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Who needs DOT hazmat training?
PHMSA says a hazmat employer must train and test its hazmat employees. A hazmat employee is anyone whose job directly affects hazmat transportation safety. That includes people who operate vehicles used to transport hazmat. A new hazmat employee has 90 days to finish training. Until then, they may do the job under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee.
By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.
The steps, in order
Ask if you are a hazmat employee
Your employer decides what your job functions need
Finish training in 90 days
Supervised work is allowed meanwhile
Get tested and certified
Your employer keeps the records
Repeat at least every three years
Keep your record current
Decision steps: ask your employer whether you are a hazmat employee, finish training within 90 days, get tested and certified, and repeat training at least once every three years.
What the rule says
Am I a hazmat employee?
PHMSA says a hazmat employee is any person who, while working, directly affects hazmat transportation safety. That includes, but is not limited to, loading, unloading or handling hazmat, and operating vehicles used to transport hazmat.
www.phmsa.dot.gov · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Who has to train me?
Your hazmat employer. PHMSA says each hazmat employer must train and test hazmat employees, certify their training, and keep records of current training.
www.phmsa.dot.gov · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How soon do I need it?
PHMSA says a new hazmat employee, or one who changes job functions, must complete training within 90 days.
www.phmsa.dot.gov · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Can I work before I finish?
PHMSA says you may do the job before you finish training, under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee.
www.phmsa.dot.gov · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
How often do I repeat it?
At least once every three years, PHMSA says.
www.phmsa.dot.gov · checked Nov 13, 2026 (opens agency website)
Where people go wrong
- You wait past 90 days after you start or change jobs.
- You let three years pass without repeat training.
- You try to pass an exam instead of taking the training. PHMSA says that does not waive it.
Questions
Can I train myself or use a training company?
Yes to both. PHMSA says the training can be done by the employer, by the employee, or by a contracted training service, as long as every requirement in Subpart H to Part 172 is met.
Does my trainer need a certification?
No. PHMSA does not specify or require minimum qualifications for hazmat trainers. It says a trainer needs to be able to convey the training requirements under § 172.704.
What kind of test counts?
Any method that shows you were trained for your duties and can do them competently. PHMSA gives written, oral or demonstration tests as examples, and says no specific testing document is required.
What kind of record does my employer keep?
PHMSA says employers can meet the recordkeeping rule in many ways, for example with a certificate, electronic records or even written paperwork.
Your next step
Ask your employer which training covers your job functions. For the rules in PHMSA's own words, read its hazardous materials training requirements page.
Sources we read
- www.phmsa.dot.gov › hazardous materials training requirements · read Nov 13, 2026
Who publishes this guide
State Cert Guide is an independent guide to what each state requires. If a fact on this page is wrong, tell us and we fix it.