OSHA certifications typically last three years from the date you complete the course

Most OSHA certifications expire three years after you finish your training. This applies to the standard 10-hour and 30-hour cards that construction workers, supervisors, and safety professionals carry. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card, and you can renew before it runs out by taking the course again.

Some certifications have different timelines. First aid and CPR certifications, which are often bundled with OSHA training, typically expire after two years. If your card combines both, the first aid portion will expire first. Check the back of your card or your course completion documents to see which expiration date applies to you.

The three-year window is a training validity period, not a legal requirement to retrain. OSHA itself does not mandate recertification—your employer might. Many construction companies, safety-sensitive industries, and government contracts require workers to maintain current cards, so letting yours expire could affect your job prospects or current employment.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour certifications expire three years after course completion, with the expiration date printed on your card.
  • First aid and CPR certifications bundled with OSHA training expire after two years, which may be sooner than your OSHA card itself.
  • OSHA does not legally require you to recertify, but your employer or a job site may require you to hold a current card.
  • You can renew by retaking the full course with an authorized trainer; there is no separate renewal process or exam-only option.
  • If your card has expired, you can still take a new course, but you cannot legally claim to hold a current certification until you complete it.

What happens when your OSHA card expires

Once the expiration date passes, your card is no longer valid. You cannot use it to satisfy a job requirement or a site safety mandate. If you are working on a project that requires current certification and your card has expired, you are out of compliance and may be removed from the site.

Expiration does not erase what you learned. You retain the knowledge and skills. But from a credential standpoint, an expired card carries no weight. Some employers will let you work while you arrange to retake the course; others will not. This varies by company policy and by the hazard level of the work.

How to renew before expiration

Renewal means taking the course again with an OSHA-authorized training provider. There is no exam-only renewal, no online shortcut, and no extension process. You must complete the full 10-hour or 30-hour course depending on which certification you hold.

Start looking for a course two to three months before your card expires. Training providers fill up, especially in busy seasons, and scheduling in advance gives you options. When you complete the new course, you receive a new card dated from that completion date, giving you another three years.

Keep your old card until the new one arrives. Some employers ask to see both cards during the transition. Once your new card is in hand, the old one is straightforward a record—you do not need to return it or formally retire it.

Difference between OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour expiration

Both the 10-hour and 30-hour OSHA cards expire three years after completion. The difference is in course length and scope, not in how long the certification lasts. A 10-hour card is entry-level and covers general hazards; a 30-hour card is for supervisors and goes deeper into safety management and hazard recognition.

If you hold a 10-hour card and later take the 30-hour course, you receive a new 30-hour card with its own three-year expiration. You do not stack them or extend one with the other. The newer card replaces the older one for credential purposes.

First aid and CPR expiration within your OSHA card

Many OSHA courses include first aid and CPR training, especially those aimed at construction supervisors and safety officers. These certifications are issued by organizations like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, not by OSHA itself, and they expire after two years.

Your OSHA card may show two expiration dates: one for the OSHA content (three years) and one for first aid/CPR (two years). If your job requires both, you must renew the first aid portion before it expires, even if your OSHA card is still valid. Some employers require you to hold both current; others only care about the OSHA portion.

When you renew, ask the training provider whether the course includes first aid and CPR. If it does, you will receive updated cards for all three certifications with their respective expiration dates.

What to do if your card has already expired

If your card is already past the expiration date, you can still take a course and become certified again. There is no penalty or waiting period. You straightforward enroll with an authorized provider, complete the course, and receive a new card dated from that completion.

Some employers will not hire or retain workers with expired cards, even if they are willing to retrain. If you are job-hunting or facing a site requirement, prioritize getting recertified as soon as possible. Check your local area for training providers; many offer courses on weekends or in evening sessions to fit work schedules.

Finding an authorized OSHA training provider

Not every training course is valid. Your new card must come from an OSHA-authorized Outreach Trainer or training organization. The official OSHA website maintains a searchable directory of trainers by state and region. You can also ask your employer or union—they often have preferred providers or may even offer in-house training.

When you enroll, confirm that the provider is authorized before paying. A legitimate provider will display their authorization number and can show proof of status. Courses from unauthorized trainers do not result in valid OSHA cards, even if they cover the same material.

Cost varies by location and provider, typically ranging from $50 to $200 for a 10-hour course and $200 to $400 for a 30-hour course. Some unions, community colleges, and safety organizations offer lower-cost or free training to members or residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work with an expired OSHA card?

That depends on your employer and the job site. OSHA does not legally prohibit it, but many employers and construction sites require current cards as a condition of employment or site access. Check your company policy and any job-site safety rules before assuming an expired card is acceptable.

Do I have to retake the full course to renew, or can I just take an exam?

You must retake the full course. There is no exam-only renewal or shortened recertification path. The course itself is the renewal process, and you receive your new card upon completion.

If I let my card expire for five years, can I still get recertified?

Yes. There is no time limit on how long after expiration you can retrain. You can take the course whenever you are ready, and you will receive a new card valid for three years from that date. Some employers may have their own policies about how long an employee can work without current certification, so check with your company.

Does my OSHA card transfer if I move to a different state?

Yes. OSHA certifications are valid nationwide. A card issued in one state is recognized in all states and territories. You do not need to retake the course or get a new card when you relocate for work.

What if my first aid expires before my OSHA card?

You can renew just the first aid portion with a first aid training provider without retaking the OSHA course. However, if your job requires both to be current, you will need to keep track of both expiration dates separately. Some workers choose to retake the full OSHA course that includes first aid so both expire at the same time.