OSHA 10 exam-day guide
OSHA 10 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired driver's license, passport, or state ID. Name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID forms they accept before test day.
Your registration confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email showing your name, exam date, and test location or online proctoring link. You may need it to check in.
Provider's test-day instructions
Re-read the scheduling email or admission document for arrival time, check-in steps, and any materials allowed. Policies vary by provider, so confirm with the provider.
Know your test format and time limit
The OSHA 10 final assessment is typically a multiple-choice test covering the 10-hour course content. Confirm the exact number of questions, passing score, and time limit with your training provider.
Pencils or pen (if paper-based)
If your provider gives a paper exam, bring a couple of pencils or a pen. For computer-based testing, scratch paper and pencil are often supplied. Confirm with the provider what is allowed.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive or log in ahead of your scheduled start to allow time for check-in and ID verification. Confirm the provider's recommended arrival window.
Gather your study materials the night before
Review your course notes, summaries of key hazard categories, and any practice quizzes your provider gave you. Do not rely on bringing reference materials into the exam unless the provider explicitly permits them.
Plan your route or test environment
For in-person testing, confirm the address and parking. For online proctoring, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection and find a quiet, private room. Confirm the provider's remote-testing requirements.
Secure personal items
Leave phones, smartwatches, and other electronics off and stored as directed. Rules on what may be brought to the desk vary, so confirm with the provider.
Get rest and eat beforehand
A normal night's sleep and a light meal help focus. Avoid cramming new material the morning of the exam.
Know how results are delivered
Ask whether results are immediate or sent later, and how you receive your completion card or certificate. Confirm with the provider.
Backup plan for technical issues
If testing online, save the provider's support contact so you can report connection or login problems promptly. Confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Review your course notes and any practice questions from your provider, focusing on hazard recognition, fall protection, electrical safety, and personal protective equipment. Re-read the test-day instructions and confirm your exam time, location, or online link.
Confirm your ID is unexpired and your name matches your registration. Contact the provider if anything is inconsistent.
Do a light review of summary notes only. Prepare your ID, confirmation, and any allowed materials. For online testing, test your equipment and internet. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a light meal, arrive or log in early per the provider's instructions, and complete ID verification and check-in. Keep phones and electronics stored as directed.
Read each question carefully and watch for qualifiers like 'always' or 'except.' Answer the easier questions first if you can move between questions, then return to harder ones. Manage your time against the stated limit.
If a question is unclear or a technical problem occurs, follow the provider's procedure for flagging or reporting it rather than guessing at policy.
Follow the provider's process for receiving results and your completion card or certificate. Keep your documentation for your records.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a name matching your registration; confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted.
Follow all check-in and identity-verification steps, including any photo, signature, or proctor instructions.
Do not use unauthorized materials, phones, smartwatches, or other devices during the exam. Ask the provider in advance what is permitted.
Follow the provider's rules on breaks; for timed tests, confirm whether the clock runs during breaks. Do not leave the testing area without permission.
Scoring and passing criteria are set by the provider; confirm the passing score, number of attempts, and retake policy with them.
Do not attempt to copy, record, or share exam questions; treat exam content as confidential per the provider's agreement.
If you need accommodations, request them from the provider well before test day and confirm approval in writing.
Report any technical or procedural problem to the proctor or provider immediately rather than resolving it on your own.