After earning a Class A, B, or C commercial driver’s license (CDL), drivers may also need to pass further written and road driving tests to operate special types of commercial motor vehicles. One of the several endorsements that a driver should pass is HAZMAT endorsement to be able to drive vehicles containing hazardous materials. The CDL HAZMAT endorsement consists of two separate endorsements:
Earning the hazardous materials endorsement (HAZMAT) can be an excellent opportunity for commercial drivers as a lot of companies rely on the transportation of hazardous materials. However, finding drivers with HAZMAT certification can be difficult.
Obtaining a HAZMAT certification is a bit more complicated than the others, as it needs fingerprints, a background check, and written tests to be completed and passed before it can be granted.
To qualify as a CDL driver transporting hazardous materials, you must meet both state and federal government criteria. Federal law sets some minimum requirements for getting a CDL and transporting hazardous materials that your state must test for. Federal law also dictates that you undergo a security threat assessment mandated by the Patriot Act and conducted by the Transportation Security Administration.
Materials such as explosives, gases, some solids, flammable and combustible liquids, and other materials that may cause harm are classified as hazardous materials. Without a HAZMAT endorsement, a truck driver will be restricted from transporting materials classified as hazardous.
Applicants who failed to pass the background check may plead within 60 days of the decision. Failure to pass the background check will not result in having your CDL revoked. However, you cannot transport hazardous materials.
Typically, the CDL HAZMAT test consists of at least 30 questions that will test your knowledge on several aspects of safe handling and transportation of hazardous materials, including:
Fees for the actual CDL HAZMAT test will differ depending on which state you are getting your CDL HAZMAT Certification. However, you may expect and prepare to pay at least $100 to $125 from start to end.
In most cases, the required passing score for a state to grant a CDL HAZMAT Endorsement is 80%, which means that one must answer at least 24 questions correctly on a standard 30 question test.
Transportation Security Administration CDL HAZMAT endorsement application fee
This cost will include your TSA background screening and Threat Assessment check:
Note: You can visit the TSA HAZMAT Endorsement Application Page to apply and to see which fee will apply to you.
After taking your CDL HAZMAT test, you will not receive the actual score you earned. You will be informed whether you were granted with CDL HAZMAT Endorsement or not once you’ve fulfilled all the requirements.
How many times can you retake the HAZMAT test?
Although you need to pay to take the exam each time you take it, you can retake the exam as many times as you want until you achieve a passing score of 80% or higher.
How many questions are there in the HAZMAT test?The format, length, and requirements for the CDL HAZMAT Test vary according to which state you live. In most cases, CDL tests have 30 or more questions.
