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Does Bloodborne Pathogens Certification Expire?

OSHA doesn't issue a bloodborne pathogens "certification," so OSHA doesn't set an expiration date for one. What OSHA does set is a training schedule. Under 29 CFR 1910.1030, an employer must train each employee with occupational exposure when they're first assigned to exposure tasks and at least once a year after that, within one year of the last training. So if your job involves exposure to blood, plan on renewing every year. Any date printed on a certificate comes from the course maker, your employer or your program.

Updated October 14, 2026 · Checked against the official sources listed at the end

What OSHA requires: training, not a card

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard puts the training duty on the employer. Section 1910.1030(g)(2)(i) says the employer shall train each employee with occupational exposure, at no cost to the employee and during working hours.

Occupational exposure means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials from doing the job. It is about duties, not job titles.

OSHA also says it does not approve, certify, or endorse individual trainers or training programs. A certificate from any course shows you finished that course. It isn't an OSHA credential.

The renewal schedule

Section 1910.1030(g)(2) sets the timing:

At the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place.
At least annually after that.
Within one year of the previous training. Annual training means the refresher is due before the one-year mark, not at some point in the next calendar year.
Additional training when new or changed tasks or procedures affect the employee's exposure. It can be limited to the new exposures.

So when does my certificate "expire"?

In practice, for a worker with exposure, the training is good for one year. The employer must provide the next round within one year of the last.

Some course makers print an expiration date on the certificate. Some employers and programs set their own rules, such as requiring the course again before each school year or each new job. Those rules come from them, not from OSHA.

If you change employers, your new employer still has its own duty to train you. Part of the required content is about that employer's own exposure control plan, so a certificate from a past job can't cover it.

What the yearly training must include

The minimum content list in 1910.1030(g)(2)(vii) includes general topics and topics about your own workplace:

A copy of the standard and an explanation of it.
How bloodborne diseases spread and their symptoms.
The employer's exposure control plan and how to get a copy.
How to recognize exposure tasks, and the use and limits of engineering controls, work practices and PPE.
The hepatitis B vaccine, offered free of charge.
What to do after an exposure incident and the medical follow-up available.
Signs, labels and color coding.
An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training.

Online renewal and the trainer rule

That last item matters for online renewals. In a June 26, 2003 interpretation letter, OSHA said employees must have direct access to a qualified trainer during the training session. A qualified trainer must be immediately available at the initial and annual training, even if no one asks a question.

So, under OSHA's reading, an online course by itself doesn't complete an employer's annual training. The employer also has to cover its own plan and procedures.

Who pays for renewal

For employees, the employer does. The standard says training must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours.

Students, job applicants and contractors are different. OSHA's rule is written for employers and employees. Your program, clinical site or client decides what training it accepts from you, and whether you need a new course each year.

Records

Employers must keep bloodborne pathogens training records for 3 years from the date of training (1910.1030(h)(2)(ii)). The record includes the dates, a summary of the content, the trainers' names and qualifications, and the names and job titles of attendees. Keep your own copy of each certificate too, so you can show when you last trained.

How to renew

Employees: ask your employer or supervisor when your annual training is scheduled. It's their duty to provide it.
Students: check your program's handbook or ask your clinical coordinator which course it accepts and how often.
Anyone buying a course: confirm it meets the requirement before you enroll.
Note your completion date and set a reminder for 11 months out.

Pact's bloodborne pathogens course

Pact sells the Healthcare Bloodborne Pathogens course for $34.95. Healthcare Bloodborne Pathogens is an online certification course from ProTrainings. Confirm with your program or clinical site that this course meets its requirements before you enroll. ProTrainings makes and runs the course, and Pact sells it and handles your order. Buyers must be 18 or older, and all sales are final.

Common questions

How long is bloodborne pathogens certification good for?

OSHA doesn't issue a certification. For employees with occupational exposure, OSHA requires training at least annually, within one year of the previous training. So plan on one year.

Is bloodborne pathogens training required every year?

Yes, for employees with occupational exposure (29 CFR 1910.1030(g)(2)(ii)(B) and (iv)).

Does my employer have to pay for my renewal?

Yes, if you're an employee with occupational exposure. The training must be provided at no cost to the employee and during working hours.

Can I renew online?

An online course can cover general content, but OSHA's 2003 interpretation says employees must have direct access to a qualified trainer during the session. The employer must also cover its own exposure control plan.

Is there an OSHA-approved bloodborne pathogens certificate?

No. OSHA says it does not approve, certify, or endorse individual trainers or training programs.