The hazardous materials (H) endorsement lets a CDL holder haul materials that require placards. It is the only endorsement with a federal security background check attached, so it takes longer to get than the others. Start early.
Step 1: The TSA security threat assessment
A state may not issue, renew, upgrade or transfer a hazmat endorsement until the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has determined that you do not pose a security risk, or you hold a valid TWIC card. The process, as TSA describes it:
- Pre-enroll online, or do the whole process at an enrollment center. (In a few states you apply through the state licensing agency instead; TSA's site lists them.)
- At the enrollment center, provide your documents, proof of citizenship or immigration status, and fingerprints, and pay the fee.
- TSA aims to give you a status within 60 days of enrollment, and recommends applying at least 60 days before you need the endorsement.
The threat assessment is valid for five years.
Related: What to Expect on the CDL General Knowledge Test
What can disqualify you
The CDL manual lists the reasons you can be denied or lose the endorsement, including not having the required citizenship or immigration status, being wanted or under indictment for certain felonies, having certain felony convictions, having been adjudicated as lacking mental capacity or involuntarily committed, or being determined by TSA to pose a security threat.
Step 2: Entry-level driver training
If you are taking the hazmat knowledge test for the first time, federal rules require you to complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) for the H endorsement first, from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry.
Step 3: The H knowledge test
The test is based on the hazardous materials section of your state's CDL manual. Expect questions on:
- Hazard classes and divisions: what each class number means.
- Shipping papers: the basic description (proper shipping name, hazard class, ID number and packing group, in that order) and where papers must be kept while driving.
- Placards and labels: when placards are required and where they go on the vehicle.
- Loading and unloading rules: which materials cannot be loaded together, and special rules for explosives.
- Bulk packaging and tanks, and emergencies: what to do in a leak, spill or fire.
Renewing
Your state must require the hazmat endorsement to be renewed every five years or less, so that you go through TSA screening at least every five years. States must notify you at least 60 days before it expires, and you should file your renewal no later than 30 days before the expiration date.
The bottom line
Plan on the background check taking the longest. Start it while you study, so your endorsement isn't waiting on paperwork after you pass the test. Try our CDL practice questions.