Please Note: Our TDG course has been updated. To view the updated course FAQs click here.


TDG Training FAQs  (Frequently Asked Questions)

 

What is the purpose of the TDG Regulations?
The purpose of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations is to promote public safety when dangerous goods are being handled, offered for transport or transported. 

The Regulations are a set of rules that prescribe safety standards and shipping requirements for thousands of different dangerous goods. The Regulations also provide a means of communicating the nature and level of danger associated with chemicals.

The TDG 'Clear Language' Regulations came into effect on August 15, 2002. These new regulations replace the old regulations that were developed in the early 1980s. This legislation is applicable to all modes of transport (i.e. road, rail, marine and air) in Canada.
 

What Acts or Regulations are applicable to TDG?
The following set of Regulations is applicable:

Transport Canada - Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations


Who needs TDG training?
According to the TDG Regulations, anybody who handles, offers for transport or transports dangerous goods requires TDG training. 


Who is responsible for TDG training and TDG education?
The onus is on the employer to ensure that his or her staff is properly trained. The responsibility to ensure workers are trained and the manner in which training is conducted rests with the employer.  YOW Canada’s TDG courses are one method of training and, in most cases, additional site-specific training is required.


How often do I need TDG training?
The short answer is 3 years because a TDG training certificate is valid for only 36 months, or 3 years. However, certificates are also not transferable. This means that if a trainee changes employers, they will need to be re-certified by the new employer and possess a training certificate with the new employer's name, address etc.

Please visit: Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations Part 6 - TRAINING for more details on training.
 

How long is my TDG certificate valid for?
A TDG certificate is valid for 3 years.
 

Where do I keep my certificate?
A TDG certificate is required to be kept on the individual when they are working.  Most people keep it in their wallets.  If a Transport Canada inspector requests to see your TDG certificate while you are working, you are required to show it to them.
 

What happens if I do not have a valid TDG certificate?
If you do not have a valid TDG 'Clear Language' certificate, you are in violation of the regulations.  Non-compliance of transporting dangerous goods is usually identified through inspections carried out on the highway.  Convictions generally produce fines ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 for a first time offense.


I received my TDG certificate from YOW Canada.  Why is the last item not checked off with the "x"?
The last item on your TDG certificate is "The Proper Use of Equipment Used to Handle or Transport Dangerous Goods".  This is not checked off because this aspect of the training should be done apart from the TDG online course, by your employer


If I change employers / jobs, do I have to retrain?
According to the TDG Regulations, a TDG certificate is not transferable between employers.  This means that if a trainee changes employers, they will need to be re-certified by the new employer and possess a training certificate with the new employer's name, address etc.


I already have TDG training, do I need to retrain?
If you have a valid TDG 'Clear Language' certificate, your certificate is valid for 3 years from the date it was issued.  If you or your employees do not have a valid TDG 'Clear Language' certificate, retraining is mandatory as of August 15, 2002.
 

What does the "YOW" in YOW Canada stand for?
YOW Canada’s offices are located in Ottawa, Ontario and Y-O-W are the international call letters for the Ottawa Airport. Plus, we think it’s a catchy name that’s easy to remember.
 

Do YOW Canada's TDG courses meet Transport Canada's training requirements?
Yes, all of our TDG online courses meet Transport Canada's training requirements for general TDG training.  The courses were designed and reviewed by many TDG regulatory specialists in order to make sure that each trainee gets the adequate training they require.

YOW Canada is also listed as a provider of TDG training on Transport Canada's website at: http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/3/train-form/search-eng.aspx under Training - Transportation.

Please note that YOW Canada's TDG Online Courses cover the regulations only for ground shipments within Canada.
 

How do the TDG online courses work?
The courses work in a 3 STEP process:

Step 1: Register - All trainees must be registered for the course.  Registration can be done online, by phone at 1-866-688-2845 or by fax.  Once registered, login and password information is emailed to the supervisor.

Step 2: Take the Course - Trainees can log in at any time to start their training and can log in and out as many times as necessary to complete their TDG training.

Step 3: Print your TDG Certificate - Once completed, TDG wallet and wall-mount certificates are emailed to the supervisor.  The certificates are printable and accompanied by a Performance Record that displays how the trainee performed throughout the course (scores for each chapter etc.).
 

How long does it take to complete the online course?
The average trainee can complete their TDG online course in 3 to 4 hours. If you have a dial-up internet connection, it will take longer to download the course.


Can I login to the course more than once?
Yes, you can log in and out of the course as many times as necessary in order to complete your training.  When you log back into the course, you will be brought back to your last visited page. You have up to 1 year to complete your course.
 

What will I receive when I have completed my training?
Once you complete the course, a pdf document will be emailed to the Account Supervisor.  This document will include your Performance Record and certificate.  The certificate includes your name, your employer's name and the date you certified.
 

How will I receive my TDG training certificate?
The TDG certificate will be emailed to the Account Supervisor. If you are the Account Supervisor or self-employed, the certificate is sent to your email address directly.


Is the course available in French?

Yes, our TDG online courses are available in French. Once a trainee logs into the course, they will choose which language they want to take the training in. Learn more about our TDG French Online Courses (TMD)
 

I am the supervisor. How can I monitor my employee's progress?
As a supervisor, you have access to a Course Administration site where you can monitor and track each employee's progress. You can see quiz scores, view certificates, activate accounts and more. You can also re-register any employee's who's certificates have expired. You also receive a copy of all training certificates by email as soon as the employee has completed the course.
 

Can I take this course and then train my own workers in TDG?
YOW Canada’s TDG courses are not intended or designed for trainers and YOW Canada does not recommend that it be used to train a trainer. In order to reap the full benefits of this training course, YOW Canada recommends that each trainee receive their own login and password and complete the course themselves. This also ensures that each employee receives a personalized certificate.


How do I PURCHASE a TDG course?
Purchases can be done online, by phone at 1-866-688-2845 or by fax. You may pre-purchase courses to be used at a later date. There are no expiry dates for pre-purchased courses.
 

Why should I choose online training versus classroom training?
Online training with YOW Canada is fast, easy and effective. Some of the benefits of online training include:

Available 24/7, on any computer with an internet connection.
Complete tracking capabilities through Course Administration to ensure employees have certified and to monitor their progress.
No need to remove multiple employees from their work to train simultaneously.
Employers can rest assured that each employee has received the same subject matter.
Save on traveling costs.
Certificates are emailed immediately following successful completion of the course.

YOW Canada’s online training makes training fun and educational!
 

What are the minimum technical requirements for taking the TDG Online Course?
You must have at least the following:

Windows 98 OS or newer / MAC OS 7 or newer
Internet Explorer 5, Firefox (PC or MAC), Netscape 6.0 or newer, Safari (MAC)
500 MB RAM
Pentium II 500 MHZ processor
1024 x 768 dpi screen resolution or higher
56k internet connection or higher (high-speed recommended)
Macromedia Flash Player version 6.0 or higher


I have dial-up internet. Can I still take the course?
Yes. The course is available for dial-up users.  Please be aware, however, that it may take more time to download.


How long have YOW Canada's TDG courses been in use?
YOW Canada's TDG 'Clear Language' courses have been in use since August 15, 2002; when the new TDG regulations came into effect.
 

What other courses does YOW Canada offer?
Please visit our product menu for all of our course offerings.

 

Visit TDG Online Course Information