There is no any doubt that you have seen these brightly-colored, diamond-shaped signs (hazmat placards) on trucks thousands of times in your highway life. And you have definitely heard about hazmat carriers, and rigorous requirements a truck driver should meet to get a hazmat endorsement.

This specific niche certification is highly wanted by almost all drivers because it can power up their trucking career and substantially boost earning potential. But surfing through a large amount of information can be exhausting and time-consuming.

That’s why we at Fortune Carriers Inc decided to share with you the most complete hazmat endorsement guide, where we will cover all requirements for hazmat endorsement, and answer the most frequently asked questions – what is a hazmat endorsement background check, how to apply for hazmat endorsement and more.

What Is a Hazmat Endorsement?

Hazmat stands for hazardous materials, which are determined by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as posing an unreasonable threat to health, safety, or the environment when transported.

In accordance with Title 49 of the CFR, there are 9 classes of hazardous materials:

1. Explosives (dynamite, fireworks, ammunition, etc.)
2. Flammable and toxic gases (butane, propane, etc.)
3. Flammable and combustible liquids (gasoline, enamel, etc.)
4. Flammable solids (oily fabrics, nitrocellulose, etc.)
5. Oxidizing substances, organic peroxides (hydrogen peroxide, some swimming-pool chemicals, etc.)
6. Toxic substances and infectious substances (cyanide, used health care products, vaccines, etc.)
7. Radioactive materials
8. Corrosives (lead acid batteries, metallic mercury, etc.)
9. Miscellaneous hazardous materials (solid dry ice, lithium batteries, etc.)

To haul these hazardous materials, a driver needs a hazardous materials endorsement – a specialized certification authorizing a driver to transport hazardous materials in the United States.

Who Needs It and When

Simply put, if the hazardous material a driver is transporting requires placarding, then any such driver must have a hazmat endorsement (HME).

Eligibility Requirements for Hazmat Endorsement

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “you may apply if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, naturalized citizen or a nonimmigrant alien, asylee or refugee who is in lawful status and have a CDL issued by a U.S. state.” It is important to check with your state for additional citizenship or lawful presence requirements stricter than TSA’s before applying.

5 Steps How to Get a CDL Hazmat Endorsement

How hard is it to get a hazmat endorsement?

These five steps on how to get a hazmat endorsement may seem a little bit hard, but the process is truly not very difficult; it just requires some extra time from you.

Step 1 – Apply for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement

• You can apply online or in person for the HME Security Threat Assessment at an application center. If you are from Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, in which case, you should visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles for application and fingerprinting information.
• Schedule an appointment online or by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Visit your application center to provide the required documents and fingerprints, pass a vision test, as well as pay a one-time application fee.
• Control your status online.

Step 2 – Complete the Entry-Level Driver Training

• ELDT applies to drivers with a valid Class A CDL seeking to obtain hazardous materials (H) endorsement for the first time. You must complete an ELDT hazmat endorsement training from a provider that is FMCSA-approved.
• Drivers who were issued a CDL with HME prior to February 7, 2022 are not required to complete training.

Step 3 – Prepare for Hazmat Knowledge Test

• You can find plenty of study materials online, so be sure to use them to prepare. Or you can buy official hazmat training materials.

• If your employer encouraged you to take the test, ask if they have any recommended resources you can use.

Step 4 – Pass the Hazmat Test at the DMV

• After the TSA’s threat assessment, your result will go to the DMV, where you will need to pass a written knowledge test, which covers hazardous materials regulations and safety procedures.
• How many questions are on the hazmat endorsement test? The CDL Hazmat test comprises 30 questions. The passing score for the Hazmat test varies by state, but it’s generally 80%.

Step 5 – Get Your Hazmat Endorsement

• Where can i get my hazmat endorsement?After successfully completing all the previous steps and obtaining STA approval, you’ll receive notification, and then you can visit your local DMV to get your CDL updated with the HME endorsement.

Pro Tip:Check your local DMV for the steps you need to complete as some states have different hazmat endorsement requirements.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Hazmat Endorsement?

Obtaining a hazmat endorsement typically takes 30 to 60 days. This timeframe includes several steps:

1. Application Completion: A few days for gathering the required documents.
2. Background Check & Fingerprinting: Scheduling fingerprinting can take days to a week, followed by 2 to 6 weeks for the TSA background check.
3. Hazmat Knowledge Test Preparation: Averaging one to two weeks of study depending on your experience and how fast you are.
4. Passing the Hazmat Knowledge Test: Takes about an hour for the test itself, with immediate results.
5. Receiving a HME: One to two weeks for your state to issue the updated CDL.
6. Completing an ELDT HazMat training and test (if required): From an hour to a couple of days.

