We have compiled a list of FAQ to help you determine the type of training you may need as well as other topics which could benefit you. Click the question(s) below for answers to commonly asked questions:

	Do I have to register for a seminar or may I just show up? We recommend pre-registration. If you simply "show-up" there may not be seating and/or materials available for you since many of our seminars fill up early. However, we will make every effort to accommodate last minute registrations. Please call our office for availability.
	What is DGI's tuition payment policy? We require prepayment at least 7 days prior to the date of your seminar. For your convenience we accept check, EFT, MasterCard, Visa and American Express. If you are enrolling within 7 days, please be sure to call DGI for registration and payment..
	What time does the class start each day? Class hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. The first day of your class registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with continental breakfast provided. Depending on each class, the ending time may vary each day.
	Will DGI make hotel reservations for me? No. Please call the hotel directly. Phone numbers are provided in seminar confirmation, our website and brochure.
	Do I get a discount at the hotel the seminar is being held at if I stay there? Yes. Once you register for a seminar we will send you a seminar confirmation which includes your "Room Block Code." Advise the hotel reservation agent of this code to receive a reduced rate. These reduced rates are published in our various hotel information web pages. Reduced rates are generally available until 30 days prior to the seminar.
	Do I have to bring anything with me? We suggest you bring a pocket calculator, pen and a notepad.
	What kind of dress code, if any, do you have? Dress is casual. Our emphasis is on learning and not on student attire.
	How soon may I cancel my seminar and not be charged any cancellation fee? You may cancel your seminar 7 business days prior to the start date without penalty. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for any cancellations made within 7 business days.
	If I cancel at the last minute, may I send a substitute? Yes. However please be sure to advise DGI of the change, if possible.
	How long will it take for me to receive my certificate? Normally certificates are emailed within one week of completion of class.
	What's included in the seminar tuition? All DGI seminars include a classroom workbook, lunch and refreshments. All IATA classes include the current edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations; all 49 CFR classes include the current edition of the 49 CFR Regulations, all IMDG classes include excerpts from the IMDG Code.
	If I have any technical questions after I have completed the training, can I call DGI for help? Yes. We offer a membership technical support service called DGI Tech Control. See DGI Tech Control for details.
	If I took my previous Dangerous Goods training from another company, do I have to take initial training from DGI or may I take recurrent training? As long as your previous hazmat training is current, you may take recurrent training from DGI.
	If I bring my own CURRENT EDITION of the IATA regulations, will I get a reduction in seminar tuition? Yes, you will receive a $90 reduction in your tuition. However you must tell us when you register that you will bring your own book and you must bring the CURRENT EDITION of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations to class.
	What's the earliest I should schedule my return flight home? We suggest you not book a return flight home before 6:30 p.m. The last few hours of the seminar is your test which you must successfully complete (80% or better) to receive your certification so we suggest even a later flight, if possible, to avoid worry about catching your flight.
	There are several people in my company that need Dangerous Goods training. Would it be cheaper to take a class from your public training schedule or if you come to my company to do the training? Normally it is more economical to have private on-site training if you have 7 or more people to be trained in the same subject at the same time. Otherwise using a public seminar would be beneficial to your company. See our Private On-Site Seminar web page for details.
	Do you offer any group discounts if I send several people to your classes? Yes, we offer a 10% discount for 5 or more students registered at the same time and paid for on one check (or credit card). Students do not have to enroll in the same class. Be sure to mention this discount at the time of registration.
	Is the hotel sleeping room included in my tuition? No. Hotel sleeping rooms are in addition to your seminar tuition. DGI has contracted for special discounted rates, however, these special rates apply only if booked, in some cases, up to 5 weeks in advance. See the Hotel Information page for details.
	What if I have lost my training certificate that I received from DGI. Could I get a copy of my certificate and training results? Yes. Contact DGI and we will send you a duplicate certificate with your training records.
	Does DGI offer any type of recurrent reminder or newsletter or information service after I have completed training? Yes. All DGI students receive reminders that their recurrent training is due. You will also receive our yearly brochure which includes our training schedules, products and services.
