{"id":2322,"date":"2022-01-07T16:42:36","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T16:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazmatuniversity.com\/news\/?p=2322"},"modified":"2025-05-06T15:54:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T15:54:25","slug":"hazmat-certification-the-who-what-and-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazmatuniversity.com\/news\/hazmat-certification-the-who-what-and-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Hazmat Certification: The Who, What, and Why"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to the transportation of hazardous materials\/dangerous goods by surface, air, or water, the word \u201ccertification\u201d is often cited as a regulatory requirement for hazmat employees.\u00a0 But what exactly is hazmat certification?<\/span><\/p>\n

Used in this context, \u201ccertification\u201d is typically defined as a standardized, industry-recognized credential that formally attests that an individual has completed educational and testing or assessment requirements in a certain area, typically involving occupation in a particular industry.\u00a0 The terms \u201chazmat certification\u201d and \u201cdangerous goods certification\u201d are regularly used to infer that an individual has been issued a \u201ccertificate\u201d verifying that they have successfully completed the required hazmat training and testing, and are therefore considered competent to perform their hazmat-related job functions.\u00a0 This proof of hazmat training is a critical and required standard intended to maintain the safety of our global transportation systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Needs Hazmat Training?<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s<\/a> hazardous materials transportation regulations (HMR) is found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. Section 172.702 of 49 CFR states that a hazmat employer must provide appropriate training to any individuals in their employ who perform hazardous materials transportation or pre-transportation functions as defined in the regulations (\u201chazmat employees\u201d), in order to ensure that they are competent to perform those functions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

49 CFR Parts 100-185 contain regulatory requirements for hazardous materials transported to, from, throughout, or within U.S. territories by all modes of transportation.\u00a0 However, when preparing shipments for air<\/a> or ocean transportation<\/a>, 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart C, authorizes the use of the accepted international regulations and standards specific to air (ICAO\/IATA) and ocean (IMDG) dangerous goods transportation.\u00a0 As the regulations and requirements for transportation of hazardous materials\/dangerous goods are specific to the mode of transportation being utilized, specific training for surface, air, and ocean transportation must be completed prior to offering for transportation or transporting hazardous materials by these modes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Needs to be Done to Obtain and Achieve Hazmat Certification<\/b><\/h2>\n

Hazmat training may be provided by the employer, or by other public or private sources.\u00a0 The employer, however, must retain a record of current training for each hazmat employee, which must include:<\/span><\/p>\n