The overall duration can vary based on individual preparation time, scheduling appointments, and the speed of the TSA background check, and be up to 90 days.

Does Hazmat Endorsement Transfer From State To State?

If you have completed a security threat assessment and you are transferring your HME to a new state, you may not have to go through a new threat assessment for the transfer, provided your new state can issue you an HME that expires within five years of your last assessment. Per state requirements, you may be required to satisfactorily complete written knowledge tests as a prerequisite to the issuance of a transferred HME.

How Long Does Hazmat Endorsement Last?

As a total hazmat endorsement cost could be rather high, that’s no surprise you’re asking a very popular question: “how long is a cdl hazmat endorsement good for?”

Generally, a hazmat endorsement is valid for five years. However, keep in mind that some states might have shorter license cycles. Your hazmat endorsement will always expire when your CDL expires. When it’s time to renew, you’ll need to go through new fingerprinting and a background check to ensure everything is up to date.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Hazmat Endorsement

Obtaining a hazmat endorsement involves several fees, which can vary significantly from state to state due to differences in regulations, fees, and local requirements.

Hazmat Endorsement Cost Breakdown

1. HME Application Fee: Effective January 1, 2025, the fee for new and renewing applicants is $85.25. If you have a valid TWIC card, you will pay a reduced rate of $41. Some states have an application fee of $91 or $109, so check this information at your local DMV.
2. Training Fees (if required):Certain states mandate additional hazmat safety training, which can add to the total cost. In addition, if you apply for a hazmat endorsement for the first time, you are required to complete the Hazmat ELDT training authorized by the FMCSA in its Training Provider Registry, the cost of which varies from $25 to $400.
3. Additional Costs: Some states additionally charge a standard issuance fee of $7-$30 for the CDL and for a $5-$10 hazmat written test.

Tips to Pass the Hazmat Test on the First Try

To increase your chances of passing the Hazmat test on the first try, focus on the following:

• Study the material: Thoroughly review all hazardous materials regulations, safety protocols, and Emergency Response Guidebook. Subscribe to the PHMSA to stay tuned for new HAZMAT seminars and workshops.
• Practice tests: Utilize online resources and free practice tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas needing further review.
• Learn hazard classes and labels: Be able to identify different types of hazardous materials and their corresponding placards. The official DOT Chart 17: Markings, Labeling, and Placarding Guide can be downloaded here.
• Consider a hazmat training course: Enroll in a training course to gain hands-on experience and learn from instructors. Also, the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) has developed an online Hazardous Materials Transportation Training Module program available free of charge.
• Get a rest: Ensure you are well-rested on the day of the test to stay focused and alert.
• Use the skip button: If you’re unsure of an answer, skip it and return to it later.
• Plan ahead: A proactive approach minimizes the risk of failure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Delays in Getting a HazMat Endorsement:Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin gathering necessary documents and completing the application well in advance. Complete a medical examination before the hazmat test.
2. Incomplete Applications: Double-check all forms and required documentation before submission.
3. Errors in Personal Information: Verify your name, date of birth, and Social Security number for accuracy.
4. Missed or Delayed Fingerprinting Appointments: Schedule fingerprinting as early as possible upon applying.
5. Peak Processing Times: Avoid applying during busy periods (e.g., January, July). Start the process in spring or late fall for faster results.
6. Missed updates: Be sure to check the TSA website or your state’s DMV website for any updates or changes to the application process or requirements.

Final Thoughts – Is Hazmat Endorsement Worth It in 2025?

Hazmat endorsement can be a real game-changer for you. Getting a hazmat endorsement represents a strategic career move for any commercial truck driver.

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the driver shortage will hit 100,000 by 2025 and 160,000 by 2028. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports the need for hazmat truckers will be around 7% after a significant spike in 2020.

• Higher salary. Hazmat Drivers are compensated for the increased responsibility and risks associated with hauling hazmat. For instance, the average salary for a HazMat Tanker driver is reported to be $130,000, which is a significant increase compared to the average salary of $46,673 for a non-hazmat truck driver. The hazard levels of the materials transported also influence earnings, with higher hazard levels often correlating with higher pay due to increased risk.
• More chances to find a good job.Adding an HME to a CDL immediately expands employment prospects as it makes them a more desirable candidate in a competitive trucking market. This broader access to job opportunities positions a hazmat driver as a sought-after professional in high-demand transportation area in the USA.

Work for one of the best hazmat trucking companies

Are you an experienced hazmat driver looking for a reliable hazmat carrier with understanding how it is important to have more days with your family and be fairly paid? Or maybe you are only embarking on your hazmat journey?

Ready to boost your career with a hazmat endorsement? Apply now with Fortune Carriers Inc – a top-rated hazmat trucking company hiring qualified CDL drivers in 2025.