Dangerous goods safety adviser exam syllabus
Updated 25 September 2025
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All classes
You have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer 8 questions.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Classification of dangerous goods |
| 2 | Packing and tank provisions Marking, labelling and placarding Documentation requirements Compliance thresholds |
| 3 | Environmental pollution Training Legal framework |
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)
- Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
- European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterway (ADN) Parts 1, 2, 3, 3.4, 3.5, 4, 5 and 6
- the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended)
- Dangerous goods emergency action code list
- Approved derogations and transitional provisions
You can take printed copies of these documents into the exam..
Download a sample exam paper
Core
You have 1 hour 15 minutes to answer 10 questions.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Classification of dangerous goods Idenfication |
| 2 | Packing and tank provisions Marking, labelling and placarding Documentation requirements |
| 3 | Exemptions and concessions Environmentally hazardous substances Training Legal framework |
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)
- Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
- European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterway (ADN) Parts 1, 2 and 3
- the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended)
- Dangerous goods emergency action code list
- Approved derogations and transitional provisions
You can take printed copies of these documents into the exam.
Download a sample exam paper
Road
You have 1 hour 45 minutes to answer 1 case study and a range of questions.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Transport units Filling, stowage, loading and segregations Documentation |
| 2 | Compliance thresholds Marking, labelling and placarding Cleaning and decontamination |
| 3 | Operational procedures Emergency response requirements Environmental protection Training Legal framework |
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Parts 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
- the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended)
- Dangerous goods emergency action code list
- Approved derogations and transitional provisions
You can take printed copies of these documents into the exam.
Download a sample exam paper
Rail
You have 1 hour 45 minutes to answer 1 case study and a range of questions.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wagons and containers Marking and placarding Documentation |
| 2 | Compliance thresholds Filling Stowage Loading segregation Cleaning and decontamination |
| 3 | Operational procedures Emergency response requirements Environmental protection Training Legal framework |
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) Parts 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7
- the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended)
- Dangerous goods emergency action code list
- Approved derogations and transitional provisions
You can take printed copies of these documents into the exam.
Inland waterways
You have 1 hour 45 minutes to answer 1 case study and a range of questions.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Classification Transport packing and tank provisions Marking, labelling and placarding Documentation |
| 2 | Compliance thresholds Filling, stowage, loading and segregation Cleaning and decontamination |
| 3 | Operational procedures Emergency response requirements Environmental protection Training Legal framework |
| 4 | Construction of inland waterway vessels Sea-going vessels Stability of container vessels |
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterway (ADN) Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
- the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG2009) (as amended)
- Dangerous goods emergency action code list
- Approved derogations and transitional provisions
You can take printed copies of these documents into the exam.