What Is OSHA 10-Hour Training?
The OSHA 10-Hour Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program developed by OSHA to give entry-level workers a foundational understanding of workplace safety and their rights on the job.
What it covers:
- Introduction to OSHA and worker rights under the OSH Act
- Common workplace hazards and how to recognize them
- How to identify and report safety issues
- Basic PPE requirements
- Emergency procedures
Who should take it:
- New workers in construction or general industry
- Employees in industries where OSHA 10 cards are commonly required by contract
- Workers who want a foundational understanding of workplace safety
Time commitment: 10 hours, typically completed over 1–2 days. Available in-person or online through OSHA-authorized providers.
What you receive: An official OSHA 10-Hour wallet card, typically mailed within 2 weeks of completing an authorized course.
What Is OSHA 30-Hour Training?
The OSHA 30-Hour Outreach Training Program is a more comprehensive course aimed at supervisors, safety personnel, and workers with safety responsibilities. It covers everything in the 10-Hour course but goes much deeper into each topic and adds several areas not covered at the 10-Hour level.
What it covers beyond OSHA 10:
- Supervisory responsibilities under OSHA
- OSHA recordkeeping requirements
- Specific hazard standards — electrical, fall protection, confined spaces, and more
- OSHA inspection procedures and what to expect
- Creating and managing written safety programs
Who should take it:
- Foremen and supervisors
- Safety officers and managers
- Business owners responsible for their own compliance
- Workers seeking advancement into safety roles
Time commitment: 30 hours, typically spread over 3–4 days. Available in-person or online.
What you receive: An official OSHA 30-Hour wallet card, typically mailed within 2 weeks of completing an authorized course.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | OSHA 10 | OSHA 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10 hours | 30 hours |
| Target audience | Entry-level workers | Supervisors / Safety staff |
| Depth | Introductory | Comprehensive |
| Average cost | $60 – $89 | $150 – $189 |
| Card issued | Yes | Yes |
| Federally required | No | No |
| Often required by contract | Yes | Yes |
| Prerequisite required | None | None |
Is OSHA 10 or 30 Required by Law?
At the federal level, neither the OSHA 10 nor OSHA 30 is legally required by OSHA standards. The Outreach Training Program is voluntary. However, several situations effectively make one or both mandatory:
- State laws: Multiple states require OSHA 10 cards for construction workers. New York, Nevada, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and others have passed construction-specific requirements.
- Government contracts: Federal and state government construction contracts frequently require OSHA 10 or 30 cards for workers and supervisors on the job site.
- General contractor requirements: Many general contractors mandate that all subcontractor employees carry OSHA 10 cards before setting foot on the site.
- Union agreements: Many collective bargaining agreements specify OSHA training requirements for covered workers.
How to Get OSHA 10 or 30 Certified
Training must be delivered through an OSHA-authorized trainer to receive an official wallet card. There is no shortcut on this — unofficial courses will not result in a valid card.
Your options:
- In-person courses through OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers — the most comprehensive option
- Online courses through OSHA-authorized online providers — widely accepted and typically less expensive
- Employer-sponsored training if your company employs OSHA-authorized trainers
Before purchasing any course, verify the provider's authorization through OSHA's online directory of authorized outreach trainers. A course from an unauthorized provider produces a worthless card.
Typical Costs
| Course | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| OSHA 10 — Construction | $60 – $89 |
| OSHA 10 — General Industry | $60 – $89 |
| OSHA 30 — Construction | $150 – $189 |
| OSHA 30 — General Industry | $150 – $189 |
Online courses are generally less expensive than in-person sessions. Group pricing is often available for employers enrolling multiple workers at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my OSHA card expire?
OSHA cards do not expire at the federal level. However, some states and employers require renewal every 3–5 years, and best practice is to refresh training every 3 years as standards and best practices evolve.
Can I take OSHA 30 without OSHA 10 first?
Yes. There is no prerequisite. You can take OSHA 30 directly without completing OSHA 10 first.
Is online OSHA training legitimate?
Yes, as long as the provider is OSHA-authorized. Always verify authorization before purchasing. The card you receive from an authorized online course is identical to one earned in a classroom.
Will I receive a physical card?
Yes. After completing an authorized course, you will receive an official OSHA wallet card by mail. Some providers also offer digital verification.
Construction or General Industry — which course do I need?
Choose based on your industry. Construction courses (Part 1926) cover hazards specific to construction sites — falls, scaffolding, trenching, and more. General Industry courses (Part 1910) cover manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare, and other non-construction workplaces. If you work in both environments, some employers require both cards.