Department of Labor Card: What is a OSHA DOL Card?

You've likely come across the term "DOL card," perhaps under its more familiar names like OSHA card or Completion card. But what exactly is a DOL card, and why does it matter? A DOL card is issued to individuals who complete OSHA Outreach training, such as the OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 course.

In this blog, we'll explain how to get one, and why it can be an important credential for workers in construction and general industry. 

What Is a DOL Card?

A DOL (Department of Labor) card is a durable, wallet-sized card awarded to students who finish an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Outreach Training Program. While originally voluntary, OSHA training is now mandatory in many states and frequently required by employers in high-risk industries like construction and general industry.

The DOL card is not a formal certification or license. Instead, it verifies that you completed workplace safety training under OSHA's Outreach Program.

Do I Need an OSHA Card?

Whether you need a DOL card depends on your job, industry, and employer. Many entry-level workers in construction are required to complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction course. Similarly, employers in warehouses, manufacturing, and other industrial settings may require the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course.

Employers often expect workers to carry their DOL card on-site to verify they have completed the training. In 2019, OSHA redesigned the card to make it more durable and secure. 360training was the first online provider to offer this updated card to students. 

Are DOL Cards Required In My State?

Whether or not you need an OSHA DOL card often depends on your state’s laws and regulations. While OSHA training is federally recognized, some states and cities have made certain training mandatory for certain job roles

In New York City, Local Law 196, requires construction workers to complete NYC Site Safety Training (SST). This includes a combination of OSHA 30 plus additional SST hours from an approved training provider like OSHAcampus. While an OSHA DOL card is often part of the SST pathway, it is not sufficient on its own to meet NYC requirements.

Meanwhile, California follows its own occupational safety program known as Cal/OSHA. Unlike federal OSHA training, Cal/OSHA training addresses state-specific regulations and is often required by California employers.

 Why Do I Need an OSHA DOL Card?

If your employer requires OSHA training, you’ll likely need a DOL card to prove you completed it. It helps show that you understand basic workplace safety practices, which can reduce risks and improve jobsite safety. 

How Do I Get My DOL Card?

You can earn your official OSHA DOL card by:

• Enrolling in an OSHA 10- or 30-Hour Outreach course
• Completing the course online or in person
• Passing the final exam

Once you pass the course, you'll receive a digital certificate of completion. Your official plastic DOL card will be mailed within 2-3 weeks.

When Do DOL Cards Expire?

Technically, OSHA DOL cards never expire. However, some employers may require you to retake training every 1-3 years to keep your safety knowledge up to date. If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement within five years of course completion. After five years, you may need to retake the training.

What Does an OSHA Card Look Like?

Since 2016, OSHA has issued durable plastic cards that resemble credit cards. These cards are designed to withstand daily use and reduce the risk of loss or damage.

Key features of a DOL card include:

• White background with a colored stripe (indicates course type and industry)
• Student name
• Course name
• Trainer name
• Issue date
• Unique card number
• Name of the OTI Education Center that issued the card
• QR code for verification

The QR code on the back of the card allows employers to verify course completion and confirm the card's authenticity using a smartphone.

How to Get an OSHA Replacement Card

Lost or damaged your OSHA card? Not a problem! It can be replaced once, as long as your training was completed within the last five years. To request a replacement, contact the OSHA-authorized provider or Outreach trainer you completed your course with. They’ll verify your eligibility and request a new card through the OSHA Training Institute Education Center. A replacement fee will apply, and if the card is damaged, they may ask you to return or destroy it. Keep in mind, OSHA cards do not expire, but if you lose your card more than once, you’ll need to retake the training. If you trained with OSHAcampus by 360training, visit this page for a replacement.

Get My DOL Card With OSHAcampus by 360training 

The good news? You can complete the training entirely online. At OSHAcampus by 360training, our OSHA-authorized courses are self-paced, cost-effective, and available 24/7. Whether you need OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 for construction or general industry, we have you covered. 

Plus, our self-paced, online courses are OSHA-authorized and meet all requirements for receiving your DOL card.

Start your OSHA training and get your DOL card!

In order to get an official OSHA card, you must first:

• Enroll in an OSHA Outreach course.
• Finish your training online or in person.
• Pass the final examination.

When you pass the online Outreach training evaluation, you will immediately get your certificate of completion. Your official OSHA card, however, will be delivered to you within two to three weeks.

While the Outreach Training Program targets workers, participants aren't required to complete training to be employed. With the benefit of online courses, students can take their Outreach Training online at their own pace and in their preferred environment.

When Do DOL Cards Expire?

OSHA cards never expire. However, there are several circumstances in which you would need to retake the OSHA 10 or 30 course. Refresher training may be required by your employer every 1-3 years. In addition, if you lose your card, you must retake the course unless you replace it within five years of the date you first completed it.

How Does an Official DOL/OSHA Card Look?

Usually, OSHA DOL cards are made of card stock. In February 2016, the DOL transitioned from card stock completion cards to stronger, durable plastic cards. This is because employers require workers to carry them on the job, and paper cards are more susceptible to tearing, loss, and being left behind. The new plastic cards resemble credit cards in appearance and feel.

The cards still feature a white background with a colored stripe indicating the program's industry and course length. The following information is printed on OSHA cards:

• Student name
• Course name
• Trainer name
• Issue date
• Unique card number
• Name of OTI Education Center that provided the card

Each card also features a QR (Quick Response) code on the reverse side. The QR code will enable employers and managers to verify employee course completion and authenticate the card's owner. It can be scanned with a smartphone and provides a link to the OSHA OTI Education Center for the employee. This could reduce fraudulent incidents, which have forced OSHA to upgrade to a more secure card.

Get Your DOL Card Today

There is a good chance that you will be required to get a DOL card if your employer requires you to complete OSHA training. A big benefit of 360training.com is the benefit of taking OSHA 10 and 30 courses online. Online courses are cost-effective and self-paced. At 360training.com, we offer OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses online for construction and general industry. Check out our catalog and get your DOL card today!