You got your OSHA 30 card, and now you’re wondering—does it ever expire? It’s a fair question because safety regulations change and employers want workers to stay updated. The truth is, OSHA doesn’t technically set an expiration date, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
Some states, companies, and industries require refresher courses every few years. So, if you’re in construction, general industry, or a government contract job, you’ll want to know the rules.
This guide breaks it all down so you’re not left guessing. Stay informed, stay compliant, and most importantly—stay safe.
The supervisor-level OSHA 30 in-person training Outreach course is called OSHA 30. The goal of OSHA Outreach programs is to provide workers with an introduction to their fundamental rights and protections under the law as well as introductory awareness training on prevalent safety issues specific to their industry.
Find out exactly what the OSHA 30 course covers to understand its key topics. OSHA Outreach programs alone do not satisfy an employer’s need to provide safety training. OSHA compliance requires further training.
A completed OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 on resume course is commonly referred to as a “DOL card” since the Department of Labor (DOL) issues a sturdy plastic wallet card in conjunction with OSHA 30 and SST Outreach courses.
Anyone working in a high-risk (or even medium-risk) industry can benefit from taking an OSHA 30 and SST course as long as it addresses themes pertinent to your line of work.
It is, however, intended for employees who have supervisory responsibilities. OSHA 30 online gives managers greater training than OSHA 10, making them more aware of safety risks. Learn more about how OSHA 30 enhances workplace safety.
OSHA 30 online is voluntary for the majority of American workers in medium- and high-risk industries, nevertheless.
OSHA 30 online cards are frequently required by private companies in high-risk industries, either as a condition of employment or as part of their employee training program. Due to the stricter safety training requirements on military and other government projects, many federal contractors need an OSHA 30 certificate.
Rarely is OSHA 30 in Spanish mandated by law or regulation. One is a requirement for safety officers on military and federal projects, but it is typically imposed by a state or municipal government.
For instance, Nevada state law mandates the following workers possess a DOL card:
✅ OSHA 10 Construction is required for Nevada construction workers (but OSHA 30 construction if supervisory)
✅ OSHA 10 online General Industry is necessary for Nevada cannabis workers (but OSHA 30 if supervisory)
At times, city-level regulations apply.
Philadelphia mandates that every registered contractor hire at least one supervisor who has a current OSHA 30 Construction card (and on certain projects, such a person needs to provide continuous oversight of the work). Workers also require OSHA 10.
OSHA 30 Construction is a significant component of New York City’s own (stricter) NYC Site Safety Training (SST) safety training program, which covers practically all aspects of construction.
Lastly, some jurisdictions only make construction subject to OSHA 10 online requirements (often only in certain cases). Many of them specifically acknowledge OSHA 30 as well, enabling supervisors to enroll in more advanced training.
OSHA 30 refers to 30 hours of instruction. Without taking into account breaks, tests, travel, or administrative duties like attendance, OSHA mandates 30 complete hours of instruction.
One benefit of finishing an online OSHA 30 training course is flexibility. If you’re preparing, check these tips to successfully pass the OSHA 30 exam to ensure you complete it smoothly.
However, because OSHA requires it, you must spend at least 30 hours in class. Computer-based courses come with a timer to make sure you finish this requirement.
No, according to OSHA. However, they don’t view it as being required to begin with. The OSHA 30 expiration and renewal guide truly depends on where you work and the initial purpose of your training.
If you’re thinking about when does OSHA 30 expire? To find out, ask your employer or consult your local laws. It varies greatly. For a detailed breakdown, check our state-by-state guide on OSHA certification requirements.
For instance, you’re done if you need OSHA 30 to comply with Nevada legislation. Legally, OSHA 30 for electricians is perpetual. However, specific employers might prefer that you go over the training again occasionally to keep it in your memory.
Other countries have a specified refresher period. It would appear that a 5-year expiration time is standard; Philadelphia, New York City, and several other jurisdictions use OSHA 30 for electricians to satisfy their local training requirements.
When OSHA 30 is not a legal obligation but rather a policy held by your employer, they will decide how to implement it.
The DOL would find it extremely difficult to accurately date your wallet card because the OSHA 30 near me expiration differs on jurisdiction and employer (and either one can change their rule at any moment).
As a result, OSHA 30 near-me cards just have an issuance date listed on them instead of an expiration date. You must determine the expiration date yourself in cases where OSHA requires it.
Expiration rules vary by state and employer. To ensure compliance, check your state’s specific requirements on the OSHA-approved State Plans page.
So, you’ve finished your OSHA 30 training—awesome! Now you might be wondering, “Does this thing ever expire?” Here’s the deal: OSHA itself doesn’t put an expiration date on these certifications. But (and this is a big “but”)—your state or employer might have their own rules.
Regulations change, best practices evolve, and nobody wants to be caught off guard during an inspection or, worse, an emergency.
A quick tip: Even if your certificate doesn’t technically expire, a refresher every few years is smart. It shows you’re proactive and in the loop with the latest safety standards. Plus, some states or companies might require it for certain roles.
To stay on top of the latest requirements, check out 👉 OSHA 10 and 30-hour training and make sure you’re always prepared.