Obtaining a HAZMAT endorsement is a coveted goal for many professional truck drivers, as it opens up a number of opportunities for them. HMD Trucking, like most trucking companies, gives drivers with this endorsement a higher rate, because they can haul more types of cargo. So, if you’re a professional truck driver and want to start earning a little more, you may be interested to learn how to get a HAZMAT endorsement.
The HAZMAT certification is very important because it not only relates to the safety of the driver but also of all other drivers on the road. Earning this endorsement ensures that you are fully prepared to deal with potential hazards.
The process of getting a HAZMAT endorsement seems very complicated, although in fact, it is not. But it should be noted that it does take quite a bit of time.
Main Requirements
• You must be over 21 years old
• Have a valid Commercial Driver’s License or CDL permit with a matched number
• Go through the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program
• Visit your local DMV and:
- Give proof of identity
- Present a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Present a medical waiver
- Pass a vision test
- Pass through the Hazardous Materials CDL Knowledge written exam
- Pay fees
What Is Threat Assessment Program
The Hazard Assessment Program is necessary for every professional truck driver who wishes to obtain a Hazardous Materials endorsement. Make the following steps to pass it.
1. Fill Out The Application
The easiest way is to complete an application on the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Enrollment website. But you can also call the HAZPRINT Help Desk and the operator will walk you through the whole process and verify that the application is filled out properly. The application is required to check your background, so you must submit all of the above documents. This step must be done before you submit your fingerprints.
Please note that if you are a resident of Maryland, Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Virginia, and New York you cannot apply online or by phone. You have to visit your local DMV for application and fingerprinting.
2. Get Your Fingerprints
The next part of the Security Threat Assessment is fingerprinting. This can be done at over 200 sites in different areas of the United States. For full information on their locations and hours of operation, see the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Enrollment website or call the HAZPRINT Help Desk. In addition to taking fingerprints, every contender will be asked to electronically sign the application to be assured that it is correct.
3. Security Threat Assessment
The Transportation Security Administration will conduct a threat assessment for each candidate based on the data that you submitted in your application. You can check the results of this assessment through the TSA online portal of your state’s Division of Motor Vehicles. Also, you will receive an official letter with the results of the assessment. Bring this letter to the Division of Motor Vehicles office, as it will indicate that you are approved for a hazardous materials endorsement.
4. Check The Status
The threat assessment may take a month from the date you submit your fingerprints. Problems with your eligibility or lack of documentation can make some delay to this term. You can verify your application’s status online. If it’s approved, be sure to print it. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal.
Overall Expenses
You will be charged a non-refundable fee of $86.50 as well. It will be valid for five years. There are two options of payment: credit card or money order. You can pay with a credit card right on the website or by providing all the needed info to the HAZPRINT Help Desk operator.
Remember that you have to complete the application before fingerprinting, as the fingerprint collection cannot be done for a truck driver who has not paid the fee and filled out the HAZPRINT application.
HAZMAT Knowledge Test
If your application is approved, you will be required to complete the HAZMAT Driver’s License Test at your local DMV. To take the test, you must have all required documents and an approved application.
You have to pass a knowledge exam before a CDL license with a HAZMAT endorsement is issued. Use the HAZMAT section of your CDL manual to prepare for the test.
The CDL HAZMAT test includes 30 questions on different areas of dangerous goods transportation, although the number may vary in some states. To pass it, you need to get a score of at least 80%. This means that a minimum of 24 questions need to be answered correctly.
You will not know the exact score you got on the exam. You will only be notified if you passed or failed it.
