How to Get a CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Written by Staff Writer

Not just anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can haul hazardous materials. Before you can accept a placarded load, you must clear a few requirements that go beyond a standard CDL, including training, federal screening and a written test. These must be done in a specific order to avoid delays, especially if you are working toward a job start date.

This guide covers what the hazardous material endorsement allows you to haul, who needs it and the step-by-step process to get it. You will learn what kind of training you need, how the federal background check and fingerprinting work, what to expect on the state knowledge test and a handy checklist to keep you organized.

Guide to the Hazardous Materials Endorsement and Who Needs It

A CDL HAZMAT endorsement, also known as an H endorsement or HME, allows you to legally haul hazardous materials that require special markings, labels and placards under DOT rules. These loads include common freight like fuel, industrial chemicals and other regulated products that come with stricter handling, safety and documentation requirements due to flammability or other health and safety hazards.

You should apply if:

  • You already hold a valid CDL, and you plan to transport materials that require placarding.
  • An employer requires it for a role, even if you do not haul hazardous materials every day.
  • You want access to jobs tied to regulated freight, such as fuel delivery, chemical manufacturing supply chains and other specialized industrial shipments.

Many professional drivers pursue an HME because it can lead to higher pay and more job options. Employers often pay qualified drivers more because HAZMAT work adds compliance steps, additional responsibility and stricter safety expectations.

Eligibility and Training Requirements

HME rules combine state and federal requirements, including background screening and Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for first-time applicants. Review these requirements first so you don’t lose time or pay fees twice.

You Must Hold a Valid CDL

First and foremost, you must hold a valid CDL in your state before you can apply for the endorsement. If you have a commercial learner’s permit, you can begin the application process, but you can’t receive the endorsement until you are fully licensed.

First-Time Applicants Need ELDT Training

Since 2022, ELDT is required for drivers seeking an H endorsement for the first time, and it also applies to first-time school bus S and passenger P endorsements.

ELDT is not retroactive. If you already held the H endorsement before the federal ELDT requirement went into effect, you don’t need to complete this training. You still must meet any state renewal rules and complete the required federal background screening.

Use an Approved Training Provider

If you are applying for an HME for the first time, you are required to complete training through a provider approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) so your completion can be reported properly. Your provider should cover the topics you need for the written exam and safe operations, including:

  • Placarding basics and prohibited practices
  • Hazardous material handling regulations and expectations
  • Operation of emergency equipment
  • Emergency response procedures

SafeMotorist’s FMCSA-approved online Hazardous Materials Endorsement course covers these required topics in a self-paced online course. Your course completion is reported to the FMCSA automatically as soon as you finish the final lesson.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Threat Assessment

Once you complete the required training, there are still a few more steps. You cannot receive an HME until you undergo the TSA’s Security Threat Assessment. This is a federal background check that evaluates drivers seeking to obtain, renew or transfer an HME on a state-issued CDL.

Applicants may be rejected due to incorrect or false application information, or for a disqualifying criminal offense or status.

Assessment Application Information

Residents of most states can apply for the TSA assessment online. Residents of Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin must apply in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

TSA recommends enrolling for the HME threat assessment at least 60 days before you need an eligibility determination. Processing times can vary, and delays can affect your ability to work if your endorsement expires or you need it by a job start date.

Fingerprinting Requirements

Fingerprinting is required to run the background check. You will schedule an appointment at a TSA enrollment center and provide documents to confirm your identity and citizenship during your visit.

You can find what documents are accepted on the TSA website. Prepare to produce documentation that satisfies:

  • Proof of identity.
  • Proof of citizenship or lawful status.
  • An accepted payment method to pay a non-refundable fee.

If TSA finds you eligible, the next step is to complete the written exam with the state DMV.

DMV Knowledge Test

A written exam is required to earn an HME. Your DMV will charge the written test fee and administer the knowledge test. Steps vary by jurisdiction, but many states require your TSA threat assessment to be on file before you can take the written test, especially for renewal.

This assessment is meant to check whether you understand the core federal HAZMAT rules a driver must follow. Federal regulations spell out the main subject areas the test must cover States must build their questions to address these topics.

Here are the topics you can expect:

  • HAZMAT basics, including hazard classes, divisions and how to use the Hazardous Materials Table
  • Markings, labels and placards, including when each is required
  • Packaging and loading rules
  • Key definitions and material types
  • Accidents and incidents, including the immediate steps to take and when reporting is required
  • Route, tunnel and rail crossing rules

Use your state CDL manual to study these topics, then schedule your written test after your TSA threat assessment status shows as cleared or on file with your DMV.

Expiration

HMEs typically expire on a cycle tied to TSA approval (currently every five years). Each renewal requires you to complete a new assessment.

CDL renewal alone does not keep your HME active. Since you will need a new TSA assessment with each renewal, be sure to start the process early so you don’t lose your endorsement.

Checklist for Obtaining a CDL H Endorsement

To recap, follow these steps, in this order, to earn your endorsement:

  1. Confirm you have a valid CDL and meet state requirements.
  2. If this is your first HME, complete HAZMAT ELDT with an approved provider.
  3. Enroll in the Security Threat Assessment, ideally 60 days early.
  4. Get fingerprinted at a TSA enrollment center.
  5. After TSA processes your application, take the DMV knowledge test and complete any additional state-specific steps.

Once you finish these steps, double-check that your CDL prints the correct endorsement. If you carry both hazardous materials H and tanker N endorsements, confirm you received the combined X endorsement. Remember to keep your renewal dates on your radar.

Get Your HME with Ease

An HME can open doors, but only if you stay ahead of the timing. Be sure to build in extra lead time for TSA processing, be prepared for the DMV test and track your five-year renewal window so your endorsement does not lapse. With a plan and a simple checklist, you can test with confidence and take on regulated loads without last-minute surprises.