OSHA 10 Course Online: Cost, Providers & 2025 Guide

Getting your OSHA 10 card is a foundational step for anyone entering the skilled trades or working in construction and general industry. But navigating the process can feel a little confusing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about taking an osha 10 course online, from choosing the right provider to understanding the topics you will cover. If you’re still weighing education paths, our Trade School vs. College 2025 comparison can help you decide.

Getting Started: Finding and Enrolling in Your Course

Before you can dive into safety training, you need to handle a few logistics. Choosing the right course from a legitimate provider is the most important first step.

1. Verify Your Training Provider is OSHA Authorized

This is non negotiable. Only take courses from providers officially authorized by OSHA’s Outreach Training Program. OSHA provides a list of approved online vendors and explicitly states it cannot validate training from anyone not on that list. For the construction industry, there are only a handful of authorized organizations, including names like 360Training, ClickSafety, and HSI. Always cross check the provider against OSHA’s official list before you pay. Using a trusted platform like SkillCat, which partners with an OSHA authorized trainer, ensures your training is legitimate while providing extra support. For a deeper breakdown of pricing, card types, and approved vendors, see our complete guide to OSHA-10 costs, cards, and providers.

2. Choose the Right Course: Construction vs. General Industry

OSHA offers two main versions of the 10 hour course. Be sure to enroll in the one that matches your job.

• OSHA 10 Construction: This is for workers on construction sites. The content is tailored to hazards like falls, trenching, and scaffolding, following OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926 standards.

• OSHA 10 General Industry: This course is for everyone else, including people in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and retail. It covers safety topics common to these environments, like machine guarding and lockout tagout, based on OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910 standards.

The same group of authorized providers typically offers both versions, so just make sure you select the one relevant to your workplace.

3. Understanding the Course Overview and Format

The osha 10 course online is designed as an entry level orientation to workplace safety. It provides foundational awareness on how to recognize, avoid, and prevent common jobsite hazards. You will learn about your rights as a worker, your employer’s responsibilities, and how to file an OSHA complaint if you see unsafe conditions.

One of the biggest advantages of an online course is its flexibility. The training is self paced and accessible 24/7, meaning you can start and stop whenever you need to. Your progress is saved, allowing you to fit the 10 hours of training around your work schedule over multiple days or weeks. Most courses are mobile friendly, so you can learn on a computer, tablet, or phone.

4. Registration, Access, and Pricing

Signing up is usually a simple process. You will create an account, provide basic information for your completion card, and pay the course fee. After that, you typically get instant access and can begin your first lesson right away.

Course prices vary, but you can generally expect to pay between $50 and $90. For example, some providers list their course for $89 but may offer promotional discounts. It pays to look for a good value. Through its authorized partner, SkillCat offers a complete osha 10 course online for around $50, making it one of the most affordable and accessible options. If you are training a team, be sure to ask about group rates or bulk discounts. For step-by-step instructions on getting your OSHA-10 card and what to expect after checkout, read our OSHA-10 certification 2025 guide.

Navigating the Course: Rules and Requirements

Once you are enrolled, there are a few key OSHA rules you need to follow to successfully complete your training.

Course Pacing and Deadlines

• 7.5 Hour Daily Limit: OSHA has a strict rule that you cannot spend more than 7.5 hours on your training in a single day. This means completing an osha 10 course online will take a minimum of two calendar days. The platform will automatically lock you out after you hit the daily limit.

• 180 Day Completion Deadline: You must finish the entire course, including all quizzes and the final exam, within 180 days (or 6 months) of enrolling. If you do not meet this deadline, your course will expire, and you will have to pay to start over.

Quizzes, Exams, and Passing Scores

To ensure you are learning the material, the course includes knowledge checks. You will face a short quiz at the end of each module and a comprehensive final exam.

• Passing Score: You must score at least 70% on every quiz and on the final exam to pass.

• Multiple Attempts: Most providers give you up to three attempts to pass each quiz and the final test. If you fail to pass within those three attempts, you will fail the entire course and must re enroll. Take the quizzes seriously and review the material if you get a question wrong.

The Payoff: Your Certificate and Official DOL Card

After you have passed your final exam, you are almost done.

Immediate Proof of Completion

You will immediately be able to download and print a Certificate of Completion. This document serves as temporary proof of your training until your official card arrives. You can show it to an employer or site manager who needs verification that you have completed the course.

Your Official OSHA Wallet Card

The training provider will then process your information and request your official Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card. This plastic card is the formal, recognized proof of your training. It is typically mailed to you and arrives within a couple of weeks. This card does not have an expiration date under OSHA’s rules, but some states or employers may require refresher training.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Card

If you lose your OSHA card, you can request a replacement, but there are limitations. You can only get one replacement card, and you must request it within five years of completing your training. To get a replacement, you have to contact the original training provider who issued your card.

