OSHA 10 Hour Construction: Requirements, Cost & How to Get Certified

A framer in Queens showed up for his first day on a high-rise project in Manhattan. He had 12 years of experience, a solid reputation, and a referral from a foreman he'd worked with for years. But when he arrived on-site, the safety manager asked to see his OSHA 10 card. He didn’t have one.

The manager told him he couldn’t step on-site without it — no exceptions. The framer lost the job, which would have paid $1,800 a week, because he didn’t have a $100 certification that takes two days to complete.

This happens every day on construction sites across New York and the U.S. OSHA 10-hour construction training has gone from “nice to have” to mandatory — not only because of regulations like NYC’s Local Law 196, but because contractors and unions require it as a condition of employment.

If you don’t have an OSHA 10 card, you’re not getting on-site — no matter how experienced you are.

Whether you’re a laborer, carpenter, electrician, plumber, or abatement tech, OSHA 10 is the baseline safety credential that keeps you employable. This guide explains what OSHA 10 is, who needs it, what it covers, how long it takes, how much it costs, and how to get certified fast.

What Is OSHA 10 Hour Construction Training?

OSHA 10-hour construction training is a foundational safety course developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It teaches entry-level construction workers how to recognize and avoid jobsite hazards and understand their rights under OSHA law.

Understanding OSHA’s Outreach Training Program

Created in 1971, OSHA’s Outreach Training Program provides safety education for high-hazard industries. It includes:

OSHA 10-Hour: For entry-level workers and technicians
OSHA 30-Hour: For supervisors, foremen, and safety personnel

Upon completion, participants receive an official Department of Labor OSHA 10 card, verifying their training.

Why OSHA 10 Exists (and Why Employers Require It)

Construction accounts for nearly 20% of all workplace fatalities despite making up only 7% of the workforce. The top causes — falls, electrocutions, struck-by, and caught-in/between incidents — are known as OSHA’s “Fatal Four.”

OSHA 10 training reduces these risks by teaching workers to identify hazards, use PPE properly, and understand safety rights.

Employers require OSHA 10 because it:

Reduces injuries and insurance costs
Meets legal and contract requirements
Demonstrates safety compliance
Protects against liability

✅ Get OSHA 10 certified and stay job-ready.

Who Needs OSHA 10 Hour Construction Certification?

While not federally required for all workers, OSHA 10 is mandatory in many states, cities, and union or contractor policies.

NYC Local Law 196

In New York City, Local Law 196 requires all construction workers to hold a 40-hour Site Safety Training (SST) card — and OSHA 10 is a required component.

Other State Requirements

Massachusetts: OSHA 10 for all workers on state-funded projects
Nevada: OSHA 10 for public works projects
Connecticut: OSHA 10 for certain construction roles

Even where not required by law, most general contractors won’t hire workers without it.

Union & Federal Contract Requirements

Unions such as the Laborers, Carpenters, Electricians (IBEW), and Ironworkers require OSHA 10 for membership or apprenticeship programs.
Federal projects (DoD, VA, etc.) often mandate OSHA 10 for all on-site workers.

What Does OSHA 10 Training Cover?

The 10-hour course includes six mandatory topics and four elective topics chosen by the provider.

Required Topics

Introduction to OSHA and workers’ rights
Fall protection
Electrical safety
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Struck-by and caught-in/between hazards
Health hazards in construction

Elective Topics (Examples)

Scaffolding and ladder safety
Confined spaces
Trenching and excavation
Material handling
Hand and power tools

OSHA 10 vs. OSHA 30: What’s the Difference?

Feature	OSHA 10	OSHA 30
Audience	Entry-level workers	Supervisors & safety managers
Duration	10 hours	30 hours
Focus	Hazard recognition	Compliance and leadership
Common Titles	Laborer, Technician	Foreman, Supervisor, Project Manager

If you manage others, you likely need OSHA 30.

OSHA 10 Hour Construction Requirements

Duration: Minimum 10 hours (no less, no shortcuts)
Max Per Day: 7.5 hours
Format: Online or in-person (both OSHA-authorized)
Assessment: Quizzes per module + final exam (20–30 questions, 70% to pass)

After completion:

Receive a temporary certificate immediately
Official Department of Labor card arrives in 4–6 weeks

Employers typically accept the temporary certificate while you wait.

How to Get Your OSHA 10 Certification (Step-by-Step)

Choose an OSHA-Authorized Provider
Verify authorization on OSHA’s website or ask for the trainer ID.
Complete the Course
10 total hours — online (flexible) or in-person (2 days).
Pass the Exam
Score 70% or higher; retakes allowed.
Receive Your OSHA Card
Temporary certificate same day; official card in 4–6 weeks.

Need OSHA 10 fast?
EEA offers online and in-person OSHA 10 training with same-day certificates.

Online vs. In-Person OSHA 10 Training

Online OSHA 10

Self-paced (complete within 2 weeks)
$75–$100
No travel required

In-Person OSHA 10

Live instructor, Q&A
$100–$150
Completed in 2 consecutive days

Both yield the same official OSHA card — choose based on your schedule and learning style.

How Much Does OSHA 10 Certification Cost?

Course Type	Typical Cost
Online OSHA 10	$75–$100
In-Person OSHA 10	$100–$150
OSHA 30	$200–$350

Many employers or unions reimburse training. Considering OSHA 10 opens doors to better jobs, it’s one of the most cost-effective credentials in construction.

Does Your OSHA 10 Card Expire?

OSHA cards don’t expire, but many employers require retraining every 3–5 years.
In NYC, your SST card (which includes OSHA 10) expires after 5 years and must be renewed.

Why Choose EEA for OSHA 10 Training

Environmental Education Associates (EEA) is an OSHA-authorized provider with decades of experience training construction and environmental professionals across New York.

You’ll get:

Official Department of Labor OSHA cards
Same-day certificates
Online or in-person formats
Experienced instructors
Locations in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, Albany, and Rochester
Affordable pricing and group discounts

EEA’s goal is simple: get you certified fast so you can get back to work — safely.

Final Thought

OSHA 10-hour construction training is no longer optional — it’s essential.
It costs under $150, takes just 10 hours, and can determine whether you’re allowed on a jobsite or not.

If you don’t have your OSHA 10 card, you’re not just missing opportunities — you’re taking risks you don’t need to.
Train with an authorized provider like EEA, complete the course, pass the test, and get certified.

Your safety — and your career — depend on it.