NYC SST Card Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Renewing your NYC SST Card is not optional — it is a legal requirement under Local Law 196 for anyone working on major construction sites in New York City.

Every year, workers and supervisors lose site access because they misunderstand the rules.

This guide explains exactly how SST renewal works, what is required, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

1. What Is the NYC SST Card?

The Site Safety Training (SST) Card confirms that a worker or supervisor has completed the safety training required by NYC law.

According to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB): “Workers on major buildings must complete site safety training in accordance with Local Law 196 of 2017.”

2. How Long Is an SST Card Valid?

SST Worker Card or SST Supervisor Card – valid for 5 years.

After the expiration date, the card is no longer valid, even if the worker has years of experience.

3. Required SST Refresher Hours (This Is Critical)

SST Worker Refresher

⏱ 8 hours total

Completing the 8-hour Worker Refresher before expiration:

• renews the SST Worker Card

• extends validity for another 5 years

SST Supervisor Refresher

⏱ 16 hours total

Supervisors must complete 16 hours.

An 8-hour refresher does NOT qualify for supervisors.

DOB clarification: “Supervisors must complete additional training hours beyond the worker requirement.”

4. When Must the Refresher Be Completed?

✔ Before the SST Card expiration date

Best practice: 1–3 months before expiration

Why this matters:

• training records must upload to Training Connect

• delays can block site access

• last-minute renewals often fail

5. What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

The refresher will NOT be accepted.

According to DOB guidance, once an SST Card expires:

• refresher training is no longer valid

• the worker or supervisor must restart full training

This means:

• Worker → repeat 40 hours

• Supervisor → repeat 62 hours

This is one of the most expensive and common mistakes in NYC construction training.

6. Why Workers Commonly Make SST Renewal Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming refresher can be taken after expiration.

Once the card expires, refresher hours do not count.

Mistake 2: Confusing Worker and Supervisor requirements.

Supervisors cannot renew with only 8 hours.

Mistake 3: Believing OSHA 30 replaces SST.

OSHA and SST are separate requirements under Local Law 196.

OSHA training alone does not satisfy all Site Safety Training requirements.

Mistake 4: Taking non-DOB-approved courses.

If the provider is not approved, courses will not appear in Training Connect.

Mistake 5: Waiting until the last week.

System processing delays are common and can prevent renewal.

7. Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your SST Card Correctly

1. Check your SST Card expiration date

2. Confirm your role: Worker or Supervisor

3. Choose the correct refresher hours (8 hours for Worker and 16 hours for Supervisor)

4. Enroll with a NYC DOB–approved provider

5. Complete training before expiration

6. Verify records appear in Training Connect

   
   

Need Help With Your SST Renewal?

We help workers and supervisors choose the correct refresher — no extra courses, no confusion.

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📍 1632 East 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY

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✔ NYC DOB–approved

Official References

NYC DOB – Site Safety Training

Local Law 196 of 2017