Canadian employers that deal with any sort of hazardous materials in the workplace, must ensure that their workers receive WHMIS training. Aspiring professionals seeking work in an environment where hazardous materials are used can get a leg up on the competition by pursuing WHMIS certification on their own. However, in order to earn your certification, you’ll need to pass a WHMIS test or assessment of some type. What should you know about this test and how do you prepare for it? What’s it all about?

What’s the WHMIS Test All About?

A WHMIS test or assessment should always focus primarily on the content and topics that were presented throughout the WHMIS course that it’s included in. These topics typically include:

• Safe handling procedures
• How to recognize hazardous products
• How to read and understand safety data sheets
• How to identify various types of threats, from explosives to corrosives and more
• How to care for someone exposed to various hazardous materials
• How to identify hazard classes and categories

These are only a few of the topics that would be covered in the WHMIS test, and that you should be prepared to answer.

Is passing a WHMIS test or assessment all that’s required to obtain your certification? Yes, and no. Completing a WHMIS test is the ultimate goal, but there’s some preparation that must be done first. A WHMIS test is usually somewhat extensive, and it’s important that you spend enough time learning the actual course content prior to attempting the WHMIS test or quiz.

Online WHMIS or Classroom Training?

When it comes to WHMIS training and completing a WHMIS test, you can opt for two types – Instructor-led classroom training, or online training. Of the two, online training is quickly becoming the preferred choice.

Why?

Simply put, it’s far more convenient. You don’t need to worry about being physically present at a testing facility at a particular time, and you can take the course whenever it fits in your schedule. It can also be done on your own time – you can work ahead, or go slower if you need, rather than moving at the pace of an entire classroom full of learners.

What to Look for in an Online WHMIS Training Provider

Deciding on taking your training and WHMIS test online is great, but you’ll quickly find that there are many different training providers out there, and they’re anything but identical. You need to know how to find the right provider for your needs.

What are the factors that should affect your decision?

Reputable – One of the first things you need to ensure is that the WHMIS training provider is reputable. How long have they been in business? What’s the success rate of their students? How widely accepted is their certification?

Recognition – In addition to how widely accepted the organization’s certifications are, you’ll also need to consider their recognition and compliance. Are they compliant with both WHMIS 1988 and 2015? Are they recognized as a leader in the WHMIS training sector?

Interactive Courses – Studies have shown that interactive content helps you retain more of what you learn than is possible through simply reading course material. Make sure that the company you choose offers high-quality interactive course content that fully prepares you for the whmis test.

Considering the WHMIS Testing Process

After completing the WHMIS course and learning the material you’ll need to know, you will need to take and pass the WHMIS test or exam . However, there are quite a few things you should consider about how a provider allows you to do this before choosing a company with which to work.

An important factor to consider is the way in which the WHMIS test is administered. Is it one large test at the end of the course? In many cases, this is exhaustive and can be quite stressful for learners.

A better option is to choose a provider that breaks up the WHMIS test into smaller chunks that can be completed after each learning module. This reduces learner stress level and makes it easier to recall the information that is needed to answer each question.

You should also consider what the company’s process is if you don’t pass the WHMIS test. How many retakes do you get? Can you only take the test once, and then have to wait to retake it? Do you have to pay to retake the test again?

You should choose a provider that allows you to retake the WHMIS test at no cost as many times as required to pass.

Making the Right Choice

There are many WHMIS training providers online and can be very different from one another. Be sure to choose one whose course is both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015 compliant. It’s also much more effective to be able to take the WHMIS test in smaller chunks rather than one larger test. And don’t forget to make sure that they allow you to retake the WHMIS test without having to pay additional costs.

Finally, make sure that you’re working with a reputable online provider that stands behind their training, exams, and certifications, and is dedicated to your success.