Resources > What Certifications Do You Need to Haul Hazmat in the U.S.?

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CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

Before you can even consider hauling hazardous materials, you must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), issued by the state where you live. A CDL is the baseline certification. Hazmat hauling builds on top of it through additional endorsements and assessments.

The type of CDL you need depends on the vehicle you plan to operate:

Class A:

Required for combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. This is the most common class for hazmat haulers moving tankers or bulk loads.

Class B:

Required for single vehicles over 26,001 lbs., such as straight trucks or large tank trucks.

Class C:

Required for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placards, even if the vehicle itself doesn’t meet Class A or B size thresholds.

Hazmat (H) Endorsement

To legally transport hazardous materials that require placarding under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), you must obtain a Hazardous Materials Endorsement, commonly referred to as the “H” endorsement. Hazmat certification is used colloquially to mean endorsement.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, drivers must be either a U.S. citizen, or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

Step 1: Complete a TSA Security Threat Assessment

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must verify your identity and confirm you do not pose a security risk. They will collect your fingerprints, conduct a criminal background check, and verify your immigration status.

You must begin the process through the TSA Hazmat Endorsement application portal and pay the associated fees. Most states will not allow you to take the hazmat knowledge test until the TSA approval is complete.

(Note: The TSA approval must be renewed every 5 years.)

Step 2: Pass the State Hazmat Knowledge Test

Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers a written exam covering topics found in 49 CFR Parts 100–185. Studying the Hazardous Materials section of the FMCSA CDL Handbook is essential, as the exam can be detailed and technical.

Exam Topics:

• Hazard classification and communication
• Placarding, labeling, and marking requirements
• Proper handling, loading, and unloading
• Incident reporting requirements
• Emergency response procedures

Step 3: Pay State Fees and Apply

Endorsement fees vary by state but typically include:

• Testing fees
• CDL update processing fees
• TSA assessment fees

Once all three steps are complete, the hazmat endorsement is officially added to your CDL.

Tanker (N) Endorsement (Or the Combined “X” Endorsement)

If you plan to haul liquid hazardous materials in bulk, especially flammable or corrosive liquids, you will also need the N (Tanker) Endorsement.

Many hazmat carriers require the X endorsement, which is a combination of H (Hazardous Materials and N (Tanker)

The X endorsement qualifies you to haul tanker loads requiring placards. This is especially important for drivers transporting fuel, chemicals, or large-volume liquids in DOT-spec tanker trailers.

DOT Medical Certification

All CDL holders must have a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate, including hazmat drivers.

To qualify, the exam must be performed by a medical examiner registered with the FMCSA National Registry. The exam checks for health conditions that could impair the driver’s ability to safely oper­ate a commercial motor vehicle, like vision, hearing, blood pressure, medication, and more.

Most certifications last 2 years, though some may be valid for shorter periods depending on the examiner’s assessment.

Federal Hazmat Training Requirements (49 CFR §172.704)

Even with a valid CDL and endorsement, hazmat drivers must complete specialized hazardous materials training. The FMCSA’s hazmat regulations require drivers to undergo training in the following areas.

General Awareness/Familiarization

• Hazard classifications
• The Hazardous Materials Table
• Shipping paper requirements
• Placards and labels

Function-Specific Training

Every hazmat job is different. Drivers must be trained specifically on the tasks they perform. This training must match the driver’s day-to-day responsibilities.

• Loading/unloading
• Securing cargo
• Handling packagings
• Completing shipping papers

Safety Training

• Proper use of personal protective equipment
• Safe handling procedures
• Measures to prevent accidents, spills, or fires
• Security Awareness Training

Security Training

Drivers learn how to identify and respond to suspicious activities or potential security threats involving hazardous materials. If the carrier is required to maintain a Hazmat Security Plan, drivers must receive advanced security training.

• Company-specific security procedures
• Access control
• En-route security
• Emergency response protocols
• Refresher Training

Carrier Requirements

Even if you, as the driver, meet all federal requirements, your carrier must also comply with strict regulations. Hazmat carriers must:

Maintain a Hazmat Security Plan (if required)

Carriers transporting certain high-risk materials must develop written security plans addressing:

• Personnel security
• Access control
• En-route security
• Unauthorized access prevention

Maintain Training

The company must ensure drivers are properly trained, documentation is up to date, and refresher training is tracked.

All hazmat training must be repeated at least once every 3 years, or immediately when regulations or job duties change.

Training must be documented, and the carrier must keep records.

Verify All Driver Credentials

The carrier must confirm:

• CDL validity
• Hazmat endorsement status
• Medical certification
• Training records

Ensure Vehicle Compliance

Carriers must provide properly equipped and compliant vehicles, including placards, securement, and emergency equipment.

Vehicle and Equipment Requirements

Placards and Labels

The vehicle must display correct placards for the materials being transported. Incorrect or missing placards are major and common violations. You can use mobile compliance tools to assist in proper placarding.

Shipping Papers

The shipping papers must be accessible in the cab at all times and must include:

• Proper shipping name
• Hazard class
• UN/NA number
• Packing group
• Emergency contact information
• Quantity and type of packaging

Emergency Response

Information regarding emergency response, contacts, and SOP must be carried in the cab and readily available in case of an incident.

Cargo Securement

Hazardous materials must be properly blocked, braced, and segregated from incompatible substances.

Safety Equipment

Vehicles must be equipped with:

• Fire extinguisher(s)
• Spill kits (depending on carrier policy)
• PPE where required

Summary Checklist

Conclusion

Hauling hazardous materials in the U.S. comes with higher responsibility than regular trucking. Every step of the process is designed to keep drivers, communities, and the environment safe. You must obtain your Hazmat endorsement, complete TSA background checks, following federal training standards, and meeting carrier-specific expectations. While the process may seem demanding, it ultimately gives professional drivers a competitive edge and opens the door to more specialized, higher-paying opportunities.

With the right training and compliance habits, hauling hazmat becomes a mark of professionalism and safety excellence on the road.

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