Choose Your DOT Course
Explore online DOT training for hazmat employees, transportation professionals and CDL supervisors, including training topics under 49 CFR 172.704 and FMCSA reasonable suspicion supervisor training under 49 CFR 382.603.
DOT Hazmat General Awareness Training
Learn the basic DOT hazmat requirements for recognizing, handling, marking, labeling and transporting hazardous materials.
DOT Hazmat Function-Specific Training
In-depth training for hazmat employees performing specific job functions such as shipping, loading, packaging or documentation.
DOT Hazmat Safety Training
Learn required safety practices, emergency response information and protective measures for employees working with hazardous materials.
DOT Hazmat Security Awareness Training
Understand hazmat security risks and learn methods for recognizing and helping prevent unauthorized access to hazardous materials.
DOT Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors
Train supervisors of CDL drivers to recognize signs of alcohol misuse and controlled substance use under DOT/FMCSA requirements.
Training requirements vary by employee job function, transportation mode and employer operations. Employers remain responsible for determining and documenting the training required for each employee.
Which DOT Course Do I Need?
Not sure which course is right for you? Follow these simple steps to identify the training that best matches your role and DOT requirements.
Identify Your Role
Consider your job duties and responsibilities, such as shipper, carrier, loader, hazmat employee or CDL supervisor.
Match Your Requirements
Choose the course that aligns with your job function and applicable DOT training responsibilities.
Complete Your Training
Take the course online at your own pace and receive your certificate after successful completion.
Why Train With PDH STAR
Convenient online training for professionals, supervisors and employers who need practical, high-quality DOT compliance training.
100% Online
Train anytime, from virtually anywhere.
Self-Paced
Complete your training on your schedule.
Instant Certificate
Access your certificate after successful completion.
Employer Friendly
Simplified group enrollment, tracking and documentation.
Mobile Access
Works across desktop, tablet and mobile devices.
Trusted Provider
Training developed for real-world compliance needs.
For Employers & Teams
Make DOT training easier to manage across your organization. Enroll employees, track training progress and maintain the documentation you need from one convenient training solution.
- Group pricing and volume discounts
- Easy employee enrollment and tracking
- Training records and certificates
- Dedicated support for your team
| John Smith | Hazmat General Awareness | Completed |
| Sarah Johnson | Hazmat Safety Training | Completed |
| Mike Wilson | Function-Specific Training | In Progress |
| Emily Davis | Security Awareness | Completed |
| Robert Miller | Reasonable Suspicion | Not Started |
How It Works
Complete your DOT training in just a few simple steps.
1. Choose Your Course
Select the DOT training course that matches your role and training needs.
2. Complete Your Training
Work through the online course at your own pace from your computer, tablet or mobile device.
3. Pass the Assessment
Complete the course assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the training material.
4. Receive Your Certificate
Access your certificate after successfully completing the course requirements.
DOT Training FAQs
Answers to common questions about DOT hazmat training, 49 CFR 172.704 requirements, online training, recurrent training and FMCSA supervisor reasonable suspicion training.
Who needs DOT hazmat training?
DOT hazmat training generally applies to employees whose work directly affects the safe transportation of hazardous materials. This can include employees who classify, package, mark, label, prepare shipping papers, load, unload, handle or transport hazardous materials.
The applicable requirements are found in the Hazardous Materials Regulations, including 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H .
What training is required under 49 CFR 172.704?
Required hazmat employee training generally includes general awareness/familiarization, function-specific training, safety training and security awareness training.
Employees may also need in-depth security training when the employer is required to maintain a DOT security plan, along with applicable mode-specific or driver training.
For additional regulatory guidance, see PHMSA's official hazardous materials training requirements .
Is online DOT hazmat training allowed?
Yes. PHMSA permits online, computer-based and virtual training methods, provided the training addresses the requirements applicable to the employee's duties and the employer ensures the employee is properly trained and tested.
Online delivery can therefore be used as part of an employer's compliant hazmat training program.
How often is DOT hazmat recurrent training required?
Hazmat employees must receive recurrent training at least once every three years under 49 CFR 172.704(c) .
Additional training may be necessary sooner when an employee's responsibilities change or new regulatory requirements affect the functions the employee performs.
How soon must a new hazmat employee be trained?
A new hazmat employee, or an employee who changes hazmat job functions, generally must complete required training within 90 days of employment or the change in job function.
Before completing the training, the employee may perform applicable hazmat functions only under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee.
What is DOT function-specific hazmat training?
Function-specific training addresses the particular Hazardous Materials Regulations that apply to the employee's actual job duties.
For example, a person preparing shipping papers may need different function-specific instruction from an employee packaging, loading or transporting hazardous materials. Employers are responsible for determining which functions each employee performs.
Do hazmat employees need to be tested after training?
Yes. DOT hazmat training requirements include both training and testing. PHMSA allows flexibility in how competence is evaluated; testing may take different forms depending on the employee's duties and training program.
The hazmat employer remains responsible for ensuring that the employee can successfully perform assigned hazmat functions in accordance with the regulations.
Is DOT security awareness training required for hazmat employees?
Security awareness training is one of the required components of hazmat employee training under 49 CFR 172.704 .
Employees of employers required to maintain a DOT hazmat security plan may also need additional in-depth security training concerning that plan and their responsibilities under it.
Does a CDL hazmat endorsement replace DOT hazmat employee training?
Not necessarily. A CDL with a hazardous materials or tank endorsement does not automatically satisfy every training requirement that may apply to an employee's hazmat functions.
The employer must determine what requirements are covered and provide additional training for functions not addressed by the endorsement.
Who is responsible for DOT hazmat training records and certification?
The hazmat employer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that employees are properly trained and tested and that required training records are maintained.
Records generally include the employee's name, completion date, information identifying the training materials, trainer information and certification that the employee was trained and tested in accordance with the HMR.
Does DOT or PHMSA approve individual hazmat training providers?
DOT generally does not pre-approve or certify private hazmat training programs or instructors under the HMR simply because they provide training under 49 CFR 172.704 .
The employer must determine whether the training addresses the requirements applicable to its employees and remains responsible for compliance.
Who needs DOT reasonable suspicion training?
Under 49 CFR 382.603 , employers generally must ensure that people designated to supervise CDL drivers subject to the FMCSA drug and alcohol testing rules receive reasonable suspicion training.
FMCSA specifies at least 60 minutes on alcohol misuse and 60 minutes on controlled substances use, for a minimum total of 120 minutes.
See FMCSA's official guidance on supervisor reasonable suspicion training for additional information.
Is reasonable suspicion training the same as DOT hazmat training?
No. They address different regulatory requirements.
DOT hazmat employee training is primarily governed by the Hazardous Materials Regulations, including 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H . FMCSA reasonable suspicion supervisor training relates to drug and alcohol testing requirements under 49 CFR Part 382 .
Can employers enroll multiple employees in DOT training?
Yes. PDH STAR can support organizations that need to train multiple employees, including group enrollment and training documentation.
For larger groups, contact PDH STAR for available group pricing and assistance selecting the appropriate training for different employee roles.
Training requirements depend on an employee's job functions, transportation mode, materials handled and the regulations applicable to the employer. Employers remain responsible for determining and documenting the training required for their employees.
Start Your DOT Training Today
Choose the DOT training that matches your role and compliance needs, or contact PDH STAR for help with group training and course selection.
