Hazardous Materials Endorsement

According to government regulations, hazardous materials may include:

• Explosives.
• Gases.
• Some solids.
• Flammable and combustible liquids.
• Other materials that may cause harm.

Tuition: $100

Upon acceptance into the course and prior to the first day of class, the tuition must be paid in full. Payments may be made by check, money order, credit card, cash, or Letter of Intent from a current/prospective employer or other third party (such as Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC), Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS), Veterans Affairs (VA) and Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas (WSSETX)).

Prospective students whose tuition will be paid by an employer, or third party must submit a Letter of Intent from the company/third party prior to the first day of class stating the company/third party will be paying the student's tuition for the course. The employer or third party will be invoiced for $100 upon receipt of the Letter of Intent.

*Placement in the class will not be guaranteed until the tuition fee is paid in full. If an employer or third-party partner has agreed to sponsor training and full payment is not received, the student will be responsible for the remaining balance plus any late fees that may apply.

• You are a U.S. citizen or can provide proof of legal status in the United States.
• You have a valid U.S. commercial driver's license of the proper class.
• You are of legal age to operate a HAZMAT vehicle.
• You are willing to complete the TSA background check.
• You do not have a record of disqualifying criminal offenses; examples include:
  • Warrants or indictments for a felony.
  • Robbery.
  • Immigration violations.

New classes start online every Monday.

Apply online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) HME Application Process.

A Hazardous Materials (HM) Endorsement on a motorist’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate a motor vehicle used to transport HM in commerce.

Per 49 CFR 383.93, CDL holders who have passed the knowledge and skills tests prescribed in 49 CFR Part 383, Subpart G, must obtain the required specialized endorsements when operating the type(s) of motor vehicles described in 49 CFR 383.93(b). As a result, a driver may require multiple endorsements, such as an HM and a “Tank” endorsement.

States issue endorsements to drivers who successfully complete the testing requirements specific to the endorsement the CDL holder desires to obtain. For purposes of the CDL and the HM Endorsement, Hazardous Materials is defined in 49 CFR 383.5.

Endorsements require the testing specified in 49 CFR 383.93(c). Specifically, the HM endorsement, requires a knowledge test. Depending on the type of commercial motor vehicle the CDL holder desires to operate, additional testing requirements may be required. For example, pursuant to 49 CFR 383.93(c)(1), a CDL holder who seeks an HM endorsement, and also seeks to operate a double or triple trailer, must take the HM knowledge test, as well as an additional knowledge test, required for the endorsement to operate a double or triple trailer. In addition, pursuant to 49 CFR 380, Subpart F, FMCSA has established new training standards for individuals applying for their CDL for the first time; an upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or a hazardous material (H), passenger (P), or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time.

Beginning February 7, 2022, States must verify that applicants for the CDLs and endorsements listed above have successfully completed the relevant entry-level driver training (ELDT) before administering the required CDL skills or knowledge test for the H endorsement. These individuals are subject to the ELDT requirements and must complete a prescribed program of instruction provided by an entity that is listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). The requirements of ELDT do not apply to individuals holding a valid CDL or an H, P, or S endorsement issued prior to February 7, 2022. Individuals who obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before the compliance date of February 7, 2022 are not subject to ELDT requirements if they obtain a CDL before the expiration date of the CLP or renewed CLP.