OSHA 30 Certification: When It Expires and How to Renew

Here's a question that confuses a lot of contractors: does your OSHA card actually expire? The short answer is no — but the practical answer is more complicated, and getting it wrong can cost you jobs.

OSHA Cards Don't Technically Expire

The Department of Labor's OSHA does not put an expiration date on OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 cards. Once you complete the training and receive your card, it's valid indefinitely according to federal standards.

But here's the catch: OSHA's rules and your employer's (or GC's) rules are two different things.

Why You Might Need to Recertify Anyway

Even though OSHA doesn't require recertification, many other entities do:

• General contractors: Many GCs require OSHA training completed within the last 3–5 years. An OSHA 30 card from 2018 is technically valid but many GCs won't accept it.
• State and local regulations: Some states and municipalities have their own requirements. New York City, for example, requires Site Safety Training (SST) cards that include OSHA components and do have expiry conditions.
• Project owners: Government contracts and large commercial projects often specify that OSHA training must be current (typically within 5 years).
• Company policy: Many construction companies have internal policies requiring refresher training every 3–5 years, even if OSHA doesn't mandate it.

OSHA 10 vs. OSHA 30

If you're a contractor who supervises a crew, you should have the OSHA 30. If you're a solo tradesperson, the OSHA 10 is usually sufficient — but check what your GCs require.

How to Renew (Recertify)

Since there's no official "renewal," the process is simply taking the training again. Here's how:

1. Choose an OSHA-authorized provider. The training must be delivered by an OSHA-authorized trainer. Online courses are available from providers authorized by OSHA's Outreach Training Program.
2. Complete the course. OSHA 10 takes 10 hours minimum (usually spread over 2 days). OSHA 30 takes 30 hours minimum (4–5 days). Online courses let you go at your own pace.
3. Receive your new card. After completing the course, the provider sends your information to OSHA. You'll receive a new DOL card within 6–8 weeks. Most providers give you a temporary certificate immediately.
4. Update your records. Once you have the new card with a new completion date, update the date in your tracking system and notify any GCs who have your old card on file.

When to Start the Recertification Process

The training itself takes time — 2 days for OSHA 10, a full week for OSHA 30. Plus the new DOL card takes 6–8 weeks to arrive. Start planning your recertification at least 3 months before your card reaches the age limit your GCs require (usually 3–5 years from the issue date).

If your OSHA 30 card was issued in March 2021 and your primary GC requires cards issued within 5 years, you should start the recertification process no later than December 2025 to have the new card in hand by March 2026.

Other Safety Certifications to Track

OSHA cards aren't the only safety credentials contractors need to keep current:

• First Aid/CPR: Typically expires every 2 years
• Confined Space Entry: Annual recertification required
• Fall Protection: Many employers require annual refresher training
• Hazmat/HAZWOPER: 8-hour refresher required annually
• Scaffold Competent Person: Recertification varies by employer
• Crane/Rigging: Most certifications expire every 5 years

Key Takeaways

OSHA cards don't expire by federal standards, but the people who hire you often require recent training. Treat your OSHA card as if it expires every 5 years (or whatever your primary GC requires). Start the recertification process 3 months early. And track the date alongside all your other credentials so nothing slips through.