Earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step to working in the trucking industry, but it’s not the last. Adding endorsements to your CDL opens up more career opportunities and increases earning potential. That’s why one of the most sought-after endorsements is the Hazardous Materials (H) Endorsement.
Of course, it’s not just drivers that need to be responsible when it comes to transporting certain types of material. Carriers face extra scrutiny and compliance challenges. That’s why DriverReach was created: to fix the compliance headaches too many fleets have.
In our latest blog, you’ll learn how drivers can get a hazardous materials endorsement, why it’s such a valuable certification, and the requirements both drivers and carriers need to know in order to keep those trucks safe and on the road.
5 Steps to Get HAZMAT Endorsement
So, how do you get a HazMat endorsement? The entire process takes several weeks to a few months and requires background checks, classes and testing. With some preparation and practice, you’ll be able to add the H endorsement to your CDL.
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old to obtain a HazMat endorsement for interstate transport.
- Citizenship or Legal Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Valid CDL: You must already have a valid CDL or be in the process of obtaining one.
- Clean Criminal Record: Certain felony convictions (like terrorism, dishonesty, or theft involving hazardous materials) may disqualify you.
Step 2: TSA Background Check and Fingerprinting
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a thorough background check. CDL holders must submit their fingerprints and undergo a Security Threat Assessment (STA) to ensure they don't pose a risk in transporting hazardous materials.
- You can pre-enroll for the STA online through the TSA website and schedule an appointment before you visit a TSA-authorized fingerprint location.
- The STA looks at your criminal history, immigration status, and other security risks. This process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
- Bring your photo ID and citizenship documentation to your appointment.
Step 3: Complete HAZMAT Training
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires hazmat drivers to undergo specific training from an approved provider.
- The training covers:
- How to properly handle, load, and transport hazardous materials.
- Recognizing and mitigating potential hazards.
- Emergency response procedures.
- You can find training programs through truck driving schools, community colleges, or online.
Step 4: Pass the HAZMAT Knowledge Test
- Once you complete your training, study your state’s CDL manual and pass a written knowledge test at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- The test will cover safety and regulations regarding hazardous materials, including loading, signage and emergency procedures.
- The length of the test varies by state, but you can expect between 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions. A passing score is 80% or higher.
Step 5: Tips to Pass a Written HAZMAT Test
- Thoroughly review the CDL manual’s section on hazardous materials.
- Understand the nine hazard classes and learn the placard rules, packaging and labeling requirements for safe transportation.
- Know common terms like "hazmat employee," "shipping papers," "material safety data sheet (MSDS)," and "reportable quantity (RQ)".
- Learn what information is required on shipping papers and how to identify and fill out the necessary forms.
Between studying for tests, scheduling appointments and allowing for time to pass to receive your results, it can take between 4 to 8 weeks before your endorsement is valid. The TSA background check can take up to 60 days or longer if any data is incorrect.
Managing HAZMAT Endorsement Compliance
Once you’ve earned your HazMat endorsement, you’ll need to renew the certification in order to stay compliant and continue your job responsibilities. Employers of CDL drivers must also take care to stay on top of expiration dates well in advance to allow for the often lengthy renewal process before an endorsement expires.
Renewal Requirements
- Most hazardous materials endorsements last for 5 years, but some states have shorter timeframes (like Florida, which is 4 years).
- Drivers need to repeat the TSA Security Threat Assessment, retake the knowledge test, and may need to attend a refresher training.
- Make sure your CDL and Medical Examiner’s Certificate are still valid.
- If a driver is convicted of a disqualifying offense (e.g., certain felonies or terrorism-related crimes), the TSA must be notified within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in revocation of the endorsement.
Employer Responsibilities
- Operating a fleet has a high level of responsibility, especially when hauling hazardous materials. HazMat trucking must adhere to the strictest safety standards and is subject to additional regulations.
- In order to avoid penalties and a potential loss of the company, fleets must ensure driver compliance with all hazardous materials regulations.
