What’s the Difference Between Virtual and Physical SST Cards?

In New York City construction, having a valid Site Safety Training (SST) Card is not optional — it’s a legal requirement under NYC DOB Local Law 196.

However, many workers are confused by one important question:

What is the difference between a virtual SST card and a physical plastic SST card?

Do you need both? Is one better than the other? And which one do inspectors actually accept?

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is an SST Card?

An SST Card proves that a worker or supervisor has completed the required safety training hours approved by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).

Inspectors verify SST compliance through the Training Connect system, not by simply looking at a piece of plastic.

There are two formats of the same SST credential:

• Virtual SST Card

• Physical (Plastic) SST Card

They represent the same training, but they serve slightly different purposes.

What Is a Virtual SST Card?

A virtual SST card is a digital version of your SST credential.

Key Features:

• Issued electronically after successful course completion

• Stored in the NYC DOB Training Connect system

• Can be accessed on your phone, email, or Training Connect profile

• Linked directly to your DOB training record

What Is It Used For?

• Official DOB verification

• NYC construction site inspections

• Proof that your training is valid and up to date

Important:

DOB inspectors do not rely on the plastic card alone. They check your status digitally in Training Connect.

If your training is active in the system — you are compliant.

Advantages of a Virtual SST Card:

✔ Issued faster

✔ Cannot be lost or damaged

✔ Always verifiable in DOB system

✔ Accepted for all DOB inspections

What Is a Physical (Plastic) SST Card?

A physical SST card is a printed plastic card that shows your name, training status, and SST designation.

Key Features:

• Wallet-size plastic card

• Convenient for daily site access

• Often required by employers, foremen, or site security

What Is It Used For?

• Job site check-ins

• Employer or site security verification

• Personal convenience

Important:

The plastic card does NOT replace the DOB system.

If your training is expired or missing in Training Connect, the plastic card alone will not protect you during an inspection.

Virtual vs Physical SST Card: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Virtual SST Card	Physical SST Card
DOB official verification	✅ Yes	❌ No
Required for inspections	✅ Yes	❌ No
Accepted on NYC sites	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (site-dependent)
Stored in Training Connect	✅ Yes	❌ No
Risk of loss	❌ No	⚠️ Yes
Convenience on site	⚠️ Phone required	✅ Very convenient

Do You Need Both?

In most cases:

•  Virtual SST Card is mandatory

•  Physical SST Card is optional but recommended

Many workers choose to have both:

• The virtual card for DOB compliance

• The physical card for everyday job site convenience

Common Misconception: “Only the Plastic Card Matters”

This is not true.

NYC DOB enforcement is based on:

✔ Training hours

✔ Validity period

✔ Training Connect records

A plastic card without valid training in the system is not sufficient.

Which Card Do We Provide?

Our training programs included Virtual SST Card. Physical plastic SST card available for an additional printing fee.

This gives students flexibility while staying fully compliant with NYC regulations.

Final Takeaway

• Virtual SST Card = legal compliance & DOB verification

• Physical SST Card = convenience on the job site

• Training Connect status = what truly matters

If you’re working on NYC construction sites, understanding this difference can save you time, money, and serious compliance issues.

Still have questions?

We’re always happy to help.

📞 Call or text: 718-871-7777

📍 Visit our training center: 1632 East 16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229

HighRise Safety

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