To advance your truck career, do not miss the CDL Hazmat Endorsement. If you need to explain, the reason will be answered in this article, CDL Hazmat Endorsement Study Guide. We are going to give you the best overview of the CDL Hazmat Endorsement test, how it affects your career, and how to help you obtain it more successfully.

cdl hazmat endorsement
How to apply a CDL Hazmat Endorsement?

1. CDL Hazmat Endorsement (HME)

1.1. What is Hazmat CDL Endorsement?

The CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement Test is a test for commercial tank drivers, in order to get the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement, one of 6 CDL Endorsements types,  for their CDL license. CDL Hazardous Endorsement is considered a qualified tool to ensure the safety of hazardous trailers’ transportation.

If you have a Hazardous Endorsement, it means that your truck can carry those transport materials below:

  • Gas
  • Explosives
  • Flammable or Combustible Liquid
  • Any other materials that might cause harm

 

1.2. What are the Hazmat CDL Endorsement Requirements?


To obtain a CDL Hazmat Endorsement, you must meet all of the following conditions below:

  • At least 21 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S
  • Must meet the federal medical requirements in 49 CFR Part 391 and have a US DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (To avoid unexpected health problems)
  • must be fingerprinted for background checks. 
  • Must pass Hazmat knowledge test 
  • Must own a valid commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or a temporary license or Employment Authorization Document to earn a hazardous material endorsement or a valid CDL.

 

1.3. How does CDL Hazmat Endorsement affect my career? 

Although hazardous materials are not easy to transport, and the drivers may face certain risks, your payment will be higher than normal for insurance. According to Glassdoor, the average wage of CDL Hazmat/Tanker drivers is approximately higher $11.000 per year than standard CDL drivers. 

Furthermore, you have a chance to work for high technology companies. Hazardous materials are a peculiarity, that is why carrier companies are working to make the safest way for their drivers, to avoid all unexpected situations. Hazmat drivers will be trained carefully to work with the modern collision avoidance systems, which will protect not only you and your truck but also everyone on the road.

 

2. CDL Hazardous Materials test

2.1. CDL Hazardous Endorsement Test structures

 

In order to obtain a Hazmat Endorsement, you are required to complete an Endorsement Knowledge test.

The CDL Hazmat test is usually made up of 30 multiple choice questions and the test will be different depending on each state. In short, to pass the CDL Hazmat test, your score must be at least 80%, which means you need to get 24 correct answers.

 

2.2. What are CDL HazMat Endorsement Tests covered?

Although it might be a difference in the using and organizing questions, the test is also covered some main topics to test your knowledge of safe transportation and handling of hazardous materials, including: 

  • Reasons for the Regulations
  • Bulk Tank Marking, Loading, Unloading
  • Your Responsibilities as a Hazmat Driver
  • Driving and Parking Regulations
  • Rules Pertaining to Communications
  • Emergency Situations
  • Safe Loading and Unloading

 

2.3. How to apply for the CDL Hazardous Endorsement test?

Due to the dangerous action of transporting hazardous materials, there is a process that you must thoroughly and strictly follow:

Step 1: You are required to complete a CDL HazMat Endorsement application.

You can complete it online or at an application center, depending on your state requirements. However, if you are in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, you should visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles for application and fingerprinting information.

Step 2: After completing your application, then you should take a medical test to obtain a Transportation Medical Card. 

Step 3: You are able to take a CDL Hazardous Endorsement test now. Go to the nearest authorized application to schedule a test day. However, your process is not done yet.

Step 4: After taking your test result, you are required to do a TSA Background Security Clearance to make sure your background is qualified.

Your process is considered completed after you receive your completion notice. If you pass the test, you will get your CDL Hazmat endorsement. 

cdl hazmat endorsement study guide
Complete the CDL HAZMAT application to obtain HME

3.  How to get a high score in the HazMat CDL Test?

In order to gain a high score on the actual test, it is important to practice for the test. There are several ways to practice:

 

3.1. Learning by heart

Some people use the traditional way, write everything down and try to learn by heart all the contents that might appear in the test. To do it, you need to prepare lots of papers and time. However, the downside of those is that you don’t know what you should focus on more and most, and you will easily forget them all if you forget only one word.

 

3.2. Using flashcards

Another option you may choose is using flashcards. It is a very effective way to remember information. Check on the flashcards practice on our website to know more about it. 

 

3.3. Take the CDL HazMat Endorsement practice tests

Besides, you can look for some websites or apps to do the CDL Hazmat Practice test. By taking the practice tests, you will have insight into how actual tests look, how hard it is, and have good strategies to deal with the Hazmat CDL Test.

cdl hazmat
Take the CDL Practice Test to score high 

4. What are the FAQs about the CDL Hazmat Endorsement?

4.1. How long does it take to get a Hazmat?

It’s about 3 to 4 weeks.

 

4.2. Do I need to renew my Hazmat endorsement? 

Yes, you do. Your Hazmat endorsement is required to renew every five years. In addition, you also need to submit new fingerprints at the time of renewal of HME.

 

4.3.  What endorsement do I need to drive a tanker in the US?

You need to obtain a CDL Tanker Endorsement and a CDL Hazmat endorsement. Our CDL Tanker Endorsement Study Guide will help you in conquer this endorsement.

 

4.4.  Do I need to obtain a DMV to get a CDL Hazmat Endorsement?

No, you don’t. You only need to have a CDL.

 

4.5.  How do I check my Hazmat Endorsement status?

To check the status of your application online, please visit Universal Enroll and select “Check my Service Status” if you enrolled using TSA’s enrollment provider. TSA sends official notification of your HME eligibility to your state of license only.

 

To sum up, our CDL HazMat Study Guide gives you a tour of the general information of the CDL HazMat Endorsement Study Guide, the steps to take, and some advice to pass the test. Moreover, if you are looking for a website to prepare for your CDL exam, start with our CDL Practice Test. We hope that it will help you with your further tests. Good luck!