Why It Matters: Who Needs OSHA 10 and What You’ll Learn

The OSHA 10 is more than just a card, it is critical safety knowledge that protects you and your coworkers.

Who Needs OSHA 10 Training?

While the training is technically voluntary at the federal level, it has become a standard requirement for many employers, unions, and job sites. It is intended for entry level workers to provide basic safety awareness. Furthermore, several states have made it a legal requirement.

At least nine states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and West Virginia, mandate OSHA 10 training for workers on certain construction projects. Always check your local laws to see if it is required for your job. If you’re starting an HVAC career, our AC technician training overview explains skills and certifications that pair well with OSHA-10.

A Look Inside the Course Outline

Every authorized osha 10 course online follows a standardized curriculum. Here are some of the essential topics you will cover.

Introduction to OSHA

This foundational module covers the OSH Act, your rights as a worker, your employer’s responsibilities, and how to file a complaint with OSHA.

The “Focus Four” Hazards

A major part of the construction course is dedicated to the four leading causes of fatalities in the industry. These are:

1. Falls: The number one killer in construction. You will learn about fall protection systems, guardrails, and ladder safety.

2. Electrocutions: Covers power line awareness, lockout tagout procedures, and grounding.

3. Struck By Incidents: How to avoid being hit by falling objects, vehicles, or equipment.

4. Caught In or Between Incidents: Training on trench safety and machine guarding to prevent crushing injuries. Statistics show these Focus Four hazards are responsible for roughly two thirds of all construction worker deaths, making this training critically important. If you’re building broader safety knowledge, browse our safety articles.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You will learn when PPE is necessary and how to properly use, inspect, and maintain gear like hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators.

Health Hazards in Construction

This section covers risks that cause harm over time, such as exposure to silica dust, asbestos, lead, and hazardous chemicals. You will learn how to protect yourself from long term occupational illnesses.

Equipment and Tool Safety

The course covers a wide range of specific safety topics, including:

• Stairway and Ladder Safety: Proper setup, inspection, and use to prevent falls.

• Scaffold Safety: How to identify a safe scaffold, including proper planking, guardrails, and access.

• Crane, Hoist, and Conveyor Safety: Working safely around heavy machinery, including understanding swing radiuses and staying clear of suspended loads.

• Excavation and Trenching Safety: The vital importance of protective systems like trench boxes or shoring to prevent deadly cave ins.

• Hand and Power Tool Safety: General precautions for all tools, including using safety guards and wearing proper PPE.

• Material Handling and Disposal: Proper lifting techniques and good housekeeping practices to prevent strains and trips.

Choosing a Great Provider

Completing an osha 10 course online should be a smooth experience. Look for a provider that offers strong student support, like a live chat or a phone number, in case you run into technical issues or have questions about the content. Having reliable support can make all the difference. For next steps after OSHA-10, explore our advanced training for techs.

Finally, be wary of misleading marketing. You may see sites advertising “OSHA Certification”. OSHA does not “certify” workers who take this course. You earn a course completion card, not a certification or a license. Stick to providers who accurately describe the training as OSHA Outreach Training and are on OSHA’s authorized list.

Taking an osha 10 course online is an investment in your safety and your career. By following these guidelines, you can choose a legitimate, high quality course and gain the knowledge you need to work safely on any job site. Ready to get your OSHA 10 card? Find a trusted and affordable training program with SkillCat today. If you also handle refrigerants, learn what to budget with our EPA 608 certification cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the OSHA 10 course online really take?

While the material is 10 hours long, you are limited to 7.5 hours of training per day. Because of this rule, the course will take you a minimum of two days to complete.

Is an online OSHA 10 card legitimate?

Yes, as long as you take the course from an OSHA authorized online Outreach Training provider. The card you receive is an official Department of Labor wallet card and is recognized nationwide.

Does my OSHA 10 card expire?

According to OSHA, the DOL completion card for the 10 hour course does not expire. However, some states, cities, or employers may have their own requirements for refresher training every few years.

How much does an OSHA 10 course online cost?

Prices typically range from $50 to $90. You can find high quality, authorized courses at the lower end of that range from providers like SkillCat, which offers the training for around $50.

Can I fail the OSHA 10 course online?

Yes. You must pass each module quiz and the final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Most providers give you three attempts. If you do not pass within those attempts, you fail the course and must pay to start over.

What is the difference between the Construction and General Industry courses?

The Construction course is for workers on construction sites and focuses on hazards like falls, scaffolds, and trenches. The General Industry course is for workers in other sectors like manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare, and it covers topics like machine guarding, hazardous materials, and ergonomics.