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Best driver certifications

Driver certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an driver to employers. However, not all driver certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a driver are Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).

Below is a list of the best driver certifications. Obtaining an driver certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

20 best driver certifications

1. Commercial Driver License (CDL)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Commercial Driver License
Certifying organization
Federal Motor Carrier Safety...

2. OSHA Safety Certificate

This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying website
OSHA Safety Certificate
Course that help you to prepare for certification
OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics
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(727)

3. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)

A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
Event Planners Association

4. Defensive Driving Instructor (DDI)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying organization
National Safety Council

5. Level 1 Driving Instructor

Qualified to teach recreational driving on private property, both single and pairs.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Level 1 Driving Instructor
Certifying organization
Certified Horsemanship Association

6. Operator Certification

Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Operator Certification
Certifying organization
Concrete Sawing and Drilling...

7. Flagger (Instructor)

In the Flagger Training Instructor Course, you'll learn to teach work zone crews standard flagging procedures and how to provide safe passage in and around work areas. Get certified to deliver the Flagger Training Course to your work zone crews. No prerequisites required.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying website
Flagger (Instructor)
Certifying organization
National Safety Council

8. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

9. Medical Examiner Certification

The Medical Examiner Certification was developed to certify medical examiners who can determine whether a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver meets Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards and guidelines. Candidates must be an advanced practice nurse, doctor of chiropractic, doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant, or other medical professional authorized by applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical examinations and must complete training that reviews FMCSA-specific knowledge about CMV drivers and the physical and mental demands of their job. Candidates must pass a written examination.