What is an OSHA DOL Card?
An OSHA DOL Card is the official, wallet-sized card issued to workers who complete OSHA-authorized Outreach Training, such as the OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour course. "OSHA card" is a commonly used shorthand for this credential, but the official name is the OSHA DOL Card (or DOL Card). It's issued through the Department of Labor after someone completes training that meets OSHA's Outreach requirements. We'll use "DOL Card" and "OSHA DOL Card" throughout this guide to keep the naming clear.
In this article, we'll cover who needs a DOL card, how to earn one through OSHA Outreach training courses , what the card looks like, what the color stripes mean, how long delivery takes, how to verify a card's authenticity, CEU credit questions, whether cards expire, and how to replace a lost or damaged card.
Do I Need An OSHA DOL Card?
A DOL card demonstrates that someone has completed training on workplace hazards and safety measures to help prevent injury and death. It does not qualify a worker for employment on its own, and it doesn't replace training required under specific OSHA standards. Whether you need one usually comes down to your industry and your employer's requirements:
- Construction workers: Because of the elevated hazards in construction, many employers require entry-level workers to complete an OSHA 10 Construction course.
- Supervisors and safety personnel: Employers often expect an OSHA 30 Construction card for anyone with supervisory responsibility on a jobsite.
- General industry workers: OSHA 10 General Industry training may be necessary for workplaces with significant risk, such as manufacturing facilities.
- State and local requirements: Some cities and states require a DOL card for certain roles regardless of employer preference.
Employers ultimately decide whether a DOL card is necessary for a given role, though state and local rules can make it mandatory. You can find more facts about OSHA cards directly from OSHA.
How Can I Get a DOL Card?
After successfully completing an OSHA-authorized Outreach Training course, eligible participants receive an official OSHA DOL Card. To earn one, you'll need to:
- 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'll immediately receive your certificate of completion. Your official DOL card will be mailed to you afterward. OSHA Outreach Training courses on AdvanceOnline have been reviewed and authorized by OSHA for online distribution. OSHA-authorized Outreach training courses are provided in partnership with 360training.
What Does an Official OSHA Card Look Like?
All OSHA DOL cards are wallet-sized and plastic. The cards are white with a colored stripe (see more below), with a color that indicates the course you took, industry, and course length (10-hour or 30-hour).
All OSHA cards feature the following information:
- Student name
- Course name
- Trainer name
- Issue date
- Card number
- Name of OTI Education Center that provided the card
On the back of each card is a QR barcode that anyone/employer can scan to verify the card is authentic.
What Do the Different Colors of OSHA Cards Mean?
Each OSHA DOL card is printed on white plastic with a horizontal colored stripe. This is to help distinguish between different training programs, making it easy to identify which one you completed. Here is what each color signifies:
- Orange is used for OSHA 30-Hour Construction Training
- Yellow is used for OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training
- Dark blue is used for OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Training
- Light blue is used for OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training
- Dark green is used for OSHA 30-Hour Maritime Training
- Light green is used for OSHA 10-Hour Maritime Training
- Light red is used for OSHA 15-Hour Disaster Site Training
- Dark red is used for 7.5-Hour Disaster Site Training
OSHA trainer cards are also given to OSHA-authorized training providers. They have a vertical stripe and a corresponding color depending on the industry:
- Yellow is used for Construction Training
- Blue is used for General Industry Training
How Long Does It Take to Receive an OSHA DOL Card?
After completing the course and a course evaluation, it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks to receive your DOL card. To avoid delays, verify your mailing address in your profile. After passing the final exam, your course completion is processed and your OSHA DOL Card is issued through the OSHA Outreach Training Program.
How Can I Tell if an OSHA Card is Valid?
As stated previously, recent OSHA/DOL cards come equipped with a QR code printed on the back. By using your smartphone or camera-enabled device, you can easily scan to verify authenticity. If you have a paper card issued before March 2016, you can verify by contacting the outreach trainer who issued your card.
Do I Receive CEU Credits for Taking OSHA Outreach Courses with AdvanceOnline?
Yes, AdvanceOnline Solutions is an IACET Accredited provider. The number of CEUs awarded is equal to the length of the course in hours divided by 10. The number of CEUs awarded is published in the course catalog and on the course certificate.
Do OSHA Cards Expire?
No, OSHA cards never expire. However, in various cities and states, workers may be obligated to undergo safety courses periodically. Many employers also require employees to retake OSHA Outreach training or "refresher courses."
These refresher training courses can range from every 1 to 3 years. In addition, if you lose your card, you must retake the course unless you replace it within five years after the initial completion date. If you live in a city or state or work for an employer that requires updated training, you can find the date your DOL card was issued printed on the front of your card.
How Do I Replace or Renew My OSHA Card?
If your OSHA 10 or 30-hour wallet card has been lost or damaged, replacement is possible, but specific conditions apply. Replacement cards are only allowed within five years of completing the course, as providers maintain records for that duration. Each student is entitled to one replacement card per course. Because OSHA does not keep track of classes or students, you will need to contact your original trainer or online provider for replacement requests. Bear in mind that they may charge a fee for this service.
If you can't recall your trainer, check with your employer, review old emails, or explore alternative methods. If you can't locate your past trainer or online provider, you will have to retake the course to get a new OSHA wallet card.
Get Your DOL Card with AdvanceOnline
Now that you know what an OSHA DOL Card is, why it matters, and how to earn one, the next step is simple: enroll with AdvanceOnline, an OSHA-authorized Outreach Training provider. Our self-paced online courses are designed to help you complete OSHA-authorized Outreach Training so you can receive your official OSHA DOL Card upon successful completion.
Whether you need entry-level training or you're ready for supervisor-level coursework like our OSHA 30 construction training , AdvanceOnline makes it easy to enroll and complete your coursework toward earning your official DOL Card. Get started today.
