Award name
Certificate
Education Prerequisites
None
Prerequisite courses and other requirements
Prerequisites for the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Course
To enroll in the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Theory Instruction course, you must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age prior to the start of class. While this course provides the necessary theoretical training, there are additional requirements you must meet to successfully obtain the actual hazardous materials endorsement on your commercial driver's license (CDL).
Endorsement Requirements
Upon completion of this course, you will need to fulfill the following steps to obtain your endorsement:
Complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and fingerprinting. This is a federal requirement to ensure security for the transport of hazardous materials.
Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which can be a Class A, B, or C. This course does not provide the training for a standard CDL.
Take and pass the corresponding hazardous materials knowledge test at the Department of Licensing (DOL). This exam validates the theoretical knowledge you gained in the course and is the final step in the process.
In addition to the previously mentioned requirements, all instruction at DRIVE509 is provided exclusively in English. To ensure students are prepared for the state-administered knowledge test, they are required to pass all quizzes in English.
Is this program approved to train veterans?
Yes
Program languages
English
Certification/license obtained as part of training program
Certification and License Test Preparation
The Hazardous Materials Endorsement Theory Instruction course is specifically designed to prepare students for the federally recognized hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test administered by the Washington State Department of Licensing (WA DOL). While completion of this course does not guarantee that a student will obtain their endorsement, it provides the essential theoretical foundation required to pass the exam successfully.
Upon successful completion of the 16-hour course, students will receive a certificate of completion, and their course completion will be submitted directly to the WA DOL and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How the Course Prepares Students for the Endorsement Test
The course content is a comprehensive overview of the knowledge required for the endorsement, directly addressing the topics covered on the state test. The instructional material is broken down into specific units that cover:
Regulations and Procedures: Students learn about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and proper procedures for handling shipping papers, marking, and placarding hazardous materials.
Operational Requirements: The training covers safe operational procedures for hazardous materials vehicles, including how to handle railroad-highway grade crossings and tunnels, as well as proper loading, unloading, and segregation of cargo.
Emergency Response: A significant portion of the course is dedicated to emergency protocols, teaching students how to respond to incidents and report them correctly, with a focus on protecting people, property, and the environment.
Specialized Topics: The curriculum also covers specialized areas such as bulk packages, operating specific vehicle equipment, and understanding the handling characteristics of various hazardous materials.
By successfully completing the quizzes and achieving a knowledge proficiency of 80% or greater, students demonstrate they are well-prepared for the WA DOL test. The course provides all the necessary theoretical knowledge, enabling students to focus on passing the exam and completing the additional tasks required to receive their endorsement.
Certification/license test preparation provided
Test Preparation
The Hazardous Materials Endorsement Theory Instruction course provides a comprehensive learning experience led by a certified instructor. The course utilizes various instructional aids, including diagrams, sample documents, and presentations, to effectively convey complex topics such as placarding and emergency response procedures. The course is designed to ensure readiness for the state-administered knowledge test. Students must demonstrate a knowledge proficiency of 80% or higher on the topics covered in the training, in accordance with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)