days, with no more than 7.5 hours of training in a single day. After completing the program, you receive an official 10 hour completion card from the U.S. Department of Labor.

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

You’ll often hear about the OSHA 30 course in the same breath as the OSHA 10 course. The main difference comes down to audience and depth.

• OSHA 10 Course: This is for the general workforce. It provides a basic awareness of safety principles and common hazards.

• OSHA 30 Course: This is designed for supervisors, foremen, and anyone with safety responsibilities. It covers a much broader range of topics in greater detail, focusing on how to manage safety programs and handle compliance issues.

Essentially, the OSHA 10 teaches you how to recognize and avoid hazards, while the OSHA 30 teaches you how to manage them for an entire team. The 30 hour course includes all the material from the 10 hour version and builds upon it.

Industry Specific OSHA 10 Course Options

Safety hazards aren’t one size fits all, which is why the OSHA 10 course comes in different versions tailored to specific industries. The three main types are Construction, General Industry, and Maritime.

Construction

The OSHA 10 Hour Construction course is arguably the most well known version. It focuses on the high risk environment of construction sites and is required by law in several states for public projects. The curriculum dedicates significant time to the “Focus Four” hazards, which are:

• Falls

• Electrocutions

• Struck By incidents (e.g., hit by equipment or falling materials)

• Caught In or Between incidents (e.g., caught in machinery or a trench collapse)

These four categories are emphasized for a sobering reason: they historically account for more than half of all construction worker fatalities. For example, falls alone contributed to roughly a third of construction deaths in 2010.

General Industry

The General Industry version of the OSHA 10 course is for everyone else. It covers safety in workplaces like manufacturing plants, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and retail. Key topics include things like:

• Walking and working surfaces to prevent slips and trips

• Emergency action plans and fire safety

• Hazard communication for chemicals

• Machine guarding

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This course gives workers in a huge variety of roles the knowledge to spot and mitigate everyday workplace risks.

Maritime

The OSHA 10 Hour Maritime course is a specialized training for those working in shipyards, on marine terminals, or in longshoring operations. It addresses the unique dangers of these environments, such as safe vessel access, fall protection on decks and piers, confined space entry in cargo holds, and crane safety for handling cargo. As of April 2019, the completion cards for this course no longer expire, bringing them in line with the Construction and General Industry cards.

How to Get Your OSHA 10 Training

You can’t just get a valid OSHA card from anywhere. You must receive the training from an OSHA authorized source, which comes in two primary forms: in person trainers and online providers.

Finding an OSHA Authorized Trainer

OSHA authorizes independent instructors through its OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers. To find one, you can contact your regional OTI Center or search for local classes.

Before you sign up, it’s smart to verify their credentials. An authorized trainer should be able to show you their current trainer card, which lists their name and an expiration date. You should also check OSHA’s online “Outreach Trainer Watch List” to ensure their authorization hasn’t been suspended or revoked.

Choosing an Authorized Online Provider

For many, online training is a more convenient option. OSHA has authorized a select number of companies to offer the official OSHA 10 course online. These are the only online sources that can issue a valid Department of Labor card.

Taking an authorized online OSHA 10 course gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while still adhering to OSHA’s rules, like the two day minimum. This makes it a great choice for busy individuals or companies training multiple employees. Modern platforms like SkillCat partner with authorized providers to deliver the official OSHA 10 course through a user friendly app, making it easier than ever to get trained on your schedule.

The Cost of an OSHA 10 Course

So, how much should you expect to pay? The price can vary quite a bit, but here’s a general breakdown.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

The cost for an OSHA 10 course typically ranges from $50 to $150. Online courses are usually the most affordable option, often falling in the $60 to $80 range. In person classes tend to cost more, sometimes $150 to $250 per person, due to the costs of the instructor and classroom space.

What Factors Affect the Price?

Several things can influence the final cost of an OSHA 10 course:

• Format: As mentioned, online is almost always cheaper than in person training.

• Provider: Well known universities or established training companies might charge more than newer online platforms.

• Group Rates: Companies training a large number of employees at once can often get a bulk discount.

• Location: The cost of living in a particular city can affect the price of local in person classes.

Understanding the Card Fee

Part of your course fee includes the cost of the physical card itself. As of October 1, 2023, OSHA set this fee at $10 per card. This amount is almost always built into the total price you pay for the course, so you shouldn’t see it as a separate charge.

Is the OSHA 10 Course Required?

This is a common point of confusion. At the federal level, the OSHA 10 course is a voluntary program. However, many employers and some states have made it mandatory.

At least seven states have laws requiring OSHA 10 training for certain workers, especially on publicly funded construction projects. These states include:

• Connecticut

• Massachusetts

• Missouri

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New York

• Rhode Island

For example, Nevada requires all construction workers to complete the training within 15 days of being hired. Even in states without laws, many general contractors and companies require it as a standard policy for site access. Always check your local and employer requirements.

The Real World Benefits of OSHA 10 Training

Completing an OSHA 10 course is more than just checking a box. It delivers tangible benefits for both you and your employer.

For workers, the primary benefit is empowerment. You learn to recognize dangerous situations and gain the confidence to speak up. This knowledge directly translates to a safer work environment. One study found that after OSHA 10 training, the percentage of workers who would proactively check a scaffold for safety jumped from 37% to 79%. The training also makes you more employable, as many companies prefer or require candidates who already have their OSHA 10 card.

For employers, the return on investment is clear, especially for multifamily maintenance teams. A workforce trained in safety leads to fewer accidents, which means lower workers’ compensation costs and less downtime. A study of 600 companies found that they reduced their injury and illness rates by an average of 18.5% after implementing OSHA 10 training. Investing in safety also boosts morale and builds a positive company culture. If you’re ready to invest in your safety and career, enrolling in an OSHA 10 course is one of the smartest first steps you can take.

Frequently Asked Questions About the OSHA 10 Course

Does the OSHA 10 card expire?

No, the official Department of Labor card does not have an expiration date. However, some states, like Connecticut and Nevada, require workers to retake the course every five years. Your employer may also have a policy requiring refresher training.

How do I replace a lost OSHA 10 card?

You must contact the original OSHA authorized trainer or online provider who conducted your training. OSHA itself does not issue replacements. A replacement can only be issued if you completed the course within the last five years, and you are only allowed one replacement card. If it has been more than five years, you will need to retake the entire OSHA 10 course.

Is an OSHA 10 card the same as being “OSHA Certified”?

Not quite. OSHA does not “certify” workers. The card simply serves as proof that you have completed the 10 hours of awareness level training. It is a completion card, not a professional license or certification.

Who can take the course?

Anyone can take an OSHA 10 course. There are no prerequisites, and you don’t need to be currently employed to enroll. It’s an excellent credential for students, career changers, or anyone looking to enter the skilled trades. HVAC technicians often pair OSHA 10 with EPA 608 certification.

Getting your OSHA 10 card is a foundational step toward a safer and more successful career. It demonstrates a commitment to safety that employers value and gives you the knowledge to protect yourself and your coworkers on the job. To get started with a convenient and affordable training option, check out the OSHA 10 course available through SkillCat.