Who is considered a 'hazmat employee' under federal regulations?

Under 49 CFR §171.8, a hazmat employee is any person who directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety — including those who prepare, handle, load, unload, or transport hazmat, or who are responsible for safety.

How often must hazmat general awareness training be repeated?

49 CFR §172.704(c) requires recurrent training at least every three years. Training records must be retained for three years after the most recent training date.

Does completing this course satisfy the full 49 CFR Part 172 training requirement?

General Awareness training is one of five required training types. Depending on job function, employees may also need Function-Specific, Safety, Security Awareness, and/or In-Depth Security training.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes. Upon passing the final exam, you will receive a dated certificate of completion that can be used as part of your employer's training records under 49 CFR §172.704(d).

Hazardous Materials

Hazmat General Awareness Training

49 CFR Part 172, Subpart H

Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour$249.99

This course provides a foundational understanding of hazardous materials regulations, classification, labeling, and the responsibilities of employees who handle or transport hazmat. Required for all employees who handle, offer for transport, or transport hazardous materials.

Enroll Now — $249.99 Back to Knowledge Center

Who Needs This Training?

Any employee who handles, prepares, offers for transport, or transports hazardous materials — including shipping clerks, warehouse workers, drivers, and supervisors.

Regulatory Requirement

49 CFR §172.704(a)(1) requires all hazmat employees to receive general awareness/familiarization training before performing hazmat functions and every three years thereafter.

Course Curriculum

Introduction to Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)

Hazard Classes and Divisions (Classes 1–9)

Hazard Communication: Labels, Placards, and Markings

UN Identification Numbers and Proper Shipping Names

Shipping Papers and Emergency Response Information

Hazmat Employee and Employer Responsibilities

Packaging Requirements Overview

Incident Reporting and Emergency Response

Frequently Asked Questions

Certificate of Completion

Issued Upon

Passing the final exam

Valid For

3 years per 49 CFR §172.704(c)

Accepted By

DOT, FMCSA, PHMSA compliance audits

Enroll to Earn Your Certificate

Related Courses

Hazardous Materials

Function-Specific Hazardous Materials Training

49 CFR §172.704(a)(2)

Learn More

Hazardous Materials

Hazmat Safety Training

49 CFR 172.704(a)(3)

Learn More

Security

Security Awareness Training

49 CFR §172.704(a)(4)

Learn More

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Hazmat General Awareness Training

Who Needs This Training?

Regulatory Requirement

Course Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

Certificate of Completion

Related Courses

FMCSA Registration & Motus Account Mastery