OSHA 10 Test: 2025 Guide to Format, Passing Score & Tips

Getting your OSHA 10 certification is a big step toward a safer career, and the final hurdle is the OSHA 10 test. The exam is a straightforward, multiple-choice test of your safety knowledge, typically consisting of about 30 questions with a required passing score of 70%. If you’ve paid attention during your training, you should find it very manageable.

This guide will walk you through everything from the exam format and passing scores to smart study strategies and the key safety topics you’ll need to know. If you’re still exploring pathways into the trades, here’s what a trade school is and how programs work. Understanding these details will not only help you pass with confidence but also make you a safer, more knowledgeable worker on any job site.

What to Expect from the OSHA 10 Test Format

The final exam is the last step in your training. While every authorized provider’s test can vary slightly, they all follow the same core OSHA guidelines. Here’s a breakdown of the structure.

How Many Questions Are on the Exam?

The final OSHA 10 test typically has around 30 multiple choice questions. This number isn’t set in stone by OSHA, so some providers might have a few more or less, but 30 is a common standard. The exam is comprehensive, meaning it will pull questions from every module you studied in the 10 hour course, covering everything from fall protection to hazard communication.

How Difficult Is the Test?

Most people find the OSHA 10 test to be very manageable. The questions are straightforward and designed to verify that you understand essential safety principles, not to trick you. If you pay attention during your training and review the material, you should find the exam reasonable. Think of it as a review of the crucial safety concepts you just learned. The goal isn’t to be difficult; it’s to ensure you have a solid foundation for staying safe at work.

Passing Score and Attempt Limits

To pass the OSHA 10 test, you need a score of at least 70%. For a 30 question exam, that means you need to answer a minimum of 21 questions correctly. This 70% standard applies to the final exam and all the lesson quizzes you take along the way.

What if you don’t pass on the first try? Don’t worry. OSHA rules allow you to have a total of three attempts to pass the final exam. If you fail, you’ll have the opportunity to review the course material again before your next attempt. The vast majority of students pass well within these three tries.

Proven Strategies to Ace the Exam

Passing the OSHA 10 test is less about luck and more about preparation. A few simple strategies can make a huge difference in your confidence and your final score.

The Power of the OSHA 10 Practice Test

Taking an OSHA 10 practice test is one of the best ways to prepare. Practice tests familiarize you with the format, question style, and timing of the real exam, which helps reduce anxiety. They are also an excellent tool for identifying your weak spots. If you struggle with questions about electrical safety, for example, you’ll know to focus your study time there before the real test. Most quality training programs build practice quizzes into their curriculum to ensure you’re ready. For a full breakdown of providers, costs, timing, and what to expect, see our OSHA 10 training guide.

Smart Study Habits: Reviewing Answer Keys

After taking a practice quiz, always review the answer key. Don’t just look at what you got wrong; read the explanations for the correct answers. This step is crucial because it reinforces the correct information and helps you learn from your mistakes. Skipping the answer key means missing a valuable opportunity to solidify your knowledge before you take the official OSHA 10 test.

Managing Your Time Effectively

The final exam is timed, so good time management is important. A great strategy is to go through the entire test once, answering all the questions you know immediately. Then, circle back to the tougher questions. This builds momentum and ensures you don’t spend too much time on a single difficult question, risking leaving easier ones unanswered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even prepared students can make simple errors. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid on your OSHA 10 test:

• Overthinking Questions: The test isn’t trying to trick you. Your first logical instinct, based on your training, is often the correct answer.

• Skipping Practice: Relying only on reading the material is a mistake. Practice tests help you apply your knowledge and get comfortable with the exam format.

• Ignoring the Clock: Keep a steady pace. Answer the easy questions first and save the harder ones for last to make sure you finish on time.

• Not Learning from Quizzes: Always review quiz answers to understand why you got a question wrong. This prevents you from repeating the same mistake.

Navigating the OSHA 10 Course Rules

Online OSHA training comes with a few specific rules you need to follow to successfully complete the course and earn your certification.

Lesson Quizzes: Your Path to the Final Exam

Throughout the course, you’ll need to pass a short quiz at the end of each module. You must pass each lesson quiz, usually with a 70% or higher, before you can advance to the next section of the training. These quizzes act as checkpoints to make sure you’ve understood the material.

The 180 Day Completion Deadline

OSHA mandates that you must complete the entire 10 hour course, including the final exam, within six months (180 days) of your start date. If you don’t finish within this timeframe, your progress will expire, and you’ll likely have to start over from the beginning. Six months is plenty of time, but it’s important to be aware of the deadline.

The 7.5 Hour Daily Training Limit

To ensure learners absorb the material effectively, OSHA limits training time to a maximum of 7.5 hours per day. This means you cannot complete the entire 10 hour course in a single day. You will have to spread your training across at least two days. Online platforms automatically track this and will pause your training if you hit the daily limit, allowing you to resume the next day.

Ready to get started with an OSHA authorized course that makes learning simple? SkillCat’s online OSHA 10 training guides you through all these requirements with an easy to use platform.

What Happens After You Pass?

Congratulations, you passed the OSHA 10 test! Here’s what comes next on your journey to getting certified and putting your new knowledge to work. If you work with refrigerants in HVAC, you’ll also need your EPA 608 certification to handle and purchase refrigerants legally.

Your Temporary Certificate and Official Wallet Card

Immediately after passing the exam, you can typically download and print a temporary certificate of completion. This document serves as proof of training until your official card arrives.

The official OSHA 10 wallet card, which is a durable plastic card issued by the Department of Labor, will be mailed to you. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. This card is the recognized proof of your certification, so be sure your mailing address is correct when you register.

Does Your OSHA 10 Certification Expire?

Officially, your OSHA 10 DOL card does not expire. It is valid for life according to federal OSHA standards. However, some states, job sites, or employers may require you to take a refresher course every 3 to 5 years to stay current with the latest safety standards.

Where is OSHA 10 Required?

While OSHA 10 training is voluntary at the federal level, several states have made it mandatory for construction workers on public projects. States like Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island all have laws requiring OSHA 10 certification for certain jobs. Even where it’s not required by law, many employers make it a standard hiring requirement for construction and general industry roles.

Key Safety Topics You’ll Be Tested On

The OSHA 10 test covers a broad range of fundamental safety topics. While the exact questions will vary, you can expect to be tested on these core concepts.

Hazard Recognition and Reporting

A major part of your training is learning to identify and report unsafe conditions. You have a right to a safe workplace, and that includes reporting hazards to your supervisor without fear of retaliation. The course also covers Hazard Communication (HazCom), which is your right to know about chemical dangers through container labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Rules

You’ll learn about the different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), from hard hats and safety glasses to respirators and fall harnesses. A key rule to remember is that employers are required to provide and pay for almost all necessary PPE.

The “Focus Four” Hazards in Construction

For the construction industry, the course places special emphasis on the four leading causes of fatalities.

• Falls: You must know the fall protection height requirement, which is generally 6 feet in construction. This means working at or above that height requires protection like guardrails or a personal fall arrest system.

• Struck By Hazards: This includes dangers from falling objects or moving equipment. A critical safety rule is to never walk or stand under a suspended load, such as materials being lifted by a crane.

• Caught In or Between Hazards: This category includes trenching and excavation dangers. A crucial fact is that any trench 5 feet deep or more requires a protective system like shoring or a trench box to prevent a deadly cave in.

• Electrocution: The exam will cover basic electrical safety, including lockout tagout procedures and maintaining safe distances from power lines.

Ergonomics and Equipment Safety

Proper material handling is covered to help you avoid back injuries, which are among the most common workplace injuries. You’ll learn to lift with your legs, not your back, and to use mechanical aids when possible. Finally, the course stresses the importance of performing a daily mobile equipment inspection on vehicles like forklifts or scissor lifts to ensure they are safe to operate before each shift.

By mastering these concepts, you’ll be fully prepared for your OSHA 10 test. More importantly, you’ll have the knowledge to protect yourself and your coworkers every day.

Take the first step toward earning your certification with a trusted provider. Explore SkillCat’s OSHA 10 course and join thousands of workers who have successfully passed their exam. Planning to move into HVAC roles next? Pair OSHA 10 with AC technician training to build job-ready skills.

Frequently Asked Questions about the OSHA 10 Test

1. How many questions are on the OSHA 10 test? The final exam usually consists of about 30 multiple choice questions that cover all the topics from the 10 hour training course.

2. What score do you need to pass the OSHA 10 test? You need to score at least 70% to pass the final exam and any of the module quizzes throughout the course.

3. Can you finish the OSHA 10 course in one day? No. OSHA regulations limit training to a maximum of 7.5 hours per day, so the course must be completed over a minimum of two days.

4. Does an OSHA 10 card expire? No, the official Department of Labor OSHA 10 card does not have a federal expiration date. However, some employers or local regulations may require periodic refresher training.

5. Is the OSHA 10 test hard? The test is designed to be straightforward for those who have completed the training. It focuses on essential safety knowledge and is not meant to be tricky. Most learners who pay attention in the course find it very passable.

6. How many times can you fail the OSHA 10 test? OSHA allows students up to three attempts to pass the final exam. If you fail three times, you may be required to re enroll in the course from the beginning.