OSHA 10 Training: 2026 Complete Guide With State Rules
- Nov 3, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Whether you are starting in a new trade or just want to work safer, OSHA 10 training is one of the most common safety credentials you will see on a job site. But what is it exactly? The OSHA 10 training course is a program designed to teach workers basic safety and health information for recognizing, avoiding, and preventing common workplace hazards. This guide breaks down who needs it, what you learn, and everything else you need to know about this foundational safety program.
What is the OSHA Outreach Training Program?
The main goal of the OSHA Outreach Training Program is not about memorizing complex regulations but about building a culture of safety. Since its creation, this program has provided foundational training to millions of workers across the country. After completing the training, you receive an official course completion card from the U.S. Department of Labor, which most people simply call an OSHA card.
OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: Which Course Do You Need?
You will often hear about two main versions of the training, the 10 hour and 30 hour courses. It is important to understand where they fit in the larger picture of workplace safety.
OSHA 10 Hour Course: This is an entry level program. It is designed for the general workforce to provide a basic awareness of common job related safety and health hazards.
OSHA 30 Hour Course: This is a more comprehensive program intended for supervisors, managers, and anyone with safety responsibilities. It covers a wider range of topics in much greater detail.
The core subjects are similar, but the 30 hour course dives deeper into managing safety programs and controlling hazards. Because of OSHA rules that limit training to 7.5 hours per day, the 10 hour course must take at least two days to complete, while the 30 hour course requires a minimum of four days. These courses represent awareness level training, not a certification to perform specific tasks.
Why OSHA 10 Training is Important for Your Career
The core of any OSHA 10 training is to sharpen your ability to spot and handle dangers before they cause an injury. The program emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control rather than just reciting rules. This focus is critical. In construction, for example, a group of hazards known as the “Fatal Four” (falls, electrocutions, struck by object accidents, and caught in or between accidents) consistently cause more than half of all construction worker deaths each year.
Beyond the immediate safety benefits, holding an OSHA 10 card makes you a more attractive candidate to employers. It shows you have a foundational understanding of safety culture and are serious about your career in the trades. For many, it is the very first credential they earn on their journey to becoming a skilled technician.
Is OSHA 10 Training Mandatory?
While the training is voluntary at the federal level, many states, cities, and private employers require it as a condition of employment, especially in construction. Several states have enacted laws that mandate OSHA 10 training for workers on certain projects, typically public works.
State Requirements
Connecticut: Required for all workers on public projects over $100,000. Training must be renewed every five years.
Massachusetts: Required for all workers on public sector projects.
Missouri: Required for construction workers on public projects.
Nevada: All construction workers must get OSHA 10 training within 15 days of being hired. Supervisors need OSHA 30.
New Hampshire: Required for all workers on public projects over $100,000.
New York: Required for all workers on public projects over $250,000. New York City has additional, more stringent requirements, often mandating an SST card which involves more training hours.
Pennsylvania: Required for construction and demolition workers in Philadelphia.
Rhode Island: Required for workers on state or municipal projects over $100,000.
West Virginia: Required for workers on public improvement projects over $500,000.
You should always check local regulations, as requirements can change and may have specific details regarding project types and renewal periods.
Choosing the Right OSHA 10 Course for Your Trade
The training is tailored to different industries to ensure the content is relevant. There are three main types of 10 hour courses.
OSHA 10 Hour Construction
This is the most popular OSHA 10 training course. It’s designed specifically for the construction industry and focuses heavily on the “Fatal Four” hazards. Topics often include fall protection, electrical safety, scaffolding, and trenching safety. Many states and private contractors require this card for anyone working on a construction site.
OSHA 10 Hour General Industry
This course is for everyone outside of construction and maritime work. It applies to industries like manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and retail. Topics typically cover things like electrical safety, hazard communication for chemicals, machine guarding, and fire prevention.
OSHA 10 Hour Maritime
This is a more specialized course for workers in shipyards, marine terminals, and longshoring operations. The training covers the unique hazards found in these environments, such as crane safety, confined space entry on vessels, and personal flotation devices.
