Does OSHA 30 Hour Certification Expire?
OSHA 30-hour training is one of OSHA’s Outreach Training courses designed to give a primer on occupational safety and health.
In most cases, OSHA 30 is reserved for supervisor-level workers, while OSHA 10 is the default for any worker who is only responsible for themselves. OSHA designs a curriculum to cover both levels for each “industry” (General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Disaster Outreach).
You’ll often see industry experts recommend that you repeat OSHA Outreach Training every four or five years to stay up to date with the latest safety regulations and practices.
But does that mean OSHA 30 expires at some point? In this comprehensive blog, we'll unravel the intricacies surrounding osha card expiration, shedding light on renewal procedures and offering guidance on how to stay aligned with the latest safety requirements.
Does An OSHA 30 Card Expire?
When you complete an OSHA 30 course, your training provider sends you a plastic wallet card to use as proof of training. These are often called DOL cards because they’re issued by the Department of Labor. If you check the small print on the back of your new OSHA 30 card, it explains that OSHA 30-hour certification doesn't expire.
That’s the truth as far as OSHA is concerned. Maritime Industry cards used to expire after five years, but OSHA changed this policy in 2019.
Of course, nothing is ever simple with OSHA, so there are a few caveats that you need to know.
First, if you lose or damage your OSHA 30 card, you can only get a replacement card within the first five years – after that, you’ll need to retake the course.
One is that some of the topics included in the courses have a mandatory training frequency under federal regulation. In other words, while your DOL card as a whole may be good for life, you’ll need to repeat your training on certain topics once a year or every three years to remain OSHA compliant.
Another sticking point is that OSHA DOL cards are widely recognized as the minimum standard for safety training under some state and local laws. These jurisdictions typically have expiration periods that they enforce.
Finally, if you take the course on behalf of your employer, they may have a preference for how often you get a refresher, even when legal requirements aren’t a concern.
How Long Is OSHA 30 Good For?
How long your OSHA DOL card is valid will depend on your jurisdiction and employer. OSHA considers its Outreach Training to be voluntary, so it’s typically required by either your employer and/or state or local law.
Certain states, counties, and cities require specific types of workers to complete OSHA’s Outreach Training program (either 10-hour or 30-hour) to ensure they have sufficient education in occupational safety and health. These laws almost always include a set refresher period.
When refreshers are required, students will have to retake the appropriate level of Outreach Training. OSHA doesn’t design a curriculum for a separate course.
The best way to learn how long your card will be valid is to consult with your employer and/or local regulatory authorities. We’ll get into some specifics below, but requirements can change at any time. In order to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date info, get the answer from the horse’s mouth.
Does OSHA 30 Expire In NYC?
Well, this is tricky.
If you need a General Industry or Maritime OSHA 30 card, then there’s no special New York City expiration date.
OSHA 30 cards for construction are a little more complicated.
A few years ago, New York City changed its safety training requirements for most construction workers. The city now has its own occupational safety training program called NYC Site Safety Training (SST).
Under these new rules, even entry-level construction workers need 40 hours of safety training, with the option to have an OSHA 30 construction course making up the bulk of those hours. Once you complete all training requirements, you’ll get an SST card in the mail, like your OSHA DOL card.
NYC SST cards expire five years after the date that they’re issued (which you should see printed on the back). In need of one? We have a suite of SST options available, including renewal courses.
In What States Does OSHA 30 Expire?
If you’re a construction worker in New York State who’s not subject to NYC SST requirements, then you’ll need a DOL card issued within the past 5 years to work on any public contract of a certain size.
Connecticut has a similar rule. They require construction workers to have a valid DOL card issued within the last five years for large public works projects.
There are local jurisdictions where your DOL card will expire, as well.
In Miami-Dade County, Florida, you need a DOL card obtained within the last five years if you want to work construction on any projects valued over $1 million (public or private).
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, requires construction workers to have a DOL card issued within the last five years for most projects. Unlike many other locations, contractors responsible for home renovations are included under this rule.
Other states require DOL cards under certain circumstances, including Massachusetts, Nevada, Missouri, and others, but they haven’t (yet) set an expiration.
However, regulations are subject to change at any time. To be sure, you should look for the latest information on state and local law.