- Make sure your team of drivers is staying compliant with accurate records, up-to-date license information, and a system in place that alerts you ahead of time before expiration dates roll around.
- DriverReach's DQ File Checklist simplifies compliance tracking with one qualification process. Your fleet will automatically have the necessary documentation stored securely in a digital Driver Qualification File.
Challenges of Getting a CDL HAZMAT Endorsement
While the process of adding a hazardous materials endorsement to your CDL is relatively straightforward, there could be unforeseen challenges that should be taken into consideration. Prepare, plan, and start early to ensure drivers maintain compliance.
Common Obstacles
- Make sure you start the process with plenty of time and all of the valid documentation. The unpredictability of how long the TSA background check will take is one of the biggest factors to prepare for.
- The complexity of the terminology and regulations requires dedicated time to learn and understand the rules and requirements.
- Keep up to date on your certification once you earn it! Remember, in addition to the endorsement expiration, any disqualifying offense must be reported.
Tips to Overcome Challenges
- Start the process early and plan ahead! Set a study schedule and stick to it so you’ll pass the written test on the first try.
- Take online practice tests to prepare mentally before the big day.
- Our Driver Qualification File makes it simple for fleets to track all of the various endorsements and licenses drivers need to do their jobs. Proactively alert drivers with plenty of notice before any expiration dates.
Why Get a HAZMAT Endorsement?
Enhancing your CDL with a hazardous materials certification is one of the best ways to earn more over the life of your professional driving career.
Broader career opportunities
Drivers with the HazMat endorsement are qualified to haul hazardous materials such as chemicals, flammable liquids, gasses, explosives, and other regulated substances. This skill is in constant demand across industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, chemical production, and even medical supply chains.
Potential for higher pay
Due to the increased risk and responsibility involved in transporting hazardous materials, many companies offer higher pay to drivers with hazmat endorsements. On average, hazmat drivers earn more than non-hazmat CDL drivers and there may be additional opportunities for bonuses, incentives, or premium rates per mile.
Competitive advantage in recruitment
Employers are more likely to hire drivers who have a hazmat endorsement because it reduces their need to train or certify employees in-house. It also demonstrates that you are a skilled and responsible driver capable of handling complex and regulated freight.
Importance for fleet versatility
Companies prefer drivers who can handle various types of freight. A hazmat endorsement allows you to transport both standard and hazardous cargo, which can make your job more secure since you can cover more roles and assignments.
Navigating CDL Endorsements for Compliance
Operating a fleet that transports hazardous materials is a highly challenging business to run. It requires both owners and drivers to maintain high standards of integrity and compliance to keep freight running smoothly and avoid costly regulatory mistakes.
Stay up to date on industry regulations, since they can change each year. The DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are updated annually. These updates may include changes to classification, handling, packaging, labeling, and transportation procedures for hazardous materials. There are also emergency rule changes and legislative adjustments that may occur outside of the annual updates.
Everyone in the trucking industry benefits when carriers and drivers stay informed of changes. Look for updates from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC).
Of course, the easiest way to keep track of changing requirements and expiration dates is to manage your entire fleet with DriverReach. To learn more about how DriverReach simplifies the entire process from recruiting to compliance, schedule your demo now.
FAQs
How long does the TSA take to approve background checks?
The TSA’s HME Security Threat Assessment can take up to 60 days. Although it may take much less time, the TSA does recommend starting at least 60 days before you need the results of the background check.
How much does it cost to get a HAZMAT endorsement?
There are several costs associated with getting a HazMat endorsement throughout the process. The fees and requirements vary by state, but on average, drivers can expect:
- The TSA background check fee costs approximately $86.
- State DMV fees range between $10 to $100.
- The training course can range between $100 to $500.
What is the highest level of HAZMAT certification?
Drivers that pass the written test for the Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) in addition to Hazardous Materials (H) are eligible for the X Endorsement. This allows drivers to haul large quantities of dangerous liquid substances, such as fuel, chemicals, or gasses.
