OSHA Certification: How to Become OSHA Certified

If you're job hunting in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, or another high-risk industry, chances are you've come across the term "OSHA Certified." While it may sound daunting and overwhelming, it’s actually a doable process once you understand how to become OSHA-certified. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting OSHA certified and answer questions like what it is, where you get it, how long it will take, and how much it will set you back. All the answers you need can be found below. 

What Is OSHA Certification?

This is the most confusing part. Officially, "OSHA Certification" doesn't have any real meaning. It's often used to refer to a certain kind of safety training, but context matters, so let’s break it down. 

What Does It Mean to Be OSHA Certified? 

Among construction and manufacturing employers, the phrases "OSHA Certification" or "OSHA Certified" almost always mean they want you to have an up-to-date certificate of completion for OSHA Outreach Training. 

Other terms for OSHA Outreach Training include "OSHA 10 Certification," "OSHA 30 Certification," or a Department of Labor ("DOL") card. OSHA has very clearly stated that Outreach Training isn't a certification. 

Training providers can get in big trouble when using the terms "certified" or "certification" to describe themselves or their outreach courses. Even though OSHA disapproves, employers continue to use the term and look for OSHA Outreach on your resume under Certifications.

There's nothing wrong or dishonest about listing your training there, but to avoid confusion, use the full name of the training you received. You can find it on your certificate of completion.

Does Real OSHA Certification Exist? 

No program exists that counts as a certification in OSHA training, but OSHA's website does have a list of recognized Occupational Safety and Health certificate programs.

Most of these are for professionals whose entire job is focused on occupational safety, like safety officers and safety trainers. The certificate programs recognized by OSHA require between 100 and 400 hours to complete.

Compare that to OSHA Outreach Training, which only takes 10 or 30 hours and focuses on teaching regular workers about safety measures that apply to them.

This article will focus on the informal meaning of "OSHA Certification" since most people searching that term seek information on OSHA Outreach Training. 

Why Is OSHA Training Important? 

OSHA training is important because it helps ensure workplace safety and compliance with federal regulations, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. OSHA training promotes a safer and healthier work environment by educating workers on recognizing hazards, following safety protocols, and understanding their rights. 

Additionally, it helps businesses avoid costly fines, improves productivity, and enhances employee confidence in performing their tasks safely. 

What Is an OSHA Card? 

An OSHA card is an official certification card issued to individuals who successfully complete an OSHA Outreach Training Program. These programs include 10-hour or 30-hour safety courses designed to educate workers and supervisors on workplace hazards, OSHA standards, and best practices for maintaining a safe environment. 

OSHA cards are commonly required in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare to verify workers have received proper safety training. 

Is OSHA Certification Required? 

Maybe. It depends on where you live, work, and what you do. 

OSHA Outreach Training is voluntary by federal law. OSHA requires workers to be trained in specific safety topics, but employers have a lot of flexibility in providing that training. 

OSHA doesn't require participation in Outreach Training, but the curriculum often includes common topics needed. If you're in a high-risk industry, it's a beneficial introduction to safety and worker's rights.

However, even though OSHA doesn't require DOL cards, some state or local jurisdictions do. For example:

• Many states require a valid DOL card if you're employed on public works projects of a specific size. That includes New York State, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Missouri. Miami-Dade County in Florida has a similar law.
• Pennsylvania requires OSHA 10 Construction for most demolition workers, construction workers, and certain contractors.
• Nevada requires all construction workers to hold a DOL card, but they've taken a more unusual step. All workers in the entertainment industry now need an OSHA card for General Industry.

Even if a DOL card isn't required by law where you work, some employers will need it. It provides a solid and consistent foundation for workplace safety and introduces specific mandatory topics.

How to Become an OSHA Card Holder

Before committing to a particular OSHA Outreach course, there are a few things to understand. Let’s break it down.

Where Can I Get OSHA Certified? 