Replacement of Course Completion Cards
Have you lost or damaged your 10-hour or 30-hour card? Contact your OSHA-authorized outreach training provider to obtain a replacement card. As we said earlier, replacements can only be issued to students who have taken the Outreach program within the last five years, and only one replacement card can be given per student.
If you took the course more than 5 years ago, OSHA-DOL will not issue a replacement card. To receive a new and valid OSHA Outreach card, you’ll need to take the appropriate OSHA outreach training program again. Online training is often the most efficient and convenient way to meet this requirement, and as a training provider with over 20 years of OSHA-authorized experience, we’re a trusted choice. Enroll today!
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) helps ensure workplace safety across various industries in the United States. One of the key training programs offered by OSHA is the 30-hour certification course, designed to educate workers and employers on occupational safety and health standards.
However, many wonder about the duration of the OSHA 30-hour certification, seeking clarity on how long an OSHA 30 certification lasts. Let's explore these details.
WHAT IS OSHA TRAINING?
OSHA training is a type of occupational safety and health training that helps workers identify, avoid, and reduce workplace hazards. It is an important part of creating a safe and healthy work environment for everyone.
There are many different types of OSHA training available, depending on the specific needs of the worker and the workplace. Some common types of OSHA training include:
- General industry training: This type of training covers a wide range of topics, such as bloodborne pathogens, electrical safety, hazard communication, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Construction training: This type of training covers topics specific to the construction industry, such as fall protection, scaffolding safety, and trenching and excavation safety.
- Maritime training: This type of training covers topics specific to the maritime industry, such as working on vessels, hazardous materials, and confined space entry.
There are also courses that are of a particular duration, such as the 10 and 30-hour courses.
In most cases, OSHA 30 is reserved for supervisor-level workers, while OSHA 10 is the default for any worker who is only responsible for themselves. OSHA designs a curriculum to cover both levels for each industry.
DOES AN OSHA 30 CARD EXPIRE?
When you complete an OSHA 30 course, your training provider sends you a plastic wallet card to use as proof of training. These are often called DOL cards because they’re issued by the Department of Labor. If you check the small print on the back of your new OSHA 30 card, it explains that the OSHA 30-hour certification doesn't expire.
That’s the truth as far as OSHA is concerned. Maritime Industry cards used to expire after five years, but OSHA changed this policy in 2019.
Of course, nothing is ever simple with OSHA, so there are a few caveats that you need to know.
First, if you lose or damage your OSHA 30 card, you can only get a replacement card within the first five years. After that, you’ll need to retake the course.
Additionally, some of the topics included in the courses have a mandatory training frequency under federal regulation. In other words, while your DOL card as a whole may be good for life, you’ll need to repeat your training on certain topics once a year or every three years to remain OSHA compliant.
Another sticking point is that OSHA DOL cards are widely recognized as the minimum standard for safety training under some state and local laws. These jurisdictions typically have expiration periods that they enforce.
Finally, if you take the course on behalf of your employer, they may have a preference for how often you get a refresher, even when legal requirements aren’t a concern.
HOW LONG IS OSHA 30 GOOD FOR?
How long your OSHA DOL card is valid will depend on your jurisdiction and employer. OSHA considers its Outreach Training to be voluntary, so it’s typically required by either your employer and/or state or local law.
Certain states, counties, and cities require specific types of workers to complete OSHA’s Outreach Training program (either 10-hour or 30-hour) to ensure they have sufficient education in occupational safety and health. These laws almost always include a set refresher period.
When refreshers are required, students will have to retake the appropriate level of Outreach Training. OSHA doesn’t design a curriculum for a separate course.
The best way to learn how long your card will be valid is to consult with your employer and/or local regulatory authorities. We’ll get into some specifics below, but requirements can change at any time. In order to make sure you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date info, get the answer from the horse’s mouth.
DOES OSHA 30 EXPIRE IN NYC?
Well, this is tricky.
If you need a General Industry or Maritime OSHA 30 card, then there’s no special New York City expiration date.
OSHA 30 cards for construction are a little more complicated.
In 2017, New York City changed its safety training requirements for most construction workers. The city now has its own occupational safety training program called NYC Site Safety Training (SST).
