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OSHA 10 Hour Course: 2026 Costs, DOL Card & Requirements

Updated: 3 days ago

A construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses on a job site.

Getting started in a new trade means learning the skills of the job, but it also means learning how to stay safe. That’s where the OSHA Outreach Training Program comes in. It’s a nationwide initiative designed to promote workplace safety, and its most popular offering is the OSHA 10 hour course. This course provides a fantastic introduction to recognizing and preventing common job site hazards.

While OSHA itself doesn’t mandate this training, its importance is undeniable. Many states and employers now require it, making the OSHA 10 card a fundamental credential for anyone entering the skilled trades.

What is OSHA?

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Labor that was created in 1970 when President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) into law. The core mission of OSHA is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for employees across the nation.

To achieve this, OSHA does a few key things:

  • Sets and enforces standards: OSHA develops and enforces workplace safety and health regulations that employers must follow.

  • Provides training and education: The agency offers training programs, like the Outreach Training Program, to increase knowledge about occupational safety.

  • Offers assistance and encourages improvement: OSHA works with employers and employees to promote a culture of safety.

Essentially, the OSH Act gives you the right to a safe workplace, and OSHA is the agency responsible for making that right a reality.

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

When looking into OSHA training, you’ll see two main options: the 10 hour and 30 hour courses. The choice between them comes down to your role at the workplace.

  • The OSHA 10 Hour Course: This program is built for entry level workers. It serves as a foundational safety orientation, covering essential topics like workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to identify and avoid the most common workplace dangers. It’s the perfect starting point for new hires.

  • The OSHA 30 Hour Course: This is a more comprehensive program designed for supervisors, managers, and anyone with safety responsibilities. It dives deeper into a broader range of topics, focusing more on policies, procedures, and the details of OSHA standards.

The 10 hour course is far more common. Because OSHA limits training time to a maximum of 7.5 hours per day, the OSHA 10 hour course is always spread over at least two days, ensuring you have enough time to absorb the material without being overwhelmed.

Types of OSHA 10 Hour Courses by Industry

Safety training isn’t one size for all. The hazards on a construction site are very different from those in a factory or a shipyard. That’s why the OSHA 10 hour course is tailored to specific industries.

The OSHA 10 Hour Course for Construction

This is the most popular outreach course available. It’s designed specifically for workers in construction, demolition, and renovation. The curriculum puts a major emphasis on OSHA’s “Focus Four”. These are the four leading causes of fatalities in construction:

  • Falls

  • Electrocution

  • Struck by objects

  • Caught in or between objects

Understanding how to prevent these specific incidents is a core part of the training. Many states, including New York, Nevada, and Massachusetts, have made this specific OSHA 10 hour course a legal requirement for workers on public construction projects.

The OSHA 10 Hour Course for General Industry

The OSHA 10 Hour Course for Maritime

This highly specialized course is for people working in shipyards, on marine terminals, or in longshoring operations. The training focuses on unique maritime hazards like cargo handling, confined space entry on vessels, and risks associated with working on or near water. A key update for this course is that as of April 1, 2019, the completion cards for the maritime program no longer expire.

What is the Required Curriculum?

While course specifics can be adjusted by the trainer, OSHA mandates a core set of topics to ensure everyone receives foundational knowledge.

Construction Curriculum

The 10 hour construction course dedicates significant time to the most critical hazards.

  • Mandatory Topics (7 hours): This includes an Introduction to OSHA, the Focus Four hazards (Falls, Electrocution, Struck By, Caught In or Between), Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment (PPE), and Health Hazards in Construction.

  • Elective Topics (2 hours): The trainer must choose at least two topics from a list that includes subjects like Excavations, Material Handling, Scaffolds, Stairways and Ladders, and Hand and Power Tools.

  • Optional Topics (1 hour): This hour can be used to expand on other topics or cover any other construction industry hazard or policy.

General Industry Curriculum

The general industry course covers a broader range of safety concerns applicable to various workplaces.

  • Mandatory Topics (6 hours): This includes an Introduction to OSHA, Walking and Working Surfaces (including fall protection), Exit Routes and Emergency plans, Electrical safety, PPE, and Hazard Communication.

  • Elective Topics (2 hours): The trainer selects at least two topics from a list that includes Hazardous Materials, Machine Guarding, Ergonomics, and Safety and Health Programs.

  • Optional Topics (2 hours): This time is flexible and can be used to cover other general industry topics.

