Endorsement Questions (Hazmat, Tankers)

If they do a FBI background check, it can take up to two or more weeks, depending on your background.

 

no IF about it. they will run you through the FBI and TSA database for the HAZMAT. and i would try to minimize the visit to the DMV when it involves a CDL. it is such a pain in the ### to deal with the DMV. i studied for and got my permit, then when i went back for the hard copy i added the X and T endorsements. i had to go back a third time to get the license that had the HAZMAT endorsement on it after i cleared the background check.

if you can do it all at once, then by all means go that route. im not sure what the regulations are on the HAZMAT with the cdl permits. i dont know if you can apply for the H on just a cdl permit. i would be sure to call and ask.

 

I like Plan A personally....but that is going with the assumption you aren't going to need your hazmat right away. You won't need your hazmat right out of school to get hired by most companies and some companies will reimburse you the cost of putting the endorsement on your license.

I think you should focus on passing the required tests to get your permit first. That is enough stress for somebody just starting out. The hazmat test isn't overly difficult, but it isn't something you will pass if you don't study for it either, so focus on getting the CDL first, then if you are lucky enough to find a company to reimburse you the cost, start the process then. You will have to pass the written test, then schedule to get your prints taken so they can run the background, then you will have to wait several weeks for all that to come back before finally getting the endorsement.

 

At the school I attended and by the local DMV, I was told just the opposite. I need to have the background completed first, before you would be allowed to test for it. Kind of makes sense too. You're not taking a test, paying for an endorsement that you might not be qualified to have. I know, I know, the whole B.S. background is more so Mr. Taliban doesn't get an endorsement, like they're following rules and regulations, but someone with a serious felony need not apply too..

 

I am going off of memory of a few years ago in Texas, but honestly I am almost positive I took the written test first and they gave me a form after I passed to bring to the place I had my prints done. And if I remember correctly, I didn't actually pay for the endorsement until I received my clearance.

 

I'm not doubting you, just pointing out how it may differ. While in school, I was studying to take my HM test, and the instructor, and DMV examiner said that I needed to first get the background done. But this is in Kansas. Isn't it nice how consistent they are..

 

The policy varies according to the state . Some states require the background check first , others require the hazmat test first . In KY there is one person that gives the background check and is in different locations each day . I had to drive 50 miles to be tested for hazmat , 100 for the TWIC card .

 

I'm just finishing up CDL school. In Illinois you cannot take the hazmat test until the fingerprints are checked. It took two weeks but could take up to 6. It would be nice to have all your endorsements in line before you pass the driving exam. Doing so you won't have to have a new card issued. Each time they issue a card it costs money. If you keep taking (and passing) written tests while you are on your learner's permit they become valid and will show up on your license. You can also save some money by going to get fingerprinted for your TWIC after the hazmat fingerprint approval comes in. This takes another two weeks. So don't hesitate to get those fingerprints taken and background checks done!

 

As recommended above, make as few DMV trips as possible.

The process in Idaho was relatively easy. I tested for, and passed, all endorsements the same morning.

They caution you regarding the Haz-Mat test, should your TSA clearance be denied the test fee is forfeited. (easy revenue in some cases)

Go online and enroll in TSA's HAZMAT Endorsement Threat Assessment Program: https://hazprints.tsa.dhs.gov/Public/
The fee is, $89.25 -- I did this the same day of CDL tests.

Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. -- I scheduled the appointment for the following morning.

Following the fingerprinting I was immediately given a receipt with a contact number. I was instructed to call this number if my "TSA Clearance Confirmation" was not received via mail within ten days. The letters arrived on day seven and day ten. The first approval letter was sent by the Idaho DMV. The second letter, from the TSA, arrived three days later. **Note: Save these letters.**

Previous experience told me, take these letters along to the DMV following my final exam with the State Examiner. Sure enough, the "Clearance" information had not been entered into the DMV database. The clerk acted surprised. (Oscar nominee) She could not believe the information had not been entered into my file. **Okay. Whatever. I was not surprised.** I gave her the letters. She entered the information. A few minutes later, mission accomplished.