How Much Does OSHA 10 Certification Cost and What Do You Actually Learn in the Training?

OSHA’s 10-Hour Construction training is the most recognized entry-level safety certification for construction laborers. Training covers a breadth of basic workplace hazards, including fall protection, hazardous materials, scaffolding, personal protective equipment, and more. Many construction companies across the country prefer or require it for new employees. If you work anywhere on a construction site, you’ll most likely need this card.

Who is Required to Get the OSHA 10 Construction Card?

Typically, entry-level construction workers are required to obtain the OSHA 10 construction card. However, keep in mind, OSHA does not actually require all construction workers to have the card. However, individual employers and many state jurisdictions do have it as a mandatory requirement.

Currently, New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island require OSHA 10 training by law for certain construction workers.

Additionally, many general contractors around the country require all construction workers and visitors to the construction site to have the card, regardless of state requirements.

If you’re starting your construction career as a laborer, apprentice, helper, or trade worker – you will likely need this card.

What Do You Learn During OSHA 10 Hour Training?

OSHA outlines specific curriculum that each provider must follow for 10-Hour Construction training. Below are the main topics that are covered.

OSHA Focus Four Hazards: these are falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution. They’re considered the four leading causes of construction deaths according to the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Learn more about each topic on an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course. Here are some of the main topics you will learn about during this course. They are as follows:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): how to select, use, and maintain PPE
• Health Hazards: includes info about silica, lead, asbestos, and noise exposure
• Stairways and ladders: use and inspection
• Scaffolding: types, inspection, and fall protection techniques
• Excavations and Trenching: identifying hazards, cave-in prevention, and protective systems
• Material Handling: Training includes rigging, crane signals, and manual lifting procedures.

OSHA approved trainers run their training courses through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program. Only trainers enrolled in OSHA’s Outreach Training Program can issue the official DOL card.

How to Become OSHA 10-Hour Certified in Construction

Getting certified OSHA 10 Construction safety card is simple and only takes a few steps. Here is what you need to know to start training.

• Step 1: Decide on training method. Choose to take your training online or in person. Both methods are OSHA-approved if they’re taught by an OSHA authorized trainer.
• Step 2: Complete training course. Online courses are self-paced but take a minimum number of hours to complete. Classes that are taught in-person are usually split over 2 days.
• Step 3: Pass Assessment. Most OSHA training providers will include a short quiz or exam at the end of the training course. There is no standardized pass/fail percentage set by OSHA, and each trainer will have their own test.
• Step 4: Get your DOL card mailed to you. After you complete the training course your trainer will report your completion to OSHA. Within 6-8 weeks you will receive your Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card. Most trainers will issue you a temporary card you can use while you wait.

How Much Does OSHA 10 Construction Cost?

Prices for OSHA 10 construction safety cards range from $25 all the way up to $89 for an online course. In-person courses usually range from $100 to $500. Pricing can go up in these ranges if you live in a high cost of living area.

Training costs will vary depending on the provider, training method, and if additional materials are included. If you’re looking for a cheap training course online, if the provider is OSHA authorized, it’s completely legitimate. And your DOL card will be the same as someone who spent $300.

Some employers will cover the cost of training and the cost of your OSHA 10 Card. If your employer is requiring you to become certified, ask if they will provide reimbursement or if they will pay for it directly.

Online vs In-Person OSHA 10 Training

Online Training

• Cheaper
• Self-Paced
• More convenient since you can complete it whenever on your schedule.

In-person Training

• Allows for hands-on demonstrations
• Opportunity to ask the trainer questions directly
• Some workers learn better in a classroom setting
• Some employers prefer their workers to take the training in-person.

OSHA Training Courses can be taken online or in-person depending on your preference. Completion of either method will result in the same DOL card. But here’s the catch…

For many years online OSHA 10 Training was considered invalid. However, OSHA fully accepts online courses as long as they’re provided by an OSHA authorized Education Center.

States Who Require OSHA 10 Construction Training

OSHA 10 training is a federal program offered through the United States Department of Labor. However, many states (and even cities) have passed legislation that adds further requirements.

• New York City – All workers performing work on NYC construction sites must have an OSHA 10 card (Local Law 196).
• Connecticut – All construction workers working on state funded projects.
• Massachusetts – All Construction Workers.
• Missouri – All construction workers working on public works projects.
• Nevada – All Construction Workers must obtain within 15 days of hire.
• New Hampshire – All Construction workers performing work on public projects.
• Rhode Island – All construction workers performing work on public projects.

Check with your state’s guidelines for most up-to-date requirements.

Career Opportunities with an OSHA 10 Construction Course

The OSHA 10 Construction certification is great for entry-level positions. All it really shows employers is that you have basic knowledge of safety procedures.

If you want to advance in your construction career, consider taking the OSHA 30 Hour Construction certification. It’s aimed at supervisors and site managers and is typically required for construction foremen and superintendent positions.

There are also long-term career paths in safety specifically. Positions like Safety Officer and Safety Manager will usually require you to start with OSHA 10 training.

OSHA 10 FAQ

Does the OSHA 10 Card Expire?

No. Once you receive your DOL card it never expires. OSHA does recommend that you take a refresher course every 4-5 years to keep up with changing standards. Your employer or local programs may have different requirements for renewal.

Is Online OSHA 10 Training Legitimate?

Online OSHA 10 Training is perfectly legitimate. As long as the provider is registered through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program, they are allowed to issue the DOL card (OSHA Outreach FAQ).

How long does it take to receive my DOL card?

After you complete your training, it typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive your physical DOL wallet card. However, you should receive a temporary card from your provider that you can use while you wait.

What’s the difference between OSHA 10 Construction vs General Industry?

OSHA 10 Construction is specifically tailored towards hazards found on construction sites. Things like falls, scaffolding, and excavation. General Industry covers manufacturing facilities, warehouse work, and other non-construction jobs. If you work in construction, you want the Construction version.