OSHA 10 training requirements depend on where you work and who hires you. Federal OSHA doesn't require every worker to complete the 10-hour course, but many states, public projects, and employers do. This guide explains who needs the card, where it's required, and how to meet the requirement without wasting time on the wrong course.
Key takeaways
-
Federal law doesn't make OSHA 10 mandatory for every worker.
-
Requirements usually come from state or city laws, public contracts, or employers.
-
Choose Construction or General Industry based on the work you do.
-
Always use an OSHA-authorized provider so you get the official DOL card.
Is OSHA 10 training required by law?
Not at the federal level. OSHA runs the 10-hour program as a voluntary course for entry-level workers. The requirement usually comes from somewhere else, such as a state law, a public contract, or your employer's hiring policy.
|
Source |
What it means for you |
|---|---|
|
Federal OSHA |
The 10-hour course is voluntary. There's no nationwide rule that every worker must hold the card. |
|
State or city law |
Some states and cities require the card for construction workers, often on public projects. |
|
Public contracts |
Government-funded jobs often require every worker on site to show a card before starting. |
|
Employers and general contractors |
Many make the card a condition of hiring or of getting onto a job site. |
|
Unions and apprenticeships |
Often part of onboarding, even when no law applies. |
Federal OSHA does still expect employers to train workers on the hazards of their jobs. The 10-hour course is simply one widely accepted way to cover the basics.
Who needs OSHA 10?
The course is designed for entry-level workers and anyone without supervisory duties in higher-risk jobs. If you work on a job site, a shop floor, or in a warehouse, there's a good chance you'll be asked for it at some point.
-
Construction workers: laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, painters, and equipment operators.
-
Industrial and warehouse workers: factory staff, forklift operators, maintenance crews, and loaders.
-
Healthcare, retail, and other General Industry workers: especially where employers want a safety baseline.
-
Students and job seekers: many trade schools and employers like to see the card before the first day.
-
Supervisors: usually need the longer OSHA 30 course instead (see the comparison below).
Construction or General Industry: which OSHA 10 course do you need?
Pick based on the work you do, not the industry your employer is in. Construction covers building, renovation, demolition, and repair work. General Industry covers most other workplaces.
|
Course |
Best for |
Main topics |
|---|---|---|
|
Construction |
Building, renovation, demolition, road and utility work |
Falls, electrocution, struck-by and caught-in/between hazards, PPE, health hazards |
|
General Industry |
Warehouses, factories, hospitals, retail, maintenance |
Walking and working surfaces, exit routes, machine guarding, electrical safety, hazard communication |
OSHA also offers 10-hour versions for maritime and disaster site work, though most people will choose one of the two above. If you're unsure, ask your employer or the contractor which one they'll accept before you enroll.
Which states and cities have OSHA 10 requirements?
Several states require the card for certain construction jobs, and most of those laws apply to publicly funded projects. Dollar thresholds and details differ from place to place, and laws change, so confirm the current rule with your state labor department or the contractor before you rely on this list.
|
Location |
Typical requirement |
|---|---|
|
Connecticut |
Workers on some publicly funded building projects over $100,000 |
|
Massachusetts |
Workers on publicly funded construction projects over $10,000 |
|
Missouri |
Workers on public works projects |
|
Nevada |
Construction workers generally, with the card needed within 15 days of hire |
|
New Hampshire |
On-site workers on publicly funded contracts of $100,000 or more |
|
New York |
Workers on public projects above a set contract value. New York City also has its own site safety rules |
|
Rhode Island |
Workers on publicly funded construction projects over $100,000 |
|
Cities such as Philadelphia |
Local rules may apply, so check the city's requirements |
Does OSHA 10 expire?
Federal OSHA doesn't set an expiration date for the DOL card. Even so, some states, cities, and employers ask for a card issued within the last few years. Nevada and New York City, for example, use a five-year window. If you're taking the course to meet a job requirement, check whether an older card will still be accepted.
OSHA 10 vs OSHA 30: what's the difference?
|
Feature |
OSHA 10 |
OSHA 30 |
|---|---|---|
|
Course length |
10 hours |
30 hours |
|
Built for |
Entry-level workers |
Supervisors and workers with safety responsibility |
|
Depth |
Hazard recognition and the basics |
Broader detail, including responsibilities and prevention programs |
|
Card |
DOL OSHA 10 card |
DOL OSHA 30 card |
If you're not sure, go with the one your employer or contract asks for. Taking OSHA 30 when OSHA 10 is enough just costs you more time.
How to meet the OSHA 10 training requirements, step by step
-
Step 1: Find out what's required. Ask your employer or the general contractor, or check your state's rules.
-
Step 2: Choose the right course. Construction or General Industry, 10-hour or 30-hour. Here's how to prepare for OSHA 10 before you start.
-
Step 3: Use an OSHA-authorized provider. Only authorized trainers can issue the official DOL card. You can take OSHA 10 online with an authorized provider.
-
Step 4: Finish the course and pass the assessments. See how long OSHA 10 takes so you can plan your days.
-
Step 5: Keep your card safe. Learn how to get your OSHA 10 card after training, then take a photo and store a copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OSHA 10 mandatory?
Not under federal law. It becomes mandatory when a state or city rule, a public contract, or an employer requires it.
Is OSHA 10 a license?
No. It's a course completion card from the Department of Labor that shows you finished the 10-hour training.
Can I take OSHA 10 online?
Yes, through OSHA-authorized online providers. It's the same 10 hours and leads to the same DOL card.
Do I need OSHA 10 for every job?
No. It depends on the employer, the project, and the location, so check before you enroll.
Will an older card still be accepted?
That's up to the employer or the project. Some accept any card, while others want one issued within the last five years.
Who should take OSHA 30 instead of OSHA 10?
Supervisors and workers with safety responsibility. Entry-level workers usually need only OSHA 10.