FieldClear

Guide · Updated 2026-10-02

Should a Training Matrix Show Issue and Expiry Dates?

Expiry is the operational date for renewals and gate readiness. Issue dates help when you must prove when training happened, reconcile card faces, or answer assessors who ask for both. Use real date fields — not month-year text.

Quick answer

Always store expiry (or completion date for non-expiring items). Add issue date where the card shows it and your audits care. Status should calculate from expiry against today, not from issue.

What each date is for

What each date is for
DateUse
Issue / completionWhen training or card was granted; audit trail
ExpiryRenewal planning and current/expired status
Verification dateWhen you last Smart Checked or reviewed evidence

Practical rules

  • Copy dates exactly from the certificate — do not round
  • Use one date format across the sheet (ISO YYYY-MM-DD works well)
  • For non-expiring awareness modules, store completion and mark no expiry honestly
  • Do not use issue date as a proxy for “still valid”
  1. Decide which requirements need both dates.
  2. Update template headers accordingly.
  3. Train updaters to fill expiry every time.
  4. Spot-check a sample against card images monthly.

Honest limits

FieldClear calculates status from the dates you enter. It does not read scheme rules from an issue date alone. Verify against the credential. Not legal advice.

Free download

Need a training matrix template?

Download our free Construction Training Matrix Excel template. Worker rows, requirement columns, expiry dates and conditional formatting already set up.

Download free template

Already have one?

Turn your spreadsheet into a live matrix with automatic expiry reminders.

Upload my matrix

Related