Get a clear answer on WHMIS certification validity, renewal timelines, and how to stay compliant with a leader in online WHMIS training.
Short answer:
WHMIS training does not have a legislated expiration date or renewal frequency in Canada. However, employers are legally required to ensure employees are knowledgeable on WHMIS, and this leaves it open to interpretation, but only up to a point. An employer may choose a retraining frequency as part of their WHMIS program.
Long answer:
Employers must protect worker safety. In the case of WHMIS they need to provide two types of training. Awareness training enables the employee to identify WHMIS pictograms, read a WHMIS label, read a supplier label, and read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This type of training can be done in person or online and is more standard.
Employers also need to provide hands on WHMIS training on each of the hazardous products in their workplace. This type of training is specific to the products, and the safety policies and procedures for their workplace. It is less standard and not the type of WHMIS training you typically see online as a generic version for all companies.
The reality is, people forget things. Their retention of what they learn in training can fade, if not reinforced, on a regular basis. This creates the need for a WHMIS renewal, refresher or retraining.
I need to Retake WHMIS My Employees need to retake WHMISMany workers assume WHMIS certification expires because employers often require refresher training even thought the regulation doesn’t set a fixed expiry date. And for people who are contract works and someone is telling they need to retake their WHMIS they want to understand why.
Yes. That is a better question, and the answer is typically yes. When your employer, a provincial health and safety inspector, or the prime contractor on a job site you are working on tells you to renew your WHMIS, they have the ability to require that.
This is all about ensuring workers receive up-to-date training when:
Most Canadian employers require WHMIS refresher training every 1–3 years as a best practice. Regular training helps ensure compliance and reduces increases worker safety. This is a generalization, your employer, a provincial inspector, or the person in charge of the job site you are on can set this frequency.
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Does WHMIS certification expire?
WHMIS certification does not legally expire, but refresher training is commonly required by employers.
How long is WHMIS training valid?
Validity depends on employer policy. Many require updates every 1–3 years.
Can I take WHMIS training online?
Yes. Online WHMIS training allows you to train and test quickly, and receive your certificate immediately.