Understanding Your OSHA Card

After successfully finishing your training, you’ll receive an official Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card. This card is your proof of completion and is recognized by employers nationwide.

The OSHA Card Hierarchy Explained

OSHA issues a few different types of cards, creating a simple hierarchy.

  • 10 Hour Card: Given to entry level workers who complete the foundational OSHA 10 hour course.

  • 30 Hour Card: Awarded to supervisors and safety personnel who finish the more in depth 30 hour training.

  • Trainer Card: This is the highest level, held by individuals who have completed extensive training and are authorized by OSHA to teach the 10 and 30 hour courses. These are the only cards with an expiration date, as trainers must renew their authorization every four years.

It’s important to remember that student cards (both 10 and 30 hour) do not have an expiration date according to OSHA.

How to Avoid OSHA Card Fraud

Unfortunately, the demand for OSHA cards has led to an increase in fake cards and training scams. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Verify Your Trainer: Only OSHA authorized trainers can teach these courses and issue official DOL cards. You can ask to see their current trainer card or use OSHA’s public database to find legitimate trainers.

  • Beware of Shortcuts: A real OSHA 10 hour course takes a minimum of two days. Be skeptical of anyone offering to sell you a card in just a few hours or without any actual training.

  • Inspect the Card: Since 2016, official cards are plastic, not paper. They have security features like a QR code for verification, a watermark, and high quality printing. Poor print quality, spelling mistakes, or missing logos are red flags.

  • Report Fraud: If you suspect fraudulent activity, you can report it to OSHA.

How to Get a Replacement OSHA Card

If you lose or damage your card, you can get a replacement, but there are rules. You must contact the original authorized trainer or the training organization that provided your course. They are the only ones who can request a new card for you.

There are two major limitations to keep in mind. First, you can only request a replacement if you completed the course within the last five years. Second, you are only allowed one replacement card in your lifetime.

How to Find an OSHA 10 Hour Course

You have two great options for taking an OSHA 10 hour course: in person or online.

Finding In Person Classroom Training

For those who prefer a classroom setting, OSHA provides resources to find an authorized trainer in your area. You can check the directories on OSHA’s website or contact your regional OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center for referrals. Always make sure to verify a trainer’s credentials by asking to see their current trainer authorization card.

Finding an Authorized Online OSHA 10 Hour Course

Online training offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace. However, you must take the course from an officially recognized provider. OSHA maintains a specific list of authorized online providers, and cards from any other source will not be considered valid.

Online training has become incredibly popular. For an affordable path to get this essential credential, training platforms like SkillCat partner with OSHA authorized providers to offer the OSHA 10 hour course for around $50. It’s a convenient and cost effective way to get the exact same official DOL card you’d receive in a classroom. For more step by step training guides, explore the HVAC Technician Blog.

Finding an OSHA Course in Spanish

Recognizing the diverse workforce, OSHA ensures its training is accessible. You can find both online and in person courses offered entirely in Spanish. OSHA’s website lists authorized online providers who offer Spanish language courses as well as a directory of Spanish speaking classroom trainers.

Frequently Asked Questions about the OSHA 10 Hour Course

1. Is the OSHA 10 hour course mandatory? No, it is a voluntary program at the federal level. However, many states, cities, and individual employers do require it as a condition of employment.

2. Is the OSHA 10 card a certification? No. OSHA is very clear that this is not a certification or a license. It is a completion card that shows you have attended a safety orientation program.

3. Do OSHA 10 cards expire? According to OSHA, the student completion cards never expire. Some employers or local regulations may ask you to take a refresher course every few years, but the card itself remains valid.

4. Is there a test to get the OSHA 10 card? OSHA does not require a final exam to receive your card. Your completion is based on attending and participating for the full 10 hours. However, many online providers include their own quizzes and a final test to ensure you’ve mastered the material, often requiring a score of 70% or higher to pass.

5. Can this course satisfy specific OSHA training requirements? No. The OSHA 10 hour course is a general safety overview. It does not replace the specific training an employer must provide for certain tasks or equipment, such as operating a forklift or handling hazardous chemicals.

Getting your OSHA 10 card is a critical first step in building a safe and successful career in the skilled trades. It shows employers you are serious about safety and prepared for the job site.

If you’re ready to get started, you can sign up for OSHA 10 training through SkillCat’s authorized partner and begin your online course today.

 
 
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