Guidance
Dangerous goods safety adviser exam syllabus
Updated 2 June 2026
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Core
You have 1 hour 15 minutes to answer the questions.
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Classification of dangerous goods Identification |
| 2 | Packing and tank provisions Marking, labelling and placarding Documentation requirements Limited quantities and excepted quantities |
| 3 | Exemptions and concessions Environmentally hazardous substances Training Legal framework |
Classification of dangerous goods
You should understand:
- the main principles of how the UN classifies dangerous goods
- how to classify dangerous goods
- who is responsible for classification
- the main hazards for each class
- how to classify goods with more than one hazard
- how to show how dangerous a substance is
- what packing groups are and how to determine them
- what the table of precedence is and how to use it
- how the regulations apply to articles and equipment that contain dangerous goods
Identification
You should understand:
- how dangerous goods are identified internationally
- what UN numbers, proper shipping names and not otherwise specified (NOS) entries are
- how solutions and mixtures are identified in the regulations
- how the different identification systems work
- what collective entries are and how they relate to each class
Packing and tank provisions
You should understand how to recognise different packing systems, including:
- packagings
- intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)
- large packagings
- portable tanks
- tank-containers
- demountable tanks
- road tank-vehicles and rail tank-wagons
- bulk carriage vehicles, wagons and containers
- batteries of receptacles
- tubes
- multiple element gas containers (MEGCs)
You should also understand:
- the difference between fully regulated packaging and excepted or limited quantities
- how excepted quantities and limited quantities rules apply
- the difference between tank types such as UN portable tanks, RID/ADR tank-containers, UN MEGCs and RID/ADR MEGCs
- why correct packaging, tank and bulk transport unit design matters
- the main principles of how packagings, tanks and bulk transport units are designed, tested and approved
- how the coding system for approved packaging types works
- how to select the right packages
- how to apply the general safety rules for the use and filling of packagings, including mixed packing
- the routine inspection and testing requirements for packagings, tanks and bulk transport units
Marking, labelling and placarding
You should understand the main principles of:
- marking and labelling packages, as set out in CDG 2009 (as amended), ADR, RID and ADN
- marking and placarding transport units
Documentation requirements
You should understand:
- what documentation is needed for dangerous goods, including electronic data interchange (EDI) systems
- what the different regulations require
- how to write the dangerous goods description on a transport document
- what documents are needed for specific journeys, including where other transport modes are involved
Exemptions and concessions
You should understand:
- what exemptions and concessions exist for transporting dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterway
- how excepted quantities, limited quantities, and provisions for special agreements, exemptions and derogations work
- how these affect how the regulations are applied
Environmentally hazardous substances
You should understand:
- what can cause environmental pollution when loading, unloading or transporting dangerous goods
- your duties for cleaning up and reporting pollution incidents
- how to investigate and report accidents and incidents
Training
You should understand:
- what training is legally required for people involved in carrying dangerous goods
- that everyone involved in carrying dangerous goods needs training, including those who load or unload them
- that training needs to be kept up to date
- that training records must be kept
Legal framework
You should understand:
- the rules for appointing, training and examining a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA)
- a DGSA’s legal responsibilities and duties
- how a DGSA works with the business they advise
- why the DGSA qualification matters to the business
- the duties of all personnel involved in the carriage of dangerous goods
- the rules for investigating and reporting accidents, incidents and infringements involving dangerous goods
- how UK and international dangerous goods transport regulations link together
- how sea and air regulations relate to road, rail and inland waterway regulations
- what the security rules are and what training they require
- how to identify high consequence dangerous goods (HCDG), the quantity thresholds that apply and the requirements relating to security plans
What to study
You can answer the Core exam questions based on the following text of your choice:
- 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)
You should also study the following texts in advance of the exams:
- 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
All classes
You have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer the questions.
