How to Get a Hazmat Endorsement
Updated October 27, 2026
The hazmat endorsement, shown as an H on a commercial driver’s license, lets you drive a vehicle that carries hazardous materials in amounts that need placards. This guide covers the steps: the CDL itself, the required training, the TSA security threat assessment, the knowledge test, and renewal. Exact procedures and fees differ by state, so check with your state’s driver licensing agency before you start.
Who needs it
You need a CDL with the H endorsement to drive a vehicle of any size that carries hazardous materials requiring placards. A pickup truck under 26,001 pounds counts if its load must be placarded. The endorsement goes on a Class A, B or C CDL.
The steps
| Step | What it involves |
|---|---|
| 1. Hold or be getting a CDL | You need a commercial learner’s permit or CDL. Many drivers add H when they first get their CDL. |
| 2. Entry-level driver training (first-timers) | Since February 7, 2022, first-time H applicants must finish hazmat theory training from a provider on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before taking the knowledge test. |
| 3. TSA security threat assessment | Apply with TSA, give fingerprints and pay the fee. TSA checks criminal, immigration and intelligence records. |
| 4. Knowledge test | Pass your state’s Hazardous Materials knowledge test, usually about 30 questions with 80% to pass. |
| 5. Endorsement issued | Once your state has your passing test and TSA’s approval, it adds H to your license. |
Entry-level driver training
The training rule applies if you are getting the H endorsement for the first time on or after February 7, 2022. Drivers who already held H before that date do not have to take it to keep the endorsement.
- It is theory only: classroom or online. There is no behind-the-wheel part for H.
- The provider must be listed on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry, and it reports your completion there.
- You must score at least 80% on the provider’s theory assessment.
- There is no federal minimum number of hours.
Finish this before you go to take the knowledge test, because the state checks the registry first.
The TSA security threat assessment
Every H applicant goes through a TSA security threat assessment, both the first time and at renewal.
- You apply through TSA’s enrollment provider, online or at an enrollment center, and give fingerprints and identity documents in person.
- You must meet TSA’s citizenship or immigration status requirements.
- As of October 2026, tsa.gov lists the fee as $88.25, or $41.00 for some applicants who already hold a valid TWIC card in states that accept it. Fees change, so check the current amount on tsa.gov before you apply.
- Approval can take several weeks, so apply early. Many people start the TSA application while studying for the test.
The knowledge test
The Hazardous Materials test is a computer test at your state’s licensing office. In most states it has about 30 multiple-choice questions and you need 80% to pass. The questions come from the Hazardous Materials section of the state CDL manual:
- The rules, who does what, and the nine hazard classes
- Shipping papers, labels and markings
- Placards, including Table 1, Table 2 and the 1,001-pound rule
- Loading and unloading, including the segregation table
- Bulk packaging and cargo tanks
- Driving and parking rules
- Emergencies and the Emergency Response Guidebook
There is no road test for H. If you fail, states let you retest, often after a waiting period and sometimes for a fee.
Renewal
- TSA: the threat assessment generally has to be redone every five years, with new fingerprints and a new fee. Some states require it more often.
- Knowledge test: under federal rules (49 CFR 383.71), you must pass the hazmat knowledge test again when you renew a CDL and want to keep the H endorsement.
- Training: entry-level training is a one-time requirement. Your employer must still give hazmat employee training at least once every three years.
Start studying with the free CDL hazmat practice test. If you will also drive tankers, see hazmat vs. tanker endorsement.
This site is a practice resource and is not affiliated with TSA, FMCSA or any state licensing agency.
Check your knowledge
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Which federal agency runs the security threat assessment you need for the H endorsement?Answer: BThe Transportation Security Administration (TSA) runs the security threat assessment, which includes fingerprints and a background check. Your state will not issue the H endorsement until TSA approves you.
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You are adding H for the first time. Where must your hazmat training provider be listed?Answer: DEntry-level driver training must come from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. The provider reports your completion to the registry, and the state checks it before your knowledge test.
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What kind of entry-level training does the H endorsement require?Answer: AFor the H endorsement, entry-level training is theory only, taken in a classroom or online. There is no behind-the-wheel requirement for H.
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In most states, what score do you need to pass the Hazardous Materials knowledge test?Answer: CMost states require 80% on the hazmat knowledge test, which is 24 correct out of 30 questions.
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Generally, how often must you renew the TSA security threat assessment to keep the H endorsement?Answer: BTSA says that, generally, you must renew the hazmat endorsement's threat assessment every five years. Some states require it more often.
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When you renew a CDL that has the H endorsement, what do federal rules require to keep the H?Answer: DUnder 49 CFR 383.71, to keep the H endorsement at renewal you must pass the hazmat knowledge test again and meet TSA's requirements. Entry-level training is only required the first time.
Pass your hazmat endorsement test on the first try
- All 181 questions on hazard classes, shipping papers, placards, loading, cargo tanks, driving and parking rules and emergencies
- An explanation for every answer, from the CDL manual and the federal hazmat rules
- Unlimited full 30-question practice tests, scored like the real one (80% to pass)