How long does a White Card last?

A White Card doesn't have an expiry date in most Australian states. Once you've got it, it generally lasts indefinitely — with one important exception.

The one rule to know

Your White Card stays valid as long as you keep working in construction. But if you're out of the construction industry for two or more years, your card is treated as no longer valid, and you'll need to complete the induction training again.

No date on the card doesn't mean "valid forever no matter what" — the two-year gap rule is what catches people out.

How to check yours is still valid

• Have you worked in construction within the last two years? If yes, it's almost certainly still valid.
• If there's been a longer gap, plan to re-do the course before your next start.
• If you're unsure, contact the RTO that issued it or your state's WHS regulator.

Why people get caught out

Because there's no expiry date printed on it, it's easy to assume a White Card is fine — then find out on your first day back that a long gap means it isn't. Keeping your credential details somewhere you can quickly check them helps you catch this before a site does.

Frequently asked questions

Does a White Card expire after 5 years? No — there's no fixed expiry. The two-year out-of-industry rule is what matters.

Is it the same in every state? The principle is consistent nationally, but check your state regulator for exact wording.