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Classification and identification of dangerous goods |
| 2 | Packing and tank provisions Marking and labelling Documentation requirements Limited quantities and excepted quantities |
| 3 | Training Legal framework |
Classification and identification of dangerous goods
You should understand:
- the 9 UN classes and their divisions
- how the UN classification system is structured
- the hazards and properties of each class and division, including primary hazards and subsidiary hazards, packing groups and environmental hazards
- how to identify dangerous goods using UN numbers, proper shipping names, NOS entries, and procedures for solutions and mixtures
Packing and tank provisions
You should understand:
- how packing and tank rules differ by class
- the difference between excepted quantities and limited quantities
- how to choose the right packaging from the regulations for a substance, mixture or article
- the mixed packing rules and restrictions
- how packagings, tanks and bulk transport units are designed, built and tested
- what approval markings mean
- the differences between tank types, including UN portable tanks, RID/ADR tank-containers, UN MEGCs and RID/ADR MEGCs
Marking and labelling
You should understand:
- how marking and labelling rules differ by class
- the marking rules for excepted and limited quantities
- the marking and labelling rules for packagings
- how to apply the correct marks and labels
Documentation requirements
You should understand:
- the documentation rules for each class
- when extra documentation is needed for certain classes
- how to complete a transport document
- the rules that apply when goods travel by more than one mode of transport
Limited quantities and excepted quantities
You should understand:
- the concessions that apply to limited and excepted quantities, including packing, marking and documentation rules
- when substances can be carried under limited or excepted quantities rules
- how to apply limited and excepted quantities rules correctly
Training
You should understand:
- that everyone involved in carrying dangerous goods needs training
- that training must be appropriate to the duties of the personnel concerned
- that training needs to be kept up to date
- that training records must be kept
Legal framework
You should understand:
- the rules for transporting each UN class and division by road, rail and inland waterway
- the duties of all personnel involved in the carriage of dangerous goods
- how RID, ADR, ADN, the CDG Regulations and the ADTP relate to each other
What to study
You can answer the All Classes exam questions based on the following text of your choice:
- 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)
The following texts should also be studied:
- 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.
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Transport equipment Marking 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 |
Transport equipment
You should understand:
- the types of road transport equipment, including vehicles, tanks, containers and bulk units available for dangerous goods
- how to choose the right equipment for packages, tanks (including MEGCs) and bulk loads, accounting for load-specific safety requirements
- how equipment is examined and approved
- when equipment needs inspecting
- the differences between tank types, such as UN portable tanks, ADR tank-containers and MEGCs
Marking and placarding
You should understand the marking and placarding rules for:
- vehicles
- road tank-vehicles
- tank-containers
- demountable tanks and batteries of receptacles, tubes and cylinder trailers (MEGCs)
- UN portable tanks
- freight containers
- bulk transport units
You should also understand:
- how marking and placarding work in practice
- who is responsible for marking and placarding
Documentation
You should understand how to read and complete the documents required under ADR, including:
- transport documents
- instructions in writing
- photographic identification
- certificates of approval
- competent authority approvals
- driver training certificates
- container packing certificates
- accident and incident reports
Compliance thresholds and security
You should understand the exemptions available for road transport, including those related to the quantities being carried (‘small loads’) and limited quantities, and how these exemptions affect:
- documentation requirements
- carrier duties
- operational rules (including parking and supervision)
- fire-fighting and other safety equipment
You should also understand:
- the security rules for vehicle operations
- how to identify high consequence dangerous goods and their thresholds
- when security provisions apply to a transport operation
- what must be included in security plans
Filling, stowage, loading and segregation
You should understand:
- why correct filling matters and what happens if you under-fill or over-fill
- how to load, stow and secure loads safely
- the rules for mixed loading on vehicles
- the segregation requirements in the regulations
Cleaning and decontamination
You should understand the rules for proper cleaning and decontamination procedures during the transport of dangerous goods.
