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How To Get A HazMat Endorsement in 2022

Article Summary

  1. NEW REQUIREMENT: Pass a HazMat Course
  2. Undergo a TSA background check
  3. Complete HazMat application through DMV or TSA
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the DMV written exam
  6. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening

Continue reading for full details on what the Hazardous Materials Endorsement is and how to get it with the NEW 2022 rules from the ELDT Mandate.

State by State HazMat Endorsement Guide

Use the directory below to select the state in which you wish to get a HazMat Endorsement. We'll provide you with the most recent step by step instructions for getting a HazMat to make the process a breeze. Each state HazMat page will also have a link to access the required ELDT HazMat Theory course for that particular state. This will help you prepare for your state's HazMat test with sample questions and answers.

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See a List of All 50 States

What are the steps to get a Hazardous Materials Endorsement? Better yet, what are the CORRECT steps? What if you found out that every "how to" article on getting a HazMat (H) endorsement written before 2022 might be WRONG?

That's right, unless you've been following the news closely in the trucking industry regarding Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, the steps you're about to take to get a HazMat endorsement might be incorrect. Specifically, there is likely to be one extremely important step that is missing or just flat out not right. Let's face it, there would be nothing worse than thinking you're prepared to test and heading to your local licensing agency only to be turned away!

Fear not, we're here to SAVE THE DAY with our complete guide on How to Get a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement in 2022.

What is a HazMat Endorsement?

Let's start with the basics. You, a professional driver, need a HazMat endorsement to haul hazardous materials in your freight. These loads carry hazardous substances that can have adverse effects on you and the environment. Thus, they require a special endorsement to be added to your CDL in order to transport them. Additionally, a driver with a hazardous materials endorsement is subject to specific responsibilities beyond the standard requirements set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) of a standard CDL driver without a HazMat endorsement.

HazMat Driver Additional Responsibilities Include:

  • Maintaining Shipping Papers

  • Placarding and Marking the Vehicle

  • Loading and Unloading

  • Ensuring Compatibility Requirements

  • Blocking and Bracing

  • Completing Incident & Accident Reports

  • Complying to a Security Plan

  • Employee Training - HazMat Theory

The hazardous materials endorsement on a CDL means the driver has passed the mandatory training and tests to transport all classes of hazardous materials. The driver must keep a copy of the HazMat table in their truck to properly categorize types of loads on all paperwork and comply with Hazardous Materials Requirements (HMR).

Types/Classes of Hazardous Materials Include:

  • Class 1 – Explosives

  • Class 2 – Gases

  • Class 3 – Flammable Liquid

  • Class 4 – Flammable Solids

  • Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances / Organic Peroxides

  • Class 6 – Poisonous (Toxic) and Infectious Substances

  • Class 7 – Radioactive Material

  • Class 8 – Corrosives

  • Class 9 – Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

    Environmentally hazardous substances, elevated temperature material, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants

The FMCSA conducts over 154,000 annual roadside inspections each year to ensure safety guidelines are met while transporting the materials. Carrying a HazMat endorsement comes with increased responsibilities, including a thorough understanding of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to avoid violations. The new HazMat Theory training regulation has been mandated to ensure that all drivers are trained and meet a consistent safety standard and training to transport hazardous materials.

NEW: HazMat Theory Requirement & ELDT Mandate

As part of the new ELDT requirements that went into effect on February 7, 2022, all drivers seeking a HazMat endorsement are required to complete a Hazardous Materials theory training program BEFORE testing at a local licensing agency.

The program must be provided by a company/entity on the official Training Provider Registry and will fulfill the necessary theory instruction needed to take the knowledge test as part of the Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. As part of the ELDT requirements, this training is now required before taking the written test for the HazMat endorsement at the BMV or DMV.

Prior to February 7, 2022 these were the steps to obtain a HazMat endorsement:

  1. Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment (well-known as TSA: background check)
  2. Fill out the "Hazardous Materials Endorsement" application through the DMV or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  3. Complete a medical screening
  4. Take and pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
  5. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person

After February 7, 2022, these are the steps to obtain a HazMat endorsement:

  1. Pass a HazMat theory knowledge exam
  2. Undergo a required Federal Security Threat Assessment (well-known as TSA: background check)
  3. Fill out the "Hazardous Materials Endorsement" application through the DMV or TSA, depending on which is required in your state
  4. Complete a medical screening
  5. Pass the DMV written exam (varies by state)
  6. Submit a TSA Background Security Screening either online or in-person
  7. Wait for TSA to send an official notice of completion. Once the state receives a copy, you will then obtain your hazmat endorsement.

Before you begin these steps you need to have held at least one of the following:

  • Commercial learners permit and/or a temporary license
  • Employment Authorization Document to earn a hazardous material endorsement
  • A valid CDL

C1 Truck Driver Training, a school on the official Training Provider Registry, offers a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement theory training online course for $99 per individual or for a group rate to businesses.

C1 Truck Driver Training will automatically transmit results to the Training Provider Registry upon completion of the program. Once these results are accepted, the driver will be permitted to take the required knowledge test for obtaining a HazMat endorsement at a local licensing office.

Don't Get Turned Away at the BMV, DMV, or local licensing agency!

Please note that outdated information is out there, and anyone seeking a HazMat endorsement will be turned away from the DMV if the individual has not completed the new HazMat theory training program requirement.

Purchase ELDT Hazmat Course Now!

* Course not valid for the state of Washington