FAQs for Applicants Renewing Approved Handler Test Certificates

  1. What do I need to do?

    You must contact a test certifier to renew your certificate. The list of test certifiers is available on the ERMA New Zealand website at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/find/TestCertifierSearch.aspx.
    You will need to demonstrate to a test certifier that you are aware of any changes to HSNO legislation, ERMA New Zealand-approved codes of practice or work practices relating to the substances for which you are seeking a renewal.

  2. Do I have to return to the test certifier who issued my original certificate?

    No. Any test certifier registered to issue test certificates for the substance(s) and hazard classes listed on your certificate may issue your renewal.

  3. Do I need to attend a course to renew?

    No. However, you will need to demonstrate to a test certifier that you meet the qualifications for a renewal. See Question 11.

  4. How much will it cost?

    The cost of renewal is set by individual test certifiers, however ERMA New Zealand expects these costs to be reasonable. It may pay to contact several test certifiers and enquire about costs and renewal options before choosing one.

  5. When does my test certificate expire?

    Your test certificate should show the date the certificate was issued. Expiry is five years from that date.

  6. If I can't find my certificate, how can I find out when it expires?

    Contact the test certifier who issued it. They should be able to tell you when it expires. If your certificate was issued via an industry organisation and you may need to contact them.

  7. Can I renew my certificate before it expires?

    Yes. Your new certificate will be valid for five years from the day after the expiry date of the original certificate.

  8. Can I renew my certificate after it expires?

    Yes. Within a reasonable period of time, you should be able to renew in a manner identical to that of renewing a current certificate.

  9. Can I still work as an approved handler if my test certificate has expired?

    No. Without a current approved handler test certificate, you cannot work as an approved handler.
    If your workplace needs to have an approved handler on site, but no one on site has a current test certificate, then the workplace may be operating illegally.

  10. Can I continue to purchase hazardous substances that require an approved handler if my test certificate has expired?

    No. Such products can only be purchased by holders of current approved handler certificates. Members of AGCARM (The Association for Animal Health and Crop Protection) have implemented a policy of "No Certificate = No Sale". ERMA New Zealand is encouraging other industry groups and retailers to adopt a similar policy.

  11. What are the qualifications for renewal?

    The HSNO legislation requires that you demonstrate to a test certifier that you are aware of and can describe any changes that have taken place to the following since your original certificate was issued:
        1) the HSNO legislation relating to approved handlers and to the substances for which you are seeking a renewal;
        2) any ERMA New Zealand-approved Code(s) of Practice in use in your industry; and
        3) work practices in your industry relating to handling the hazardous substance(s) for which you are seeking a renewal.

  12. How do I find out about changes to the HSNO legislation, codes of practice, and work practices since my original certificate was issued?

    HSNO legislation - The Guide to Changes section on this site covers key HSNO legislation changes relevant to holders of agrichemical approved handler test certificates. ERMA New Zealand is currently developing guides to changes to the HSNO legislation for other industry sectors.

    Codes of Practice -Information on ERMA New Zealand-approved codes of practice is available at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/compliance/codesofpractice.html.

    Work Practices - you will need to discuss changes to work practices in your industry with your test certifier.

  13. Will my renewal have the same certificate number as the original certificate?

    No. Your new certificate will have a different number to the one on your original certificate.
    If the number of your original certificate is on file at your local retailer or chemical supplier, or if that retailer or supplier has retained a copy of your original certificate, be sure to provide them with your new certificate number or a copy of your new certificate.

  14. Can I add additional stages of the substance lifecycle or add additional substances to my renewal?

    No. A renewal will cover only the existing lifecycle stage(s), substance(s) and condition (s) that appear on your current certificate.
    Should you wish to 'upgrade' your certificate by adding new substances or additional lifecycle stages, you must demonstrate to the test certifier that you meet the practical competencies and possess the HSNO knowledge required for the additional lifecycle stages, substances, or conditions for which you seek approval. Provided you can produce all the evidence the test certifier will need to assess your qualifications for an upgrade, you should be able to upgrade at the same time you are renewing. Contact your test certifier for advice.

  15. Where can I get more information?

    Your test certifier will be able to provide more information and assist you in the renewal process. You can also contact our Hazardous Substances Compliance Line on 0800 376 234.