HazMat certification

That's correct. Some states mess with the order of things though. Here in VA you go to the DMV, THEY fingerprint you and you can take your HAZMAT tests. When you pass they send your prints / info to TSA for approval. Your marked off in the system as a pass, when they get the ok from TSA they add the endorsement to the lic.

 

Same in new jersey. Once you get the permit you can take the written tests whenever you want. You have to go get fingerprinted
with TSA and then wait for your background check to clear before they will put the endorsement on your license though.

 

As far as I know all prints are taken with livescan now. It's required, not optional. The plus is your background check for whichever you do first (HAZMAT or TWIC) can be re-used for the other one. So you only have to pay for it once. You basically pay half for the second one vs the full price. If you get HAZMAT you can apply for TWIC online and they'll use your HAZMAT background check and then you only have to go to a TWIC office to show an ID and pick up it vs going twice.

 

Now I will throw this out there.
You take the haz-mat test and pass, read money spent.
Now you do a finger print & back ground check and for some reason you don't get cleared. Try getting your money back from the DMV!
You say "I have nothing they should fail me on?" Remember we are talking government here so any thing can happen. I had to tell DMV to charge me for a road test when I got my permit because they are to charge you for it then.
Dave ----

 

Hi Fuzz, I think if you don't get cleared for the TWIC card, you'll have more problems to worry about than getting your money back from the DMV.

 

Along with the websites that were provided with the information, this one is the one that you can go and pre register and schedule your appointment.

https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/

Just went and did mine here in GA. Yes they had me go and get finger printed PRIOR to going to take my Hazmat endorsement. I had to schedule 2 appointments (instead of walking in because appointments have precedence). Appointments were back to back (they are 15 minute appointment windows). Mine today were for 10 am and 10:15 am. Did both TWIC and Hazmat pre check. The TWIC, after checking the website today after my appointment, had already been approved.... NOT even 1 day processing! They said the new system they have moves the TWIC and Hazmat pre check rather quickly.

Anyways, I am getting all of my endorsements prior to getting in to the CDL school in January, along with my TWIC, so I am more marketable to companies. For me the Hazmat is a breeze, but than again I have been working with Hazmat with the fire department for 5 years and am a nationally certified Hazardous Material Technician. (The guy with the bubble suits that mitigate the mess when there is one!).

You do have to make separate appointments and there is no discount if you do both at the same time. I was explained that they are two totally separate processes with their own processing fee.

 

I have everything but Haz-Mat for the same reason - more marketable to Co's. In a few weeks I will get the prints done for Haz-Mat.
Now my school tells us not to have Haz-Mat added to your permit or take the test after your road test. The reason is the state DMV can test you on the Haz-Mat and if you fail that part you failed the whole skills road test part.
They also told us because our school does not have any doubles/triples/converter dollies the DMV could not test us on that part and same with tanker so could add them to the permit.
I guess the state could always ask questions about the above they could and mark the skills test sheet?
Dave ----