OSHA Training 10 Hour Course (2026): Topics, Cost & Card

Getting started in a new trade or just trying to stay safe on the job? You’ve probably heard about needing an “OSHA 10” card. An osha training 10 hour course is an entry-level safety program from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that provides workers with a basic awareness of common job-related safety and health hazards. But is it required, and what exactly will you learn?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover what the training is, who it’s for, and how you can get your official Department of Labor card, all in a straightforward way.

What is the OSHA Outreach Training Program?

The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a nationwide safety initiative from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). At the federal level, the program is completely voluntary; OSHA doesn’t have a rule that forces workers to take these classes. The main goal is to promote workplace safety by teaching workers about common job hazards, their safety rights, and how to prevent accidents.

Launched back in 1971, the program has become incredibly popular. Between 2021 and 2025 alone, over 6.5 million workers were trained in hazard recognition and prevention through this program. It’s a foundational piece of safety education for millions of American workers.

The OSHA Training 10 Hour Course Explained

The osha training 10 hour course is the entry level program designed for workers, not supervisors. Its purpose is to give you a basic orientation to workplace safety. Think of it as an “awareness level” training that helps you spot common dangers on the job and understand how to protect yourself.

In about ten hours of class time, you’ll learn about your rights, your employer’s responsibilities, and how to identify and avoid the most common hazards in your industry. To make sure everyone has time to absorb the material, OSHA requires the training to be spread over at least two days, with no more than 7.5 hours of training in a single day.

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

You’ll often hear about OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses. The main difference comes down to the audience and the depth of the content.

• The OSHA 10 Hour Course is an introduction to safety for entry level and general workers. It provides a broad overview of key safety topics.

• The OSHA 30 Hour Course is a much more comprehensive program for supervisors, managers, and anyone with safety responsibilities. It dives deeper into OSHA standards, safety program management, and hazard mitigation strategies.

Essentially, the 10 hour course teaches you how to recognize hazards, while the 30 hour course teaches you more about how to control them and manage safety on a larger scale.

What’s Covered? A Look at the Required Curriculum

OSHA has a structured curriculum to ensure every class covers the essentials. The content is broken into three parts:

1. Mandatory Topics: These are core safety subjects that every class must cover for a minimum amount of time.

2. Elective Topics: The trainer chooses from a list of OSHA approved subjects to tailor the class to the specific audience.

3. Optional Topics: This flexible time can be used to expand on other topics or cover additional safety material relevant to the workplace.

This structure guarantees that every worker learns the fundamentals while also getting information pertinent to their actual job.

Core Concepts in Every OSHA Training 10 Hour Course

While the specifics vary by industry, every osha training 10 hour course is built on a few foundational pillars.

Introduction to OSHA

Every course begins with a mandatory “Introduction to OSHA” module. This session explains why OSHA exists, its mission to ensure safe working conditions, and the history behind the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Understanding Your Rights as a Worker

A key part of the training is learning about your rights. Federal law gives you the right to a safe workplace, and you can speak up about concerns without fear of being punished. Some key rights include:

• The right to receive safety training in a language you understand.

• The right to be provided necessary safety gear (like hard hats or gloves) at no cost.

• The right to review records of work related injuries and illnesses.

• The right to file a confidential complaint with OSHA to request an inspection.

What Employers Are Responsible For

Just as workers have rights, employers have responsibilities. The “General Duty Clause” of the OSH Act requires them to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause serious harm or death. Key duties include:

• Finding and correcting safety and health hazards.

• Training employees about workplace dangers.

• Keeping accurate records of work related injuries and illnesses.

• Reporting any worker fatality to OSHA within 8 hours and any amputation, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalization within 24 hours.

• Not retaliating against workers for using their safety rights.

Hazard Identification, Avoidance, Control, and Prevention

This concept is the heart of OSHA training. It’s a proactive approach to safety that involves four steps:

1. Hazard Identification: Learning to spot potential dangers, like frayed cords or unguarded machines.

2. Hazard Avoidance: Keeping a safe distance or finding a safer way to complete a task.

3. Hazard Control: Using methods to reduce risk if a hazard can’t be eliminated, such as installing safety guards or wearing protective equipment.

4. Hazard Prevention: Creating a culture of safety to stop accidents before they happen through things like regular maintenance and good housekeeping.

For field-ready checklists and quick references, browse our Technical Support for Field Techs resources.

Industry Specific Training: Construction vs. General Industry

The osha training 10 hour course is offered in different versions for different industries, with Construction and General Industry being the most common.

OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Training

This course is for workers in non construction fields like manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and retail. Maintenance techs in apartments and facilities can explore our Multi-Family Maintenance guides for day-to-day safety examples. The curriculum focuses on hazards common to these environments.

