OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training: Requirements, Cost & How to Get Certified (2026)

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction training is the most widely recognized entry-level safety certification in the construction industry. It covers fundamental workplace hazards, from fall protection to electrical safety, and is required or strongly preferred by employers across the U.S.

If you work on a construction site in any capacity, this is likely the first safety card you’ll need.

Who Needs the OSHA 10 Construction Card?

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction card is designed for entry-level workers in the construction industry. While OSHA itself does not mandate the card for all workers, many employers and jurisdictions do.

Several states and cities require it by law. New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all have OSHA 10 requirements for certain construction workers. Many general contractors also require it as a condition of site access, regardless of state law.

If you’re entering construction as a laborer, apprentice, helper, or trade worker, expect to need this card.

What Does the Training Cover?

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction curriculum is standardized by OSHA and covers the most common hazards on construction sites:

• Introduction to OSHA Worker rights, employer responsibilities, how to file complaints
• OSHA Focus Four Hazards Falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution (the four leading causes of construction fatalities)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Selection, use, and maintenance
• Health Hazards in Construction Silica, lead, asbestos, noise
• Stairways and Ladders Safe use and inspection
• Scaffolding Types, inspection, and fall protection
• Excavation and Trenching Cave-in prevention and protective systems
• Materials Handling Rigging, cranes, and manual handling

The training is delivered by OSHA-authorized trainers through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. Only authorized trainers can issue the official DOL wallet card.

How to Get Certified

Getting your OSHA 10 Construction card is straightforward:

Step 1: Choose a training format. You can take the course online or in person. Both are legitimate as long as the provider is an OSHA-authorized trainer.

Step 2: Complete the 10 hours of training. Online courses are self-paced but must meet minimum time requirements. In-person classes are typically delivered over 2 days.

Step 3: Pass the final assessment. Most providers include a quiz or exam at the end. There’s no universal pass/fail threshold set by OSHA, and each trainer sets their own assessment.

Step 4: Receive your DOL card. After completion, your trainer submits your information to OSHA. You’ll receive a Department of Labor (DOL) wallet card, typically within 6-8 weeks. Most providers give you a temporary completion card immediately.

Cost Breakdown

OSHA 10 Construction training costs range from $25 to $89 for online courses. In-person courses are typically $150 to $300, sometimes more in high-cost areas.

The price variation depends on the provider, format, and whether additional materials are included. The cheapest online options from authorized providers are perfectly legitimate. The DOL card is the same regardless of what you paid.

Some employers cover the cost of training. If your employer requires the card, ask whether they’ll reimburse or pay directly.

Online vs. In-Person Training

Both formats result in the same DOL card. The choice depends on your situation:

Online is typically cheaper, self-paced, and more convenient. You can complete it on your own schedule over several days. Legitimate online providers are listed through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program and authorized by OSHA Education Centers.

In-person offers hands-on demonstrations and direct interaction with a trainer. Some workers learn better in a classroom setting, and some employers prefer in-person training. Classes are usually held over 2 consecutive days.

OSHA does accept online OSHA 10 training as legitimate, even though this has been a source of confusion. As long as the provider is authorized through an OSHA Education Center, the card is valid.

State-Specific Requirements

While OSHA 10 is a federal program, several states and cities have their own requirements:

• New York City Required for all workers on NYC construction sites (Local Law 196)
• Connecticut Required for construction workers on state-funded projects
• Massachusetts Required for all construction workers
• Missouri Required for construction workers on public works projects
• Nevada Required for construction workers (within 15 days of hire)
• New Hampshire Required for construction workers on public projects
• Rhode Island Required for construction workers on public projects

Check your state’s requirements for the most current rules.

Career Impact

The OSHA 10 Construction card is an entry-level credential, but it opens doors. It demonstrates basic safety awareness to employers and is often a prerequisite for higher-paying positions.

For career advancement, consider the OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification, which targets supervisors and site managers and is often required for foreman and superintendent roles.

Safety-focused career paths including Safety Officer and Safety Manager typically start with OSHA 10 and build from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OSHA 10 card expire? No. The DOL card does not have an expiration date. However, OSHA recommends refresher training every 4-5 years to stay current with updated standards. Some employers and state programs also require periodic renewal.

Is online OSHA 10 training accepted by employers? Yes, as long as the provider is authorized through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program. The DOL card issued is identical whether you trained online or in person.

How long does it take to get the DOL card? The physical DOL wallet card typically arrives within 6-8 weeks after your trainer submits your completion. Most providers issue a temporary certificate immediately that you can use in the meantime.

What’s the difference between OSHA 10 Construction and General Industry? The Construction version covers hazards specific to construction sites (falls, scaffolding, excavation). The General Industry version covers manufacturing, warehousing, and other non-construction settings. You need the version that matches your work environment.