Understanding OSHA Card Validity: Expiration Timelines and Renewal Steps

Written by Tanya Gonzalez | Edited by Michael Purser

Have you ever taken an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) course? If so, chances are you're probably worried about how long your credentials will last. 

You're not alone. This is a common concern, but the answer isn’t as straightforward as you may think.

Let's start by making one thing clear: OSHA cards don’t actually expire. However, you may be asked to enroll in supplemental training after a few years. Understanding if, when and why you’ll need to do this can help you avoid any hiccups at your job.

Still have questions? Read on to learn more about how long OSHA cards are valid and employer requirements for retaking training.

What Are OSHA Cards?

OSHA cards are plastic, wallet-sized credentials issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). They're issued to workers who've completed an OSHA Outreach Training Program for their industry. Think of them as proof that you've been trained in job safety, including health risks and how to prevent accidents. Are you prepared to make your jobsite safer?

There are two main types:

10-Hour

Geared toward entry-level workers, this program covers essential workplace safety topics.

30-Hour

This training provides a more in-depth program meant for supervisors, foremen and safety personnel. It touches upon broader hazard prevention and regulatory compliance issues.

OSHA Card Requirements Across Industries

Each industry has its own site safety training standards. Those employed in construction, manufacturing, warehousing and public sector roles, among others, may need proof of completed coursework before they can begin a job. 

Let’s break down who usually needs workplace safety training. Are you on this list?

• Construction Workers: In many states, anyone working on a construction site must take at least a 10-hour safety course.
• Supervisors and Forepersons: If you’re in charge of a team or project, you’ll likely need the more in-depth 30-hour training to cover all areas of workplace safety.
• Warehouse and Industrial Workers: People working in warehouses or manufacturing plants benefit from learning how to safely handle equipment, deal with hazardous materials and respond to emergencies.
• Public Employees: Some state and local governments require maintenance and service workers to complete safety training as part of their job.
• Oil and Gas Workers: Because the work is so high-risk, many employers in this industry require proof of safety training before hiring.
• Factory and Machine Operators: If you work with heavy machinery, safety training isn’t just helpful — it’s usually required to stay safe on the job.

What You’ll Learn in These Courses and Why It Matters

Outreach courses equip students with the knowledge they need to help prevent injuries to themselves, fellow workers and others. That being said, the material itself can vary depending on the course length and industry it's focused on. 

Below is a general overview of what is taught in each learning program. 

10-Hour Course Topics

• Workplace safety laws and regulations
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
• How to spot potential hazards
• Ways to reduce/prevent injuries 
• Taking action in the event of an emergency/accident

30-Hour Course Topics

This course covers all topics presented in the 10-hour training, along with the following: 

• Workplace violence prevention
• Industrial hygiene and exposure control
• Lockout/tagout procedures for hazardous equipment
• Creating and implementing workplace safety plans
• Detailed accident investigation and reporting
• Site-specific hazard assessment

Keep in mind that these are the basic subjects taught in each course. The curricula feature additional information tailored for either general industry or construction jobs.  

Dispelling Myths: Is There an Official OSHA Card Expiration Date? 

There’s a lot of misinformation about OSHA cards — one of the biggest misconceptions is that they’ll last forever. It’s easy to understand why. On one hand, the federal government doesn’t have an official OSHA card expiration policy in place. 

On the other hand, it’s up to states and even individual employers to decide if someone’s training needs to be renewed — and when. Let’s break it down further.   

OSHA 10 Card Expiration  

Technically, a 10-hour card does not expire. However, a refresher course may be needed every three to five years to ensure workers stay updated on the latest safety regulations.

OSHA 30 Card Expiration

Like the 10-hour version, the 30-hour does not expire. Workers in supervisory roles may be asked to complete additional training periodically.  

Refresher Training

Refresher courses play a vital role in keeping job sites safe. Since work zone laws are evergreen, the guidelines and protocols you learned about originally may no longer apply. 

The refresher programs close any potential training and knowledge gaps, filling employees and supervisors in about updates to safety codes, best practices for handling accidents, new technology and more.

In most jurisdictions, students can repeat the original course to get a new DOL card. 

As with initial course requirements, states and employers set the rules for when and who needs to renew their training. 

• New York: Construction workers must renew their OSHA cards every five years.
• Nevada: State law requires workers in specific industries to renew training every five years.
• Federal Contracts: Government contractors are often required to update their safety training within a specific timeframe.

Be sure to check with your boss if you still have questions about your job's specific OSHA card validity period and renewal requirements. 

Keeping Your Safety Training Current

Workers don’t receive any kind of OSHA card expiration notification, so it’s up to each person to stay on top of their industry’s refresher training requirements. The good news is that issuance dates are printed on the cards, which makes it easy to track when you’re due for renewal.    

So, let’s say you realize your card needs to be renewed. Now what? The process is fairly simple:

1. Confirm Your Job’s Renewal Requirements

Check with your employer or state agency to see if you need to retake the course and when.

2. Select an Authorized OSHA Training Provider

If you do need to retake the course, make sure you enroll in a program from a recognized institution. OSHA Education Center offers Outreach Training courses through our partnership with the University of South Florida, an OSHA-authorized training provider.

3. Complete the Course Again

Since there’s no separate refresher course, you’ll need to retake either the 10-hour or 30-hour training.

4. Receive Your Updated Certificate

Once you pass the course, you’ll receive a new certificate with the updated issue date.  

Workplace safety regulations and industry standards evolve over time, which is why refresher training is important — even when it’s not legally required. 

Retaking a course ensures workers remain aware of new safety procedures, technological advancements and updated laws that affect their industry. Many workplace accidents occur due to outdated safety practices, so staying informed can help prevent serious injuries.

Lost Your Card? Here’s How to Replace It

Was your OSHA card lost, stolen or damaged? Don’t worry; it can often be replaced. Here’s what you need to know about OSHA card replacement:

• If it’s been less than five years since you completed training, you can contact the training provider and request a replacement. This can only be done once per class.
• If it’s been more than five years, you may need to retake the course to receive a new certificate.
• Some states and employers have strict renewal policies, so it’s always best to check before assuming your old card is still valid.

The Impact of Workplace Safety Education on Job Prospects

Beyond keeping workers safe, having an up-to-date DOL card can also help you advance your career. Many employers prioritize candidates who have completed recent training because it shows a commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance. In industries such as construction and manufacturing, possessing a valid DOL card can make a job applicant stand out from the competition.

Additionally, some higher-level positions require ongoing training. Safety training opens new professional opportunities — especially when transitioning into management or specialized safety roles.

Why Online Training Is a Great Option

Finding time for in-person training can be challenging if you have a busy schedule. Luckily, online options are available. Here are a few reasons why web-based programs are a popular choice. Will online training work for you?

• Learn at Your Own Pace: You can complete coursework whenever it’s convenient for you.
• Access from Anywhere: Whether you’re at home or on a break at work, you can log in to your course and continue your training.
• Cost-Effective: Online courses tend to be more affordable than in-person classes. Plus, you can save on gas, tolls and other expenses.
• Interactive Learning: Many Internet programs include videos, quizzes and real-life scenarios to make the material more engaging.
• Instant Certificate: Once you pass, you can often download a temporary certificate while waiting for your official card.

Maintaining Your Safety Card Validity

When it comes to workplace safety, training renewal is just as important as the initial card. Even though these credentials don’t expire at the federal level, many states and employers require workers to renew their training every few years. 

If your training is due for an update, enroll with a trusted provider like OSHA Education Center to keep your workplace as safe as possible.