Safety Training in California: OSHA Courses & Providers (2026)

California runs its own OSHA program (Cal/OSHA), which means training requirements can differ from federal OSHA. Whether you need your first OSHA card or advanced certifications like HAZWOPER or confined space, here’s where to find training in California.

What Training Do You Need in California?

California doesn’t mandate OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards by state law. But most general contractors require them, and Cal/OSHA has its own training requirements you need to meet.

Cal/OSHA-specific training requirements:

• IIPP Training Every employee must receive Injury and Illness Prevention Program training when hired
• Heat Illness Prevention Required for all outdoor workers and supervisors
• Hazard Communication GHS training plus Proposition 65 awareness

Common certifications for California workers:

• OSHA 10 Construction. Entry-level for construction workers ($25-$89 online)
• OSHA 30 Construction. For supervisors and foremen ($89-$189 online)
• OSHA 10 General Industry. For manufacturing, warehousing, agriculture
• HAZWOPER 40-Hour. For hazardous waste and environmental remediation workers
• Forklift Certification. Required for powered industrial truck operators
• Fall Protection. Required for workers at heights

Online Training Options

Most OSHA certifications can be completed online from anywhere in California. Online courses are self-paced and typically cheaper than in-person classes.

Authorized online providers:

• OSHA Education Center Authorized through the University of South Florida. OSHA 10 from $25, OSHA 30 from $89.
• 360Training (OSHACampus) Large provider with OSHA 10, 30, and HAZWOPER courses.
• ClickSafety Used by many California general contractors. OSHA 10, 30, and specialty courses.
• CareerSafe OSHA Outreach courses with interactive format.
• National Safety Council OSHA courses plus first aid, CPR, and defensive driving.

The DOL card you receive is identical whether you train online or in person. For more: Is Online OSHA Training Legitimate?

In-Person Training in California

For hands-on courses or if you prefer classroom learning, California has training centers across the state.

Major metro areas with in-person training:

• Los Angeles / Southern California Largest market. Multiple training centers in LA, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire.
• San Francisco / Bay Area Training centers in SF, Oakland, San Jose, and surrounding areas.
• Sacramento / Central Valley Training options in Sacramento, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
• San Diego Construction and general industry training providers.

Types of in-person training available:

• OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 (typically 2-day and 4-day classes)
• HAZWOPER 40-Hour (5-day class with hands-on components)
• Confined space entry with rescue drills
• Fall protection with harness fitting and equipment inspection
• Forklift operator training with practical evaluation
• First aid / CPR / AED

In-person providers in California:

• OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers UC San Diego and Keene State College operate authorized OTI centers serving California
• National Safety Council. California Chapter
• Local union training centers IBEW, UA, Ironworkers, Carpenters, and Laborers unions operate training facilities across the state
• Community colleges Many California community colleges offer OSHA and safety courses through their continuing education programs

State-Specific Training

California has training requirements that don’t exist in other states:

Cal/OSHA-specific courses:

• Heat Illness Prevention (supervisor and worker training)
• Wildfire Smoke Protection
• Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) development
• Aerosol Transmissible Disease exposure control (healthcare workers)

State licensing training:

• Asbestos abatement (C-22 contractor license through CSLB)
• Lead abatement (certification through CDPH)
• Crane operator certification (Cal/OSHA requirements)

These state-specific courses are not available through standard national online providers. Look for California-specific training organizations or consult Cal/OSHA’s training resources.

How to Choose

Go online if: You need OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or HAZWOPER training and want the cheapest, most flexible option. The DOL card is the same.

Go in-person if: You need hands-on training (forklift, confined space, fall protection), prefer classroom learning, or your employer requires it.

Check your employer first. Many California employers provide safety training directly or have preferred providers. Ask before paying out of pocket.

For California-specific regulatory requirements, see our California workplace safety guide.