An OSHA 10 is a two-day safety training course, not a license or credential that lets you work alone

An OSHA 10 certification is a card you receive after completing a 10-hour safety training course run by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency. The course teaches construction workers, warehouse staff, and other trades workers how to recognize and avoid common workplace hazards — falls, electrical dangers, caught-between injuries, and similar risks.

The card itself does not may have access to you for a specific job or prove you are certified to do anything independently. It shows an employer that you have sat through safety training and passed a test. Many construction companies require workers to have one before they start on a job site, and some states or local governments mandate it for certain roles. But the card alone does not make you a safety officer, inspector, or specialist — it is a baseline safety awareness credential.

The course takes two full days (or four half-days) to complete. You can take it in person at a training center or online, depending on the provider. The cost ranges from roughly $150 to $250, though some employers cover it for their workers.

Key Takeaways

  • An OSHA 10 is a 10-hour safety training course that results in a wallet card showing you have completed the training and passed the test.
  • The card is often required by construction companies and some government agencies before you can work on a job site, but it does not certify you for any specific role.
  • You can complete the course in two full days or four half-days, either in person or online through an approved training provider.
  • The course covers hazard recognition, fall protection, electrical safety, and other common workplace dangers across multiple industries.
  • Your card is valid for five years; after that, you can renew by retaking the course or taking a four-hour refresher.

Who needs an OSHA 10 and why employers ask for it

Construction companies are the primary users of OSHA 10 cards. Many general contractors will not let you on a job site without one, especially for roles like framing, roofing, concrete work, or equipment operation. Some states require it for public construction projects. Private employers in warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare also sometimes ask for it, though it is less common outside construction.

Employers ask for the card because it shows you have been trained on hazard recognition and basic safety practices. It reduces their liability if an injury occurs — they can demonstrate they hired workers who had received safety instruction. It also lowers insurance premiums for some companies. For you, having the card makes you a more attractive hire and can lead to higher pay on union jobs.

Some apprenticeship programs require an OSHA 10 before you can enroll. A few states mandate it for certain trades licenses, though this varies by state and trade. Check with your local labor board or the trade union in your area to see whether it is required for the work you want to do.

What the 10-hour course covers

The course is divided into modules covering the hazards most likely to injure or kill workers in construction and general industry. The main topics are fall protection (the leading cause of construction deaths), electrical hazards, caught-between hazards (like machinery or trench collapses), struck-by hazards (falling objects), and personal protective equipment (PPE).

You will also learn about hazard communication — how to read safety labels and material safety data sheets — and how to report unsafe conditions. The course teaches you to recognize hazards on a job site, not to fix them or supervise others. It is awareness training, not advanced safety management.

The final part of the course is a 30-question test. You need to score at least 70 percent to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, most providers let you retake it at no extra cost.

In-person versus online OSHA 10 training

In-person classes are held at training centers, community colleges, union halls, and sometimes at employer sites. You attend for two full days (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or four half-days. An instructor leads the class, answers questions in real time, and proctors the final test. Many people find in-person training easier to focus on because you are in a dedicated space with no distractions.

Online courses let you work through the material at your own pace, usually over a few weeks. You watch videos, read content, and take quizzes as you go. At the end, you take the final test, either proctored online (with a webcam and ID check) or at a testing center. Online is cheaper and more flexible, but it requires self-discipline and a reliable internet connection.

Both routes are equally valid. Your card will look the same and carry the same weight with employers. Choose based on your schedule and learning style. If you are unsure whether an online provider is legitimate, check that they are on the OSHA Training Institute Education and Training Centers (OTEC) list on the OSHA website.

How to find and register for a course

OSHA maintains a list of approved training providers on its website under "OSHA Training Institute Education and Training Centers." You can search by state and see which providers offer in-person or online courses. Community colleges, union apprenticeship programs, and private training companies are all on the list.

Once you find a provider, contact them directly to ask about upcoming course dates, cost, and whether they offer in-person, online, or both. Some providers have courses starting every week; others run them monthly. If you are in a union apprenticeship, your union may offer the course for free or at a reduced cost.

When you register, bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (or your actual Social Security card). You will need these to receive your official OSHA 10 card after you pass the test. If you are taking the course through an employer or apprenticeship program, they may handle the registration for you.

Your card is valid for five years; renewal options after that

Once you pass the test, you receive a wallet-sized card with your name, the date you completed the course, and an expiration date five years out. The card is issued by OSHA and is valid nationwide. You do not need to renew it before the expiration date — it does not expire in the sense that you lose the knowledge or the training you received.

However, many employers and job sites require a current (non-expired) card. If your card expires and you want to continue working on sites that require it, you have two options: retake the full 10-hour course, or take a four-hour refresher course. The refresher is faster and cheaper, and it resets your expiration date for another five years. Not all providers offer the refresher, so ask when you register for your initial course.

Some employers will let you work while your card is in the renewal process if you can show proof that you have registered for a refresher course. Ask your employer or the job site supervisor about their policy before your card expires.

OSHA 10 versus OSHA 30 and other safety credentials

OSHA also offers a 30-hour course, which is longer and goes deeper into safety management, hazard assessment, and regulatory compliance. The OSHA 30 is aimed at supervisors, foremen, and safety managers — people responsible for overseeing safety on a job site. It is not a requirement for most workers, but some supervisory roles or union leadership positions may ask for it.

Other safety credentials exist outside OSHA, such as First Aid/CPR certification, fall protection specialist training, and confined space entry certification. These are more specialized and address specific hazards or roles. An OSHA 10 is the baseline; these others are add-ons if your job requires them.

If you are just starting out in construction or a trade, the OSHA 10 is the standard first step. If you move into a supervisory role later, you can pursue the OSHA 30. Do not feel pressured to take the 30-hour course unless your employer or union specifically asks for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the OSHA 10 online and still get a valid card?

Yes. Online courses from approved OSHA training providers issue the same official card as in-person courses. The card is valid with employers nationwide. Make sure the provider is on the OSHA Training Institute Education and Training Centers list before you enroll.

What happens if I fail the final test?

Most approved providers let you retake the test at no extra charge. You may have to wait a few days or schedule a new test date. If you fail a second time, some providers may ask you to retake the course, but this is rare. The test is designed to be passable if you pay attention during the training.

Do I need an OSHA 10 to work in construction?

It depends on your employer and the type of work. Many construction companies require it before you start. Some states mandate it for public construction projects. Check with your employer or the union in your trade to see whether it is required for the job you want.

Can I use my OSHA 10 from another state?

Yes. Your OSHA 10 card is valid nationwide. If you move to a different state or travel for work, the card is recognized everywhere. Some states or local governments may have additional safety requirements on top of the OSHA 10, so ask your new employer or the job site supervisor.

How much does an OSHA 10 course cost?

Costs range from roughly $150 to $250 depending on the provider and whether you take it in person or online. Some employers cover the cost for their workers, and union apprenticeship programs often offer it free or at a reduced rate. Ask your employer or union whether they will pay for it before you register.