Under these new rules, even entry-level construction workers need 40 hours of safety training, with the option to have an OSHA 30 construction course making up the bulk of those hours. Once you complete all training requirements, you’ll get an SST card in the mail, like your OSHA DOL card.
NYC SST cards expire five years after the date that they’re issued (which you should see printed on the back). In need of one? We have a suite of SST options available, including renewal courses.
IN WHAT STATES DOES OSHA 30 EXPIRE?
If you’re a construction worker in New York State who’s not subject to NYC SST requirements, then you’ll need a DOL card issued within the past 5 years to work on any public contract of a certain size.
Connecticut has a similar rule. They require construction workers to have a valid DOL card issued within the last five years for large public works projects.
There are local jurisdictions where your DOL card will expire, as well.
In Miami-Dade County, Florida, you need a DOL card obtained within the last five years if you want to work construction on any projects valued over $1 million (public or private).
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, requires construction workers to have a DOL card issued within the last five years for most projects. Unlike many other locations, contractors responsible for home renovations are included under this rule.
Other states require DOL cards under certain circumstances, including Massachusetts, Nevada, Missouri, and others, but they haven’t (yet) set an expiration.
However, regulations are subject to change at any time. To be sure, you should look for the latest information on state and local law.
REPLACEMENT OF COURSE COMPLETION CARDS
Have you lost or damaged your 10-hour or 30-hour card? Contact your OSHA-authorized outreach training provider to obtain a replacement card. As we said earlier, replacements can only be issued to students who have taken the Outreach program within the last five years, and only one replacement card can be given per student.
If you took the course more than 5 years ago, OSHA-DOL will not issue a replacement card. To receive a new and valid OSHA Outreach card, you’ll need to take the appropriate OSHA outreach training program again. Online training is often the most efficient and convenient way to meet this requirement, and as a training provider with over 20 years of OSHA-authorized experience, we’re a trusted choice.
There’s a common misconception that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certifies workers. They don’t. So, if being “OSHA certified” is out of the question, what’s the next step for construction and general industry workers who need documentation of workplace safety training?
BASICS OF OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAMS
Instead of certifying workers, OSHA offers voluntary outreach training programs and authorizes trainers or training providers to deliver 10-hour or 30-hour courses. Finishing the industry-specific program leads to the issuance of an official completion card from the comfort of your home.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
OSHA DOL cards are widely recognized as training documentation, especially for states and jurisdictions that require workers to complete OSHA’s outreach training program.
EXPIRATION OF COURSE COMPLETION CARDS
Workers who have successfully completed the program will receive the OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour course completion card. Its validity varies depending on the industry:
- Construction Industry
- No expiration date
- Must receive supplementary training depending on industry-specific hazards
- General Industry
- No expiration date
- Must receive supplementary training depending on industry-specific hazards
- Disaster Site
- No expiration date
- Must receive supplementary training depending on industry-specific hazards
- Maritime Industry
- Valid for 5 years (additional training required to retain validity)
- Must receive supplementary training depending on industry-specific hazards
While the completion card does not expire, it is recommended to take OSHA outreach safety training every 4 to 5 years to stay updated with the latest safety regulations and industry practices. For complete training guidelines, workers are recommended to consult with local regulatory authorities.
REPLACEMENT OF COURSE COMPLETION CARDS
Have you lost or damaged your 10-hour or 30-hour card? Contact your OSHA-authorized outreach training provider to obtain a replacement card. It is important to note, however, that the replacement card can only be issued to students who have taken the outreach program within the last five years. Only one replacement card can be given per student.
So make sure to request a replacement card before the 5th anniversary of your course completion date. What if you had taken the course more than 5 years ago? OSHA-DOL will not issue a replacement card. To receive a new and valid course completion card, you will have to take the corresponding OSHA outreach training program again.
The OSHA 30-hour training course is ideal for anyone who wishes to work as a site supervisor or manager in construction. It should be considered if you wish to climb the ranks. Entry-level construction workers will need to take OSHA 10-hour training.
GET STARTED WITH OSHACAMPUS
If you're looking to renew or refresh your OSHA training, consider enrolling with OSHAcampus by 360training today! Our OSHA-based training courses provide comprehensive resources and instruction to help you stay compliant and maintain a safe work environment. Get started today and take the next step toward enhancing workplace safety and protecting your employees.