	Do I have to take a test? Yes. The regulations state that you must "be tested." If you are enrolled in a multi-modal seminar, you will be tested on each mode.
	We only handle Dangerous Goods (Hazardous Materials) once or twice a year. Do I still need to be trained? Yes. Anyone who handles Dangerous Goods "must" be trained.
	Do I have to be trained again after I complete my initial training? Yes. Recurrent training is required within 24 months for IATA and within 3 years for 49 CFR.
	How often do I have to take "recurrent" training? You must complete recurrent training within 24 months for IATA and within 3 years for 49 CFR and IMDG.
	I'm IATA certified. Is it okay to ship by ocean as well? Being certified in one mode of transport is good, but does not necessarily prepare you for other modes of transport. It is recommended that specific coursework be taken for the applicable modes. In addition, it is advisable to be trained in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), as this is the United States law for transport of hazardous materials (dangerous goods).
	Do customs brokers need to be certified? It depends. Do they "directly affect" the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce? If their company meets the definition of a "hazmat employer" and they do affect the safe transportation of hazardous materials, then yes, they must be trained.
	I've taken your class (IATA, 49 CFR, IMDG). Can I train within my own organization? Yes, provided the "hazmat employer" has certified the individual(s) in question. 49 CFR, 172.702(c) states "Training may be provided by the hazmat employer or other public or private sources."
	We only ship ORM-D materials. Do I need 49 CFR training? Also, I've taken an initial 49 CFR class and we ship ORM-D materials. Do I still need to be retrained every 3 years? ORM-D (Consumer Commodities) are registered materials in the United States. Although generally given many exceptions from the regulations, training is still required. As long as the individual continues to meet the definition of "hazmat employee," recurrent training must be completed within 3 years of initial training.
	If I take your class (IATA, 49 CFR or IMDG) will I be certified? Only your "hazmat employer" may certify you. DGI will provide all training information to the hazmat employer. This information packet will enable the hazmat employer to determine if the individual(s) are qualified to carry out assigned hazardous materials functions.
	My forwarder handles my hazmat shipments and they know what they are doing. Why do I need training? In all regulations, it is the shipper who is ultimately responsible for full compliance with applicable international and domestic regulatory requirements. Although 49 CFR does not define "shipper", it does define "person." It is very broad in scope (see 49 CFR 171.8).
	I don't ship Dangerous Goods. Do I still need hazmat training? No. If you are not handling or transporting hazardous materials (dangerous goods), and you do not meet the definitions of "hazmat employer" or "hazmat employee", this type of training is not required.
	I cannot afford to take my people off the job for 3 or 4 days for this training. What am I supposed to do? If your personnel meet the definition of "hazmat employee", you cannot afford to not train them. Violations for non-compliance range from $250 per day per occurrence to $27,500 per day per occurrence (civil) to up to $250,000 per individual and $500,000 for a corporation and 5 years in jail (criminal). A potential way to avoid these costly penalties would be to schedule a few of your hazmat employees for a class at one time then others at another time. Also, you may find it more economical and beneficial to schedule private on-site seminars which may be customized to the commodities you handle.
	How do I decide which of my employees need this training? An analysis of each potential "hazmat employee" and their job function(s) must be addressed by the "hazmat employer." This will determine who needs training and to what level and/or mode(s).
	Why does my company need this training? Training is mandated by law. (See 49 CFR, subpart H - Training.)
	What is the difference between "general awareness" and "function specific" training? General Awareness training is designed to provide familiarity with the requirements of 49 CFR and to enable the employee to recognize and identify hazardous materials consistent with the hazard communications standards of 49 CFR. Function Specific training is applicable to the requirements of 49 CFR, which are specifically applicable to the employee's job function (i.e., preparing shipping papers, labeling, marking, packaging selection and filling, etc.).
	We are a forwarder. We don't ship anything. Why do we need hazmat training? What you mean to say is you do not ship anything hazardous as defined in 49 CFR. If you or your facility are not handling hazardous materials and you do not meet the definition of a "hazmat employer" or "hazmat employee" then this type of training would not be required. Forwarders must check the shipper's packages and paperwork prior to offering it to the carrier.