Operational procedures
You should understand the key equipment and procedures for common tasks, including:
- safety equipment
- loading and unloading
- securing loads
- operating transfer equipment
- cleaning and purging
You should also understand:
- why you need written procedures for road transport operations
- how tunnel codes are assigned to dangerous goods
- how to apply the tunnel code restriction system
Emergency response requirements
You should understand:
- why you need emergency procedures for road transport
- what equipment must be carried on vehicles
- how to read and explain the GB Emergency Action Code (EAC) system
Environmental protection
You should understand:
- what activities during loading, unloading and delivery could cause pollution
- what controls can reduce pollution risks
Training
You should understand the training requirements for road transport of dangerous goods, including:
- driver training
- vocational training certificates
- training for others involved in transport
You should also understand:
- why training matters for everyone involved
- why you must keep training records
Legal framework
You should understand:
- the safety obligations of everyone involved, as set out in ADR
- the role and responsibilities of a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA)
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
- 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.
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Transport equipment Marking and placarding Documentation |
| 2 | Compliance thresholds and security Filling, stowage, loading and segregation Cleaning and decontamination |
| 3 | Operational procedures Emergency response requirements Environmental protection Training Legal framework |
Transport equipment
You should understand the types of rail transport equipment, including:
- freight containers and bulk containers
- fixed tanks and tank-wagons
- demountable tanks and tank-containers
- portable tanks and MEGCs
You should also understand:
- how to choose the right equipment for packages, tanks (including MEGCs) and bulk loads
- how equipment is examined and approved
- when equipment needs inspecting
- the differences between tank types, such as UN portable tanks, RID/ADR tank-containers and MEGCs
Marking and placarding
You should understand the marking and placarding rules for:
- wagons
- rail tank-wagons
- battery-wagons
- tank-containers
- swap bodies
- demountable tanks
- MEGCs
- UN portable tanks
- freight containers
- bulk transport units
You should also understand:
- how marking and placarding work in practice
- who is responsible for marking and placarding
Documentation
You should understand how to read the regulations and complete documents required under RID, including:
- transport documents
- instructions in writing
- photographic identification
- competent authority approvals
- container packing certificates
- accident and incident reports
Compliance thresholds and security
You should understand:
- the exemption and concession thresholds available within rail regulations, such as limited quantities
- the differences between the various exemptions and concessions
- the security rules for rail operations
- how to identify high consequence dangerous goods and their thresholds
- when security provisions apply to a transport operation
- what must be included in security plans
Filling, stowage, loading and segregation
You should understand:
- why correct filling matters and what happens if you under-fill or over-fill
- how to load, stow and secure wagons safely
- the rules for mixed loading on rail wagons
- the on-train segregation and prohibition requirements
Cleaning and decontamination
You should understand the requirements for proper cleaning and decontamination procedures during the transport of dangerous goods.
Operational procedures
You should understand the key equipment and procedures for common tasks, including:
- safety equipment
- loading and unloading
- securing loads
- operating transfer equipment
- cleaning and purging
- shunting and marshalling
You should also understand why you need written procedures for rail transport operations.
Emergency response requirements
You should understand:
- why you need emergency procedures for rail transport
- how to read and explain the GB Emergency Action Code (EAC) system
Environmental protection
You should understand:
- what activities during loading, unloading and associated operations could cause pollution
- what controls can reduce pollution risks
Training
You should understand:
- the training requirements for rail transport of dangerous goods
- why training matters for everyone involved in transport operations
- why you must keep training records
Legal framework
You should understand:
- the safety duties of everyone involved, as set out in RID
- the role and responsibilities of a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA)
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)
- 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
Pass mark
The pass mark is 65%.
