The validity period of a passed medical examination depends entirely on the purpose of the exam and the authority or organization requiring it. There is no universal duration it varies widely by country, industry, and specific regulations. Below are the most common scenarios:
- Employment / Pre-employment medicals (general workforce): Usually valid for 6–12 months. Many companies accept a medical certificate issued within the last 12 months, though some high-risk industries (oil & gas, construction, mining) require it to be less than 6 months old.
- Offshore & maritime (e.g., OGUK, UKOOA, Norwegian, OPITO, ENG-1/ML5): Typically valid for 2 years (24 months) from the date of examination, provided no new medical conditions arise.
- Seafarer medical certificates (STCW, MLC 2006): Generally 2 years validity (sometimes 1 year if the seafarer is under 18 or has certain medical restrictions).
- Aviation (EASA Class 1, FAA Class 1, CASA Class 1, etc.): – Class 1: 12 months (6 months if over 40 or certain conditions) – Class 2: Usually 24–60 months depending on age – Class 3 (ATC): 24 months
- Diving medicals (HSE, ADCI, IMCA, AS/NZS 4774): Usually 12 months.
- Driving licences (HGV/PSV, taxi, forklift): – UK & EU: Often valid until age 45 (5-year renewals), then every 5 years until 65, then annually. – Many countries require a new medical every 1–3 years for professional drivers over a certain age.
- Immigration & visa medicals (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA): Generally valid for 12 months from the date the panel physician signs the report.
- Sports & fitness certifications: 6–12 months is common.
Always check the exact requirement of the employer, flag state, aviation authority, immigration department, or certifying body. When in doubt, a medical performed within the last 6–12 months is usually safe to present, but some organizations insist on 3 months or less. If your certificate is close to expiry, it is wise to renew early to avoid delays in employment or travel.