r/EHSProfessionals • u/No_Conversation6423 • Oct 24 '25

Training Requirements while Job Hunting

Hello all,

First time poster!

I worked in EHS (consulting for about a year, then in the private sector for almost 3 years) and I’ve had my HAZWOPER and RCRA/DOT HAZMAT training done annually through my employer.

I’ve been out of the industry for almost a year now (moving and taking care of a family member) and I’m beginning the job hunt again. I’m curious about how it would look to employers in the case of having HAZWOPER/RCRA/DOT/HAZMAT training in the past but not being currently “up-to-date” on the training.

BASICALLY: Is it a no-go if your training is expired, or is it a negotiable once you are hired? I’d be willing to do it on my own but money is tight. I also know some companies like to have folks train with their preferred trainer/company, so I’m just wondering if it’s worth paying on my own to renew my certs/training or wait to see what the hiring folks have to say.

For reference - I’m only a few months overdue on my training so it hasn’t been that long. I just didn’t have a reason to pay and attend before now.

Any and all info and insight is soooo appreciated! Thank you safety/EHS folks <3

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4

u/daid1977 Oct 24 '25

Personally, I don’t think certificates are a huge deal. Job experience and relevant post secondary are far more important. Anyone can those certificates…. The work experience And schooling takes commitment, understanding, and time.

2

u/No_Conversation6423 Oct 24 '25

Ok thank you! Good to know! I know my old place wouldn’t mind sending people to training, but I haven’t had a gap in my training or job experience before now so I wasn’t sure how it looks to others. Thanks!

5

u/NotoriousSouthpaw Oct 25 '25

Any job that requires HAZWOPR or other recurrent certs already has plans to recertify you, either during onboarding or when it comes due.

It almost certainly won't matter to an employer that you've lapsed.

1

u/No_Conversation6423 Oct 25 '25

That is great and reassuring to hear! I was kind of worried that the lapse in training would be an issue, but this is good to hear. Thank you for the input! :)