Exam topics
The exam topics are split into 3 groups.
| Group | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Classification Packing and tank provisions Marking, labelling and placarding Documentation |
| 2 | Compliance thresholds and security 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 Tank vessels |
Classification
You should understand:
- the ADN classification system
- how the IMDG Code relates to ADN
- that some substances not normally classed as dangerous goods are regulated under ADN
- when ADN requirements apply
Packing and tank provisions
You should understand:
- which packages and IBCs can be used for inland waterway transport
- that freight containers, swap bodies, portable tanks and tank-containers can all be used
- which dangerous goods can be carried in bulk and the requirements for doing so
- that some dangerous goods can be carried in inland waterway tank vessels
- that you cannot transport dangerous goods in the cargo tanks of dry-cargo vessels
- how containment systems are examined and approved, and when they need inspecting
Marking, labelling and placarding
You should understand the marking, labelling and placarding requirements on board inland waterway vessels for :
- packages
- IBCs
- vehicles
- containers
- tanks
You should also understand:
- how other transport modes’ regulations affect marking requirements
- the additional requirements for marking vessels with blue cones and lights
Documentation
You should understand the documents that must be kept on board, including:
- vessel approval certificates
- transport documents
- instructions in writing
- stowage plans
- training certificates for dangerous goods experts
- measurement records
- requirements for double-hulled vessels
- inspection documents for fire-fighting equipment
- photographic identification
- container packing certificates
- accident and incident reports
You should also understand:
- how to read the regulations and complete documents correctly
- the exemption procedure for vessel approval certificates for pushed barges
Compliance thresholds and security
You should understand:
- the exempted quantities under ADN
- the security rules for inland waterway operations
- how to identify high consequence dangerous goods and their thresholds
- when security provisions apply to a transport operation
- what must be included in security plans
Filling, stowage, loading and segregation
You should understand:
- that loading, unloading and cargo transfer locations need Competent Authority approval
- the loading, carriage and unloading requirements for each class
- the rules against mixed loading in holds, containers and other transport units
- the mixed loading rules for sea-going vessels
- any class-specific mixed loading requirements
- when you can stow dangerous goods on deck
- why you need a stowage plan
You should also understand safety procedures including:
- ventilation requirements
- lighting rules during loading and unloading
- cleaning holds and cargo decks before loading
- separation from engine rooms, wheelhouses, heat sources and accommodation
- precautions against sparking
- use of synthetic ropes
- rules against filling or emptying on board
Cleaning and decontamination
You should understand:
- the rules for decontaminating dangerous goods containment systems
- the precautions for inland waterway tank vessels
- which liquids are prohibited or restricted during cleaning operations
Operational procedures
You should understand:
- the requirements for instructions on using devices and installations on board
- that dangerous goods must be protected from weather and spray
- the rules against unauthorised persons on board
- the requirements and restrictions for running engines
- the rules on fires, naked lights, portable lamps, smoking, heating and cooking on board
- the rules against heating holds
- the quantity limits for each of the 9 classes of dangerous goods on board
- the requirements for mooring and berthing
- the master’s reporting duties
- the rules for accessing holds, double-hull spaces and double bottoms
- the need for ventilation of holds
Emergency response
You should understand:
- that everyone involved in loading, unloading and carriage needs emergency procedures
- the requirements for fire-extinguishing arrangements
- the requirements for special equipment on board
Environmental protection
You should understand:
- what activities during loading, unloading and associated operations could cause pollution
- what controls can reduce pollution risks
Training
You should understand:
- that inland waterway vessels must have a trained dangerous goods expert on board
- what that training covers and what certificate the expert must hold
- that crew must be trained to use fire-extinguishing appliances
- that crew must know how to use any special equipment on board
Legal framework
You should understand:
- the status of the European ADN provisions
- that separate rules exist for carriage along the river Rhine and its tributaries (ADNR)
- the safety duties of everyone involved, as set out in ADN
- the role and responsibilities of a dangerous goods safety adviser (DGSA)
Construction and stability of vessels
You should understand:
- the rules for designing and building inland waterway vessels
- the rules for sea-going vessels that also use inland waterways
- the rules for stability of vessels carrying containers
Tank vessels
You should understand:
- the special rules for designing, building and operating inland waterway tank vessels
- the additional rules for marking, navigation, mooring and berthing tank vessels
- the special construction rules for Type G, Type C and Type N tank vessels
What to study
The exam questions are based on:
- European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterway (ADN)
- 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.