How often is DOT hazmat training required?

At least once every three years (49 CFR 172.704(c)(2)).

Can a new employee work before being trained?

Yes, but only under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee, and the training must be completed within 90 days after employment or a change in job function (49 CFR 172.704(c)(1)).

Does training from a previous employer count?

It can, if a current record of that training is obtained from the previous employer (49 CFR 172.704(c)(3)).

Can OSHA or EPA training count?

Training for OSHA or EPA hazard communication programs, or for other Federal or international security training programs, may be used to the extent it covers the required components (49 CFR 172.704(b)).

US · Expiry & renewal tracking

Track every hazmat employee's recurrent training date

A hazmat employer must train and test each hazmat employee at least once every three years, and a new employee or one changing job functions within 90 days, under direct supervision until then (49 CFR 172.704(c)). The training record covers the preceding three years and is kept while employed and 90 days after.

Under the Hazardous Materials Regulations, a hazmat employer must make sure each of its hazmat employees is trained and tested (49 CFR 172.702(a) and (d)). A hazmat employee may not perform a function subject to the regulations unless instructed in the requirements that apply to that function (49 CFR 172.702(b)). Training may be given by the employer or by other public or private sources (49 CFR 172.702(c)).

The training must include general awareness/familiarization, function-specific training, safety training and security awareness training, plus in-depth security training for employees of companies that must have a security plan (49 CFR 172.704(a)).

A hazmat employee must receive the required training at least once every three years. In-depth security training must also be repeated at least every three years, or within 90 days of implementing a revised security plan if the plan changes during the cycle (49 CFR 172.704(c)(2)). A new hazmat employee, or one who changes job functions, may perform those functions before training only under the direct supervision of a properly trained employee, and the training must be completed within 90 days (49 CFR 172.704(c)(1)).

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At a glance

Rule	49 CFR 172.704, PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations
Recurrent training	At least once every three years
New or changed job function	Within 90 days, under direct supervision until then
Security plan revised	In-depth security training within 90 days of implementing the revised plan
Record	Training of the preceding three years, kept while employed and 90 days after
Who	The hazmat employer

For motor vehicle drivers, a State may impose stricter training requirements only if they do not conflict with the federal rules and apply only to drivers domiciled in that State (49 CFR 172.701).

Who is responsible?

The hazmat employer. It must train and test each hazmat employee, and it is responsible for compliance with the regulations whether or not the training has been completed (49 CFR 172.702 and 172.704(c)(4)).

What the training record must show

The employer must create and keep a record of current training for each hazmat employee, covering the preceding three years, for as long as the employee works as a hazmat employee and for 90 days after. It must include the employee's name, the most recent training completion date, a description, copy or location of the training materials, the name and address of the trainer, and a certification that the employee has been trained and tested (49 CFR 172.704(d)).

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each hazmat employee and record the date their next recurrent training is due (three years after the last completion date).
For new hires or job changes, add a due date 90 days after the start of the new function.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
Assign a responsible person (for example your training or compliance manager) so the right person gets the reminder.
If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Ask the employee or trainer to upload the training certificate through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.

Frequently asked questions

How often is DOT hazmat training required?: At least once every three years (49 CFR 172.704(c)(2)).
Can a new employee work before being trained?: Yes, but only under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee, and the training must be completed within 90 days after employment or a change in job function (49 CFR 172.704(c)(1)).
Does training from a previous employer count?: It can, if a current record of that training is obtained from the previous employer (49 CFR 172.704(c)(3)).
Can OSHA or EPA training count?: Training for OSHA or EPA hazard communication programs, or for other Federal or international security training programs, may be used to the extent it covers the required components (49 CFR 172.704(b)).

Sources

Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

Made for hazmat employee recurrent training (DOT) (US)

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Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each hazmat employee recurrent training (DOT) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each hazmat employee recurrent training (DOT) (US) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.