WHMIS Certificates: What You Need To Know

After earning their WHMIS certificate, employees often wonder under what circumstances they will have to redo their certification. Will the training be valid at another job? Across Canada? Will it expire?

Your WHMIS certification is valid even if you switch workplaces. You can work without re-training if you have your WHMIS certificate for the current year from your previous employer. If there are site-specific hazards to be made aware of, your employer may request further training or a WHMIS re-certification. Otherwise, your new employer may want you to apply for a new WHMIS certification.

There are no set laws regarding WHMIS across Canada. Each province and territory implements WHMIS with individual legislation. Safety legislation mandates WHMIS training, but some employers may recognize your prior certification. You may not have to apply for a new WHMIS certificate when starting another position, either in the same city or in another province entirely.

So, when is your WHMIS certificate up for review or expiry? Employers review WHMIS training programs on an annual basis. It is not uncommon for employers to have an annual “refresher” on WHMIS at the workplace.

You may need additional training if:

• There is a change in workplace conditions
• New information becomes available on a controlled product
• New or reformulated workplace materials introduce new hazards in the workplace.

Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and safe

Key Elements of WHMIS

WHMIS has three main components:

• Labels – Identify hazardous products.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Provide detailed hazard and safety information.
• Training – Teaches workers how to use labels and SDS to stay safe.

WHMIS 2015 Updates

WHMIS was updated in 2015 to align with the Global Harmonized System (GHS), standardizing labels and classifications worldwide. Further changes in 2025 mean all workplaces must stay updated.

Who Needs WHMIS Training?

WHMIS training is mandatory for most Canadian workers, including:

• Construction workers
• Healthcare staff
• Warehouse employees
• Factory and automotive workers
• Teachers and cleaners

In Ontario, all workplaces require WHMIS certification. New enforcement inspections from April 2025 to March 2026 will ensure compliance.

How Often is Retraining Needed?

Employers must review WHMIS annually, but workers typically need retraining every 3 years. Immediate retraining is required if workplace hazards or procedures change.

WHMIS Exemption

Some products (e.g., wood, tobacco, explosives) are exempt from labeling but still require safety awareness.