OSHA’s 10-hour and 30-hour safety courses stand as the only officially recognized workplace safety training programs in the United States. Many people want to know the process to get OSHA certified.
OSHA doesn’t directly certify workers. However, completing these training programs earns you an official Department of Labor OSHA card – a credential that employers demand. Entry-level workers need the 10-hour safety course that covers general safety and health hazards. Supervisors benefit from the 30-hour course with its detailed training approach.
Getting an OSHA certification might seem daunting at first. This piece shows you the quickest way to earn your certification in just 10 hours. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about becoming OSHA certified.
Understanding OSHA 10-Hour Certification
“The OSHA Outreach Training Program is not a certification program. Outreach Training Program trainers, students, and curriculum are not certified.” — Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor agency responsible for worker safety and health protection
OSHA 10-Hour certification is a basic workplace safety training program that helps entry-level workers stay safe on the job. Workers learn about common safety and health hazards they might face during their work day.
Workers need to complete a 10-hour training course that teaches them how to spot, avoid, control and prevent hazards rather than just memorizing OSHA rules. OSHA requires the training to be split across at least two days, with no more than 7.5 student contact hours per day.
OSHA doesn’t directly give certifications to workers. They authorize trainers and training providers to teach these courses as part of their voluntary Outreach Training Program. Students who pass get an official Department of Labor (DOL) OSHA card.
The program comes in different versions to match specific industry needs:
- Construction Industry: Teaches about construction hazards like falls, caught-in situations, struck-by incidents, and electrical risks
- General Industry: Perfect for manufacturing, factory work, warehousing, storage, and healthcare
The DOL card proves that a worker completed OSHA-authorized safety training. The OSHA 10-hour card doesn’t expire at the federal level. Some employers might ask workers to take the course again every three to five years to stay updated on safety standards.
Students learn about workers’ rights, what employers must do, and how to file OSHA complaints. They must score at least 70% on module quizzes and the final exam to get certified.
Students can print a temporary certificate right after finishing the course. The official DOL wallet card takes about two weeks to arrive after completing the required end-of-course survey.
Some states and employers now require this training. The federal OSHA still lists the Outreach Training Program as voluntary. The main goal remains simple: to help workers understand their safety rights and stay alert to workplace hazards.
Choosing Your Training Method
Choosing the right OSHA certification training method is a vital decision. OSHA gives you two main options: online courses and in-person classroom training. Each option has its own advantages based on your needs and situation.
Online OSHA training shines because it’s flexible and affordable. Students can work on their courses any time of day from anywhere with internet access. The 10-hour online courses usually cost between $60 and $80, which makes them budget-friendly. Students can also learn at their own speed and take extra time with tough topics.
Classroom-based training is a chance to learn through direct interaction. The in-person 10-hour training costs about $250 per person for groups of four or more. This setup excels at giving hands-on experience with immediate access to expert instructors. To cite an instance, see how warehouse facility training lets instructors show the right ways to use equipment like forklifts and ladders.
Here’s what should guide your choice between these methods:
- Industry Requirements: Some fields need hands-on training that’s only available in person
- Learning Style: Your success depends on whether you learn better in groups or by yourself
- Location: Online training might work better if you’re based remotely
- Budget: Think about extra costs like travel and time away from work
- Course Complexity: Face-to-face demos often help with technical subjects
Companies with multiple trainees will find specific benefits in both formats. Online training gives managers tools to track employee progress and often comes with group discounts. Classroom sessions help build team spirit and deliver consistent training across your workforce.
OSHA wants you to research authorized training providers before signing up. They keep lists of approved classroom trainers and online providers in several languages. This check helps ensure your certification meets all the rules.
Note that employers must cover training costs according to OSHA regulations. This investment pays off through fewer workplace incidents and lower insurance claims.
Complete Your OSHA Training Online
“CareerSafe worked well for me this year, especially with distance learning, and I plan to use it again in the future. We should have more students enrolled next year. The OSHA-10 credential is important to our business partners as we transition our students into work-based learning experiences.” — CareerSafe Customer, Educator using CareerSafe OSHA training courses
Your OSHA certification experience begins with convenient and flexible online options. OSHA-authorized online training providers give you access to detailed safety education that’s available around the clock.
The certification process follows a well-laid-out path. You’ll get immediate access to interactive multimedia courses that keep you focused as you learn. The course material has audio narration, real-life case studies and interactive exercises to strengthen key concepts.
You must complete the course material and an end-of-course survey within six months to earn your certification. The assessment needs you to pass module quizzes and a final exam with a minimum score of 70%. You’ll get three attempts to pass these assessments.
Your successful completion earns you two important documents:
- An instant downloadable certificate via email
- An official DOL OSHA card delivered to your doorstep within 6-8 weeks
OSHA closely monitors online training providers. Eight organizations can provide OSHA 10-hour Construction training:
- 360Training (OSHAcampus)
- AdvanceOnline
- CareerSafe
- ClickSafety
- HSI
- UL Solutions
- Redvector
- University of South Florida
Help is always available during your training. Customer service teams can assist with any technical problems. OSHA-authorized trainers can also answer your questions about course content.
The online platform automatically tracks your progress and stores all quiz answers in a complete transcript of your training modules. This secure system will give a permanent record of your certification experience.
Online training lets you learn at your own pace. You have a full year from purchase to complete your certification. The mobile-friendly format lets you study on any device during breaks or commutes.
Employers who manage multiple certifications benefit from advanced reporting features and progress tracking. Supervisors can monitor their team’s advancement and understanding throughout the process.
Conclusion
OSHA certification is a vital step to ensure workplace safety and compliance. This piece explores how you can get your OSHA 10-hour certification quickly through online or classroom training.
Online certification appeals to most workers because it’s budget-friendly and flexible. Students work at their own pace and still get expert support with detailed learning materials. The self-paced format lets them grasp critical safety concepts without rushing.
You need to pass module quizzes and score at least 70% on the final exam to complete the certification. Once you meet these requirements, you’ll get an immediate downloadable certificate and your official DOL OSHA card arrives within weeks.
OSHA certification gives you the essential knowledge about workplace hazards, safety protocols, and worker rights, regardless of whether you choose online or classroom training. This investment in safety education meets employer requirements and creates safer work environments for everyone.
FAQs
The OSHA 10-hour course requires a minimum of 10 hours of training time, spread across at least two days. However, the total time needed may vary depending on individual pace and the time spent on quizzes and exams.
The cost of an OSHA 10-hour certification course varies depending on the training method. Online courses are generally more affordable, ranging from $60 to $80, while in-person classroom training can cost around $250 per person for groups of four or more.
After successfully completing the course and required survey, you’ll receive an immediate downloadable certificate. The official Department of Labor OSHA card is typically mailed within 6-8 weeks of course completion.
No, the OSHA 10-hour course cannot be completed in one day. OSHA regulations limit training to a maximum of 7.5 student contact hours per day, requiring the course to be spread over at least two days.
Online OSHA training offers flexibility, 24/7 access, and is generally more affordable. Classroom training provides hands-on experience, direct interaction with instructors, and is better suited for technical topics that benefit from in-person demonstrations. The choice depends on factors like industry requirements, learning style, location, and budget constraints.
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