Resources > TDG Exam: What to Study to Get Your TDG Certificate
TDG Exam: What to Study to Get Your TDG Certificate
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Table of Contents:
Introduction
If you work in transportation, shipping, or warehousing in Canada, chances are you’ve heard of the TDG Certificate. This certification proves you’ve been trained in how to safely handle, transport, and manage dangerous goods in accordance with Canadian law.
Getting your TDG certificate starts with passing a TDG exam, but don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to study, how the exam works, and how to set yourself up for success.
Whether you’re preparing for your first TDG certification or simply need a refresher, this blog has everything you need to get ready, including a Free PDF TDG Study Guide and Sample Exam with Answers you can download at the end.
What Is the TDG Certificate and Who Needs It?
The TDG certificate (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) is required by Canadian law for anyone who handles, offers for transport, or transports dangerous goods by road, rail, air, or marine.
This includes:
- Truck drivers
- Warehouse staff
- Forklift operators
- Shipping/receiving clerks
- Dispatchers
- Logistics personnel
Under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, employers are responsible for ensuring that their staff receive TDG training and are certified. The certificate isn’t issued by the government, it’s issued by your employer once you’ve completed training and passed the exam.
What Is the TDG Exam Like?
The TDG exam format varies slightly depending on your employer or training provider, but it typically includes:
- Multiple-choice or short answer questions
- Real-world scenarios you may encounter on the job
- Questions based on TDG classes, labels, safety marks, documentation, and emergency procedures
There is no standard federal exam, so what matters most is understanding how to apply TDG rules in your day-to-day work.
What to Study to Get Your TDG Certificate
To pass the TDG exam and stay compliant on the job, you’ll need to understand several key topics:
1. TDG Classes and Symbols
Familiarize yourself with the 9 classes of dangerous goods, including flammable liquids, corrosives, explosives, and toxic substances. Each class has a specific label and symbol you’ll need to recognize.
2. Shipping Documentation
Learn what needs to be included on a shipping document (like the product name, UN number, quantity, and classification). You’ll also need to know how to complete and verify these documents properly.
3. Safety Marks
Study how and when to apply labels, placards, UN numbers, and other safety marks. Know where they go on packages and vehicles, and when they must be removed or updated.
4. Packaging and Containers
Understand the importance of proper containment for each class of dangerous goods. Learn which containers are approved and how to check if they meet regulations.
5. Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP)
Know when an ERAP is required, how to identify goods that require one, and what your responsibilities are in an emergency situation.
6. Handling and Safety Procedures
Be familiar with safe handling practices, spill response procedures, incident reporting, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
7. Special Cases and Exemptions
Understand when TDG rules do not fully apply, such as with limited quantities, consumer commodities, or certain medical goods, and how to handle those exemptions properly.
Study Tips to Prepare for the TDG Exam
You don’t need to memorize the entire TDG Act to pass the exam. Instead, focus on understanding how the regulations apply to your job.
Here are some smart ways to study:
- Review a trusted TDG training manual or online course.
- Use flashcards to memorize class numbers, symbols, and UN numbers.
- Go through a few mock exams to test your knowledge.
- Ask your employer or supervisor to walk you through real examples.
- Study with a coworker to quiz each other.
Free PDF: TDG Study Guide + Sample Exam with Answers
We’ve created a Free PDF TDG Study Guide that includes:
- A breakdown of the 9 classes of dangerous goods
- TDG labels and placards cheat sheet
- Sample exam questions and multiple-choice answers
- Real-world scenarios you may see on the test
📥 Click here to download your Free TDG Study Guide + Sample Exam PDF
📄 Access our Free Online TDG Sample Exam
Use these tools to test your knowledge and build confidence before exam day.
What Happens After You Pass the TDG Exam?
Once you pass your training and exam, your employer will issue a TDG certificate. This certificate:
- Is valid for 3 years
- Must be kept with you when transporting dangerous goods
- Can be renewed by completing a refresher course or training session
If you switch employers or job roles, you may be required to take the training again—even if your previous certificate hasn’t expired.
More Resources for Your TDG Training
Want to dig deeper into the world of TDG compliance and training? Check out our other helpful posts:
- TDG Exam Answers: Complete Study Guide
- How Long is Your TDG Certificate Valid? Complete TDG Training Guide
- TDG Certification: Your Path to a Better Career in Trucking
- Who in Canada Do the TDG Regulations Apply To?
- Explaining the Types of Dangerous Goods Transported by Truck
- Understanding Part 7 of the TDG Regulations: Emergency Response Plans
- What Does ERAP Stand For? Navigating Transport Canada’s ERAP Requirements
Learn More About Nutech Comply
Nutech Comply is our digital solution designed to simplify safety, compliance, and documentation for Canadian trucking and logistics companies.
Want a smarter way to manage compliance? Learn more about Nutech Comply here
Final Thoughts
The TDG exam isn’t just about passing a test, it’s about protecting lives and property. By understanding what’s required, studying the right material, and using the resources available, you can earn your certificate and stay compliant on the road, in the warehouse, or on the loading dock.
Use the tools in this post to prepare with confidence. And if you’re an employer, consider sharing this guide with your team or pairing it with your own in-house TDG training.