HAZMAT Endorsement
A HAZMAT or Hazardous Materials endorsement (H) is a certification added to a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) that allows truck drivers to transport dangerous chemicals & materials. Because of this added risk, getting a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL takes extra steps and testing. But with more responsibility comes more benefits.
Getting The HAZMAT CDL Endorsement
If you’re getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and want to unleash your earning potential then you’ll want to get a HAZMAT endorsement.
This CDL endorsement, also known as the (H) endorsement, Hazardous Materials Endorsement, or HME, allows you to legally transport dangerous loads that might be acidic, toxic, flammable, explosive, radioactive or otherwise unsafe.
Truck drivers with HAZMAT endorsements typically earn between $102,000 to $117,000 per year. (Especially when combined with a tanker endorsement (N) to get a combination (X) endorsement.) Top hazardous material haulers can earn $178,000!
We’ll break down how to get a HAZMAT Endorsement, why you want one and how Driving Academy can help you earn yours
Why Get A Hazardous Materials CDL Endorsement?
Hazardous Materials Endorsements are your road pass to guaranteed success in the trucking industry. Here’s why:
Earn More Money
Drivers with (H) and (X) endorsements are harder to find, so companies pay more for them. Typically 20-30% more!
More Job Opportunities
HAZMAT endorsements makes you more versatile and gives you access to more trucking jobs.
Safer Drivers
Transporting danerous cargo demands safer driving. That means you'll become a more skilled, responsible and safe driver.
How Do You Get A HAZMAT CDL Endorsement?
Here is a brief breakdown of the steps to get a CDL endorsement added to your license.
Step 1
Meet The Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a valid CDL Permit or commercial driver’s license
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident with work authorization
- Not have a criminal record that includes one of the disqualifying criminal offenses listed below
Step 2
Study For Endorsement Exams
Each endorsement has its own written knowledge test. You’ll need to understand safety regulations, handling procedures and vehicle-specific operations. So study, study study!
Driving Academy students can access our in-depth study guides and practice tests to prepare for the endorsement exams
Step 3
Pass the Written Test at the DMV
When you’re ready, schedule the knowledge test at your local DMV. They must be taken there in person. You can take the Endorsement Exams on the same day as your CDL Permit Test or on different days.
Some, but not all states, offer the knowledge tests in other languages like Spanish.
Background Check
In order to get your (H) Hazmat or (S) School Bus endorsement, you’ll need to undergo a background check to ensure you’re trustworthy to handle this precious or volatile cargo.
Testing In A Bus
If you’re getting your Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement, you will need to take/retake your CDL road test in a bus (specifically a school bus for the (S) endorsement.)
Hazardous Materials Classes
What Crimes Prevent You From Getting A HAZMAT Endorsement?
Certain crimes can permanently or temporarily disqualify you from getting a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL license. This list of felonies are based on federal TSA (Transportation Security Administration) regulations for assessing security threats.
Minor crimes and misdemeanors do not disqualify you from getting your HAZMAT endorsement.
The reason a background check is required for a HME is because hazardous materials can pose a serious threat to public safety and national security if misused.
Permanent Disqualifying Offenses
You are permanently disqualified from getting a CDL HAZMAT endorsement if you’ve ever been convicted (or found not guilty by reason of insanity) of:
Espionage
Sedition
Treason
Terrorism
Crimes involving transportation security incidents
Murder
Racketeering
Crimes involving explosives, bomb threats, or weapons of mass destruction
Unlawful possession or transfer of a firearm as part of a security threat
Temporary Disqualifying Offenses
You may be temporarily disqualified if you’ve been convicted in the past 7 years, or released from prison in the past 5 years, for:
- Assault with intent to murder
- Kidnapping or hostage-taking
- Robbery
- Arson
- Bribery
- Extortion
- Smuggling
- Immigration violations
- Drug distribution or trafficking
- Fraud, identity theft, or money laundering
- Rape or aggravated sexual abuse
Under Want or Indictment
You are also disqualified while under indictment or wanted for any of the above crimes.
TSA Background Check Requirement
To get your HAZMAT CDL endorsement, you must pass a TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA), which includes:
- Fingerprinting
- Criminal background check
- Immigration status check
- Mental health history review
Ready To Add A HAZMAT Endorsement To Your CDL?
Adding endorsements like the (H) or (X) to your CDL is one of the best moves you can make for your trucking career. Whether you’re looking for a huge pay raise, more job security or just want to be the best driver you can be, a HAZMAT endorsement will help you get there.
And Driving Academy is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today or visit our partner at CDL Expert to start earning a hazardous materials endorsement that will drive your future forward.
Frequently Asked Questions CDL Endorsments
Absolutely! In fact, many drivers choose to get multiple endorsements to increase their flexibility and value in the job market.
Most endorsements remain valid on your license as long as your CDL is active, but some, like HAZMAT, do require periodic renewal and background checks.
Yes! You can return to your local DMV to take additional tests and add endorsements at any time.
In order to get a passenger or school bus endorsement, you will need to retake the road/skills test in a passenger or school bus.
The hardest CDL endorsement to get is probably the HAZMAT (H) endorsement, especially when combined with the Tanker (N) endorsement to get the HAZMAT + Tanker (X) combination endorsement).
The hazardous materials endorsement requires passing a TSA Security Threat Assessment, including fingerprinting and a federal background check, which can disqualify applicants based on criminal history or immigration status.
The written test is also more complex than others, covering hazardous material classifications, emergency procedures, federal regulations and proper warning placards. On top of that, it must be renewed more frequently and carries higher legal responsibility due to the volatile nature of the cargo.
The X endorsement adds the challenge of mastering liquid surge control in tank vehicles, making it even more demanding.
While other endorsements like School Bus (S) or Doubles/Triples (T) have their own difficulties, none require the same level of federal screening, testing and ongoing compliance needed for the HAZMAT endorsement.
The HAZMAT endorsement typically offers the highest pay of any truck driving because it qualifies drivers to haul hazardous materials. These come with greater risk, responsibility and legal regulation. Companies are willing to pay more for drivers who can safely transport dangerous goods like chemicals, fuel, explosives or toxic substances, as these loads require specialized training and strict safety protocols.
In addition, fewer drivers hold the HAZMAT endorsement due to the extra requirements.
The combination of high risk, specialized skill and limited supply drives up wages for HAZMAT-certified CDL holders.