How to Get Your OSHA 10 Card
It’s crucial that you get your training from a legitimate source. OSHA Outreach courses must be taught by an OSHA authorized trainer. You can take the course in person or online.
Online training offers significant flexibility and affordability, allowing you to learn at your own pace without commuting. For an affordable and convenient option, you can start your OSHA 10 training with SkillCat and complete it on your schedule.
How to Spot and Avoid Fake OSHA Cards
Unfortunately, fraudulent training cards are a real problem. Using or creating a fake OSHA card can lead to serious consequences, including fines and even prison time. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Verify Your Provider: Only take courses from OSHA authorized trainers or approved online providers. OSHA maintains official lists on its website.
Inspect the Card: Legitimate cards are durable, plastic, and high quality. Look for blurry printing, spelling errors, or incorrect logos.
Check for a QR Code: Newer cards issued after March 2016 include a QR code on the back that you can scan to verify the training details.
Be Wary of Guarantees: Be suspicious of providers that guarantee a card in a few hours. Legitimate training takes a minimum of two days to complete due to time constraints.
Understanding Your OSHA 10 Card
Once you complete the course, you will receive your wallet card. Here are a few important things to know about it.
Replacing a Lost Card
If you lose your card, you must contact the original trainer or online provider who issued it. OSHA itself does not keep records and cannot issue replacements. A replacement can only be issued if you completed the training within the last five years, and you are only allowed one replacement.
Is It a Certification?
No, the OSHA 10 training course provides a completion card, not a certification or a license. It proves you have attended and passed a safety awareness course. It does not certify you to perform specific tasks.
Know Your Protections: Worker Rights Under OSHA
A key part of your training involves understanding your rights. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) gives you a powerful voice in your own safety. Your fundamental rights include:
The right to a safe workplace free from serious recognized hazards.
The right to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
The right to receive safety training in a language and vocabulary you can understand.
The right to request a confidential OSHA inspection of your workplace.
The right to review records of work related injuries.
If an employer retaliates against you for using your rights, you can file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA within 30 days. Your employer also has key responsibilities, such as providing a safe workplace, ensuring tools are maintained, and providing all required safety training.
Beyond OSHA 10: Your Next Steps in the Trades
Earning your OSHA 10 card is a fantastic first step, but it is just the beginning. For those pursuing a career in fields like HVAC, electrical, or plumbing, this card is a foundational piece of a larger skill set.
After securing your OSHA 10, consider these next steps:
Get Trade Specific Certifications: For HVAC technicians, the EPA 608 certification is not optional, it is legally required to work with refrigerants.
Build Core Technical Skills: Dive into courses that teach you the fundamentals of your chosen trade, from basic electrical theory to HVAC troubleshooting.
Seek Hands On Experience: Look for entry level helper or apprentice positions where you can apply what you have learned and develop practical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Completing your OSHA 10 shows employers you are proactive and safety conscious, making you a stronger candidate as you pursue these next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OSHA 10 training cover?
It covers a broad range of introductory safety topics. For construction, this includes a heavy focus on falls, electrocution, struck by, and caught in hazards. For general industry, it includes topics like machine guarding and hazard communication. All courses start with a module on worker rights.
How long does it take to get my OSHA 10 card?
After you finish the course, your trainer processes the request. It typically takes a few weeks for the official Department of Labor card to be mailed to you. Most providers offer a temporary certificate of completion immediately.
Does my OSHA 10 card expire?
Federally, OSHA 10 cards do not have an expiration date. However, some employers or local regulations (like in Connecticut) may require a refresher course every three to five years.
How much does OSHA 10 training cost?
Prices vary by provider. In person classes can range from $60 to $150 or more. Online courses are often more affordable. For instance, you can get your official OSHA 10 card through SkillCat’s program for just $50.
Can I get OSHA 10 training in Spanish?
Yes. OSHA is committed to making training accessible. You can find authorized trainers and online providers who offer the course entirely in Spanish.
Is an online OSHA 10 card the same as an in person one?
Yes. As long as you complete the course through an OSHA authorized online provider, you will receive the exact same official Department of Labor card as someone who took the class in person.