How to Get a Hazmat Endorsement: Requirements Explained

1. 01Confirm Your CDL and Eligibility
2. 02Complete Required Hazmat ELDT Theory Training
3. 03Complete the TSA Security Threat Assessment
4. 04Pass Your State Hazmat Knowledge Test
5. 05Complete Remaining State Licensing Steps
6. 06Receive the H Endorsement Once All Requirements Are Satisfied

For a first-time H endorsement, federal ELDT rules require the applicable Hazmat theory curriculum before the state can administer the Hazmat knowledge test.

Unlike Class A and Class B ELDT, the Hazmat endorsement does not require an ELDT behind-the-wheel component.

That is why Hazmat ELDT can be completed as a theory-only course.

What Does Hazmat ELDT Cover?

The federal Hazmat curriculum includes topics such as:

• basic hazardous-materials requirements
• shipping papers
• markings
• labels
• placards
• operational requirements
• reporting Hazmat crashes and releases
• railroad crossings and tunnels
• loading and unloading
• bulk packages
• emergency equipment
• emergency response procedures
• fueling procedures
• tire checks
• routing
• Hazardous Materials Safety Permits

The complete federal curriculum is contained in Appendix E to 49 CFR Part 380.

Training that counts toward the federal ELDT requirement must come from a provider listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry for the applicable training type.

For Hazmat, look for: Hazardous Materials — Theory

Before enrolling, confirm that the provider is listed for the exact type of training you need.

A Hazmat endorsement also requires federal security screening through TSA.

The Hazardous Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment Program determines whether an applicant presents a transportation or national-security threat.

The process may include:

• application or enrollment
• identity documentation
• citizenship or immigration-status documentation where applicable
• fingerprinting
• TSA background and security review
• final eligibility determination

Hazmat ELDT theory training must be completed before the state administers the applicable Hazmat knowledge test.

The knowledge test is administered through the driver’s state licensing agency.

ELDT satisfies the training requirement.

The state still controls:

• test scheduling
• testing procedures
• state fees
• documentation requirements
• final endorsement issuance

After the required ELDT training, TSA security screening and state knowledge test are complete, your state determines the final licensing steps.

Requirements and sequencing can vary by state.

This guide explains the federal framework.

Students should check their state driver licensing agency for current state-specific procedures and fees.

No.

The ELDT requirement for a first-time H endorsement is theory training only.

This is different from Class A and Class B ELDT, which generally include theory plus behind-the-wheel training.

Hazmat

Theory ELDT only

Class A

Theory + behind-the-wheel

Class B

Theory + behind-the-wheel

Yes.

Hazmat ELDT is theory training and may be delivered online by an appropriate registered provider.

The provider still must cover the applicable federal curriculum and satisfy FMCSA provider requirements.

Online does not remove the training standard.

It simply changes how the theory instruction is delivered.

After a student successfully completes the applicable Hazmat theory training, the registered provider submits the required training certification information to FMCSA.

The state can then verify that training record before administering the Hazmat knowledge test.

Before beginning the Hazmat endorsement process, it is helpful to have:

• your current CDL or CDL application information
• access to your state licensing information
• identity documents required by TSA
• time to complete training and testing
• an understanding of your state’s endorsement process

True North-specific enrollment requirements will be added once confirmed.