Obtaining a hazardous material (HazMat) endorsement is beneficial for more than just fueling positions. Many CDL drivers find that a HazMat endorsement is frequently necessary for a variety of local, regional, or cross-country jobs, often unrelated to fuel transport. For those newly graduated from trucking school, securing a HazMat endorsement is advisable to expand the range of job opportunities accessible to entry-level drivers. Additionally, it is wise to pair your HazMat endorsement with a tanker endorsement.
ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING (ELDT)
As of February 7th, 2022, new federal regulations mandate that drivers seeking a HazMat endorsement must navigate additional requirements before they are eligible to take the HazMat knowledge test at their local DMV. The most significant new requirement is that a driver must complete a DOT-approved course covering specific subjects, review the material, study, and pass an assessment with a score of 80% or higher. Upon completion, a digital certificate is generated and uploaded to the DOT's Training Provider Registry (TPR). Only after the certificate is uploaded to the TPR can the driver sit for the DMV's HazMat knowledge exam. To access a DOT approved HazMat training course, please visit our hazardous material training page.
To view your digital certificate (if you have already completed an online program) please visit: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/
HOMELAND SECURITY BACKGROUND CHECK
Upon completing the knowledge exam, the driver must undergo a federal background check conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, which incurs an $86.50 fee. This check determines eligibility for the HazMat endorsement. Drivers concerned that past criminal convictions may affect their approval can opt to undergo the background check before taking the knowledge exam. If the background check is passed, the Department of Motor Vehicles will be notified automatically, requiring no further action from the driver. To apply for the background check and book your fingerprinting appointment, please visit here: universalenroll.dhs.gov.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT YOUR HAZMAT & TANK ENDORSEMENT
The HazMat endorsement needs renewal every two years, which requires the driver to retake the knowledge exam at the DMV. However, repeating the ELDT program is not necessary. The background check remains valid for five years and must be renewed upon expiration. Similarly, the tank endorsement is valid for five years and requires renewal through a knowledge exam at the DMV. The HazMat endorsement can be relinquished at any time.