OSHA doesn't offer certification directly. Instead, OSHA's Outreach Training Institute "trains the trainers" and authorizes private institutions to provide OSHA courses. You can find a list of OSHA-accepted training providers on their website.

Some providers offer online courses while others offer a classroom experience instead. Always ensure your course provider is legitimate, and their authorization is current – there are fraudulent companies out there eager to take your money. 

Some used to be OSHA-accepted but had their credentials suspended or revoked. Others were never authorized in the first place. Once you have a trusted training provider, you need to know which type of "certification" your job calls for. 

How Do I Get OSHA Certified? 

Here are the basic steps to obtain an OSHA card:

1. Determine the Right Course
   • Choose between the OSHA 10-Hour course (basic training for entry-level workers) or the OSHA 30-Hour course (advanced training for supervisors, managers, or those with safety responsibilities).
   • Decide based on your industry: Construction or General Industry.

2. Enroll in an Authorized OSHA Training Course
   • Register with an OSHA-authorized training provider, like 360training. Courses can be completed online or in-person, depending on your preference and provider options. 

3. Complete the Course
   • Attend all course modules and complete the training content, which includes workplace safety topics like:
     • Recognizing hazards (falls, electrical, fire, etc.).
     • Safety equipment and procedures.
     • OSHA standards and workers' rights.
   • Online courses typically allow you to complete the material at your own pace. 

4. Pass the Final Assessment
   • At the end of the course, pass the required quizzes and final exam to demonstrate understanding of the material. 

5. Receive Your OSHA Card
   • After successfully completing the course, you will receive a temporary certificate of completion.
   • The official OSHA card (wallet-sized) will be mailed to you, typically within 2-4 weeks. 

Do I Need Construction, General Industry, or Something Else?

OSHA Outreach courses are divided by industry to ensure you get the topics relevant to your worksite. You need OSHA Construction outreach training if you're a building contractor, renovation contractor, or any other construction worker.

Getting "OSHA certified" for construction is easy – many course providers are available and often have training in multiple languages. You need OSHA Maritime outreach training if you work in a shipyard, marine terminal, or longshoring facility.

There are fewer training options for Maritime, and they're divided even further, so you'll need to make sure you choose the right one. For all other industries, you need General Industry outreach. 

This can cover anything from manufacturing and warehousing to healthcare. It's relatively easy to find General Industry providers, and some tailor their material toward a particular type of work. You should pay attention to the topics a course covers and find one that makes the most sense for your job.

Not everyone needs General Industry training. Many low-risk industries don't require OSHA Outreach, and earning a DOL card won't be very beneficial. 

If you work outside of Construction or Maritime, your best bet is to check job listing requirements or ask your employer if you need General Industry training and, if so, what type.

Which OSHA Certification Do I Need? 

An OSHA 10 DOL card is usually enough if you don't supervise other employees. It requires ten total instructional hours, with mandatory breaks. Since OSHA limits the daily instruction time, the training will last at least two days.

OSHA 30 DOL cards are necessary if you have supervisory responsibilities toward others. This includes supervisors, engineers, site leads, project managers, safety specialists, and others.

The course is longer because supervisors need to understand the safety rules for everyone they oversee. Due to daily limits, an OSHA 30 course can't be finished in less than four days. 

How Long Is an OSHA Certificate Good For?

Mandatory OSHA training usually has a frequency attached to every topic. However, the DOL cards you earn through Outreach Training don't have a federal expiration date.

When a state or local law requires a DOL card, the jurisdiction usually specifies how recent the card needs to be. Employers who require an OSHA Training Certification may want you to refresh your knowledge at a specific interval.

Check with your employer, but industry best practices suggest you repeat the training every 3-5 years. 

Who Pays for My OSHA Certification?

OSHA requires companies to pick up the tab for mandatory training, but since Outreach Training isn't federally mandatory, it doesn't count. Local jurisdictions may have rules about who pays for the movement, but many employers make a valid DOL card a condition of employment when they hire you. 