Mandatory topics usually include:

• Electrical Safety

• Fire Prevention and Emergency Exit Routes

• Hazard Communication (working with chemicals)

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Walking and Working Surfaces (to prevent slips, trips, and falls)

Elective topics might cover things like machine guarding or ergonomics, depending on the needs of the class.

OSHA 10 Hour Construction Training

This training is tailored for the unique and often high risk environment of a construction site. A huge portion of this course is dedicated to the “Focus Four” hazards, which are the leading causes of death in construction. Historically, these four hazards account for more than half of all construction worker fatalities.

The Focus Four includes:

• Falls: The number one killer in construction. For ladder and roof best practices, see our roofing safety fundamentals.

• Electrocutions: Hazards from power lines, cords, and equipment.

• Struck By: Dangers from falling objects or moving vehicles.

• Caught In or Between: Risks of being trapped or crushed by equipment or structures.

Because construction is so dangerous, several states (including New York, Nevada, and Massachusetts) have passed laws making the osha training 10 hour course mandatory for workers on certain projects.

How is the Training Delivered?

You can get your OSHA 10 card in two ways: through an in person trainer or an online provider.

OSHA Authorized Trainers

An OSHA Authorized Trainer is a safety professional who has completed a special OSHA course to become qualified to teach the 10 and 30 hour classes. They are not OSHA employees but are authorized to deliver the official curriculum and issue course completion cards. These trainers must have at least five years of safety experience and must renew their authorization every four years to stay current.

OSHA Authorized Online Providers

For more flexibility, you can take an osha training 10 hour course online. However, it’s critical that you choose a provider that is officially authorized by OSHA. OSHA maintains a list of approved online providers on its website, and they warn that they cannot validate any training from unlisted companies.

Online courses must follow the same rules as in person classes, including time tracking to ensure you complete the full 10 hours over a minimum of two days. This option is perfect for those who can’t take time off for a traditional class.

Platforms like SkillCat make it easy and affordable to get your training from an authorized provider. Through a partnership with an OSHA authorized vendor, SkillCat offers a fully compliant online OSHA 10 course that allows you to earn your official DOL card at your own pace.

The OSHA Card: Your Proof of Training

After you finish your course, you’ll get your official OSHA card. Here’s what you should know about it.

What is an OSHA Course Completion Card?

The OSHA card is a durable, wallet sized plastic card issued by the Department of Labor that serves as proof you completed the training. It will list your name, the course you took (e.g., “10 Hour Construction”), the date of completion, and the name of your trainer. Many employers, especially in construction, require you to have this card on you to be on a job site.

Is the OSHA Training 10 Hour Course Voluntary?

At the federal level, yes, the program is voluntary. OSHA recommends it as a great safety orientation but does not mandate it. However, it often becomes a requirement because of:

• State and Local Laws: Some states and cities legally require it for certain jobs.

• Employer Policies: Many companies and general contractors make it a condition of employment to ensure a baseline of safety knowledge.

Is an OSHA 10 Card a Certification?

No. This is a very common misconception. An OSHA 10 card is not a certification or a license. If you need a recognized credential for HVAC work, explore our EPA 608 certification resources.

How to Replace a Lost OSHA Card

If you lose your card, you can request a replacement, but there are a few rules.

• You must contact the original trainer or online provider who gave you the course.

• A replacement can only be issued if your training was completed within the last five years.

• You are generally only allowed to get one replacement card.

There is usually a small fee to cover the cost of processing and printing the new card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does the osha training 10 hour course actually take?

It takes a minimum of two days. OSHA rules state that you can’t complete more than 7.5 hours of training in a single day, so the 10 hours of instruction must be spread out.

Does my OSHA 10 card expire?

No. According to federal OSHA, course completion cards issued through the Outreach Training Program do not expire. However, some employers or local regulations may require you to take a refresher course every few years.

How much does an osha training 10 hour course cost?

The cost can vary widely depending on whether you take it in person or online. In person classes can cost over $100, but online options are often much more affordable. For example, you can get your authorized OSHA 10 card through SkillCat for just $50.

Can I take the entire osha training 10 hour course online?

Yes, you can. As long as you use an OSHA authorized online provider, the course is 100% valid, and you will receive the same official Department of Labor card as someone who took the class in person.

Is getting an OSHA 10 card really worth it?

Absolutely. Not only is it required for many jobs, but the knowledge you gain can genuinely help prevent accidents and keep you and your coworkers safe. It shows employers you take safety seriously and gives you the foundation to build a long, safe career in the trades.