How Long is Hazmat Training Good For?

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) that shippers must follow require re-training once every three years (49 CFR 172.704). So, if the question is “how long is hazmat training good for?” the simple answer is that DOT hazmat training is good for three years.

But hazmat training is not just about checking a box or fulfilling a requirement. An employee’s first hazmat training should develop knowledge and skills that last a whole career.

Your first hazmat training provides a base that every re-training will build on. Effective training should equip you with confidence required to take on the responsibility—and the challenge—of compliance.

Recurrent hazmat training can go two very different ways

If your initial hazmat training was comprehensive and effective, your re-training will deepen your understanding of the hazmat regulations. With a strong knowledge base to work from, you can focus on new information during re-training such as regulatory updates, strategies to simplify compliance, and reliefs and exceptions you can use to streamline your operations.

Or, re-training can feel like a shock, as you realize that your first hazmat training left out a lot of important details. Now you’re playing catch up, trying to re-learn critical basics that your previous training glossed over.

In short, hazmat training is about building expertise and knowledge over a career—not re-learning the same simple facts once every three years. How long that training is "good for" depends on how good the hazmat training is!

Hazardous materials professionals provide value for organizations around the world every day. Effective compliance with U.S. and international hazmat regulations creates a competitive edge for shippers, especially when cargo space is in high demand, strong relationships with carriers are crucial to success, and good stewardship is essential for maintaining a positive business reputation.

How often do hazmat employees need to be trained?

So, how often do hazmat employees have to be trained? The DOT requires training at least once every three years. As an example, if they complete hazmat training on February 1, 2021, they must be trained again by February 1, 2024. The deadline is 3 years from the previous training date. [see 49 CFR 172.704]

Note: Although the legally enforceable training cycle is every 3 years in the U.S., if you ship hazardous materials by air, the International Civil Aviation Organization Technical Instructions (ICAO TI) and the International Air Transport (IATA) regulations require training once every 24 months if you want them to accept your shipment. [ICAO TI 1;4.2.1, IATA DGR 1.5.]

Stay compliant, stay competitive

Hazardous materials professionals provide value for organizations around the world every day. Effective compliance with U.S. and international hazmat regulations creates a competitive edge for shippers, especially when cargo space is in high demand, strong relationships with carriers are crucial to success, and good stewardship is essential for maintaining a positive business reputation.

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
Hazmat Air Shipper Certification (IATA)
Hazmat Vessel Shipper Certification (IMDG)