This means that you're often the one paying for your 10-Hour or 30-Hour Outreach training. 

Consequences of Not Being Properly OSHA Trained 

Not being properly trained in OSHA safety standards can lead to serious consequences, including: 

1. Increased Workplace Accidents

Without proper safety training, workers may not recognize potential hazards or understand the correct procedures to avoid accidents. 

This can lead to injuries, illnesses, or even fatalities caused by preventable incidents like:

• Falls from heights due to improper ladder or scaffolding use.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals without protective gear or understanding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Equipment mishandling leads to crush injuries, electrical shocks, or amputations.

Accidents not only harm workers physically and emotionally but can also result in long-term disabilities and life-altering consequences.

2. Legal Penalties and Fines

Employers are legally required to comply with OSHA standards. 

Failure to provide proper training can result in significant penalties, including:

• Fines: OSHA fines can range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of violations and whether they are repeated.
• Lawsuits: Injured employees or their families may file lawsuits against the company for negligence, leading to costly legal settlements.
• Business Closures: In severe cases, continued non-compliance can result in a shutdown of operations until issues are resolved.

For example, an employer ignoring fall protection requirements could face steep fines and lawsuits if an untrained worker is injured.

3. Reduced Productivity

Workplace injuries and accidents create ripple effects across operations:

• Injured employees may miss work, leaving tasks incomplete or requiring replacements.
• Operations may halt temporarily while investigations or safety reviews take place.
• Teams often work more cautiously after an incident, slowing down productivity.

A lack of training fosters unsafe practices that can erode efficiency over time, resulting in delays, missed deadlines, and dissatisfied clients.

4. Higher Costs

Improper training can lead to significant financial burdens for employers, including:

• Medical Costs: Treating injured employees, whether through direct payments or workers’ compensation claims, is costly.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Repeated accidents raise premiums, increasing overhead expenses.
• Legal Expenses: Paying settlements, court fees, and regulatory penalties adds to the financial strain.
• Property Damage: Accidents can damage tools, machinery, and infrastructure, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.

In many cases, the financial toll of unsafe workplaces far exceeds the cost of providing OSHA training.

5. Reputational Damage

Businesses known for safety violations or repeated accidents can quickly develop a poor reputation, which affects:

• Employee Morale: Workers may feel undervalued and unsafe, impacting overall morale and team unity.
• Client Trust: Partners and customers may hesitate to work with a company that neglects safety, viewing them as unreliable or unethical.
• Hiring Efforts: Job seekers may avoid employers with a poor safety record, making it harder to attract and retain talent.

A damaged reputation can take years to rebuild and harm long-term business success.

6. Employee Turnover

Employees who feel unsafe or untrained are more likely to leave the company for safer work environments. High turnover can:

• Increase Recruitment Costs: Finding and training replacements is time-consuming and costly.
• Disrupt Workflows: Experienced employees leaving may result in gaps in expertise and inefficiencies.
• Lower Employee Engagement: Workers who remain may feel less motivated, fearing for their safety. 

A safe work environment created through proper training fosters loyalty, trust, and job satisfaction. 

How to Get OSHA Certified Online With  OSHAcampus by 360training 

Becoming "OSHA Certified" online can be the most innovative way to get it done – especially if you're the one paying the bill. Online training is far more affordable than in-person courses. It's more efficient, too. 

It also gives you flexibility: you work on the material where you want when you want, and at your own pace. At 360training, we've been a trusted OSHA-authorized training provider for over 20 years and specialize in online safety training. 

OSHAcampus® by 360training has the online safety training courses you need to meet your compliance requirements and get to work fast. 

We offer OSHA 10 for Construction or General Industry, as well as OSHA 30-Hour Construction or General Industry. Whichever course you choose, you'll get a certificate of completion to show your employer immediately, a durable plastic DOL card for your wallet, and a study guide for later reference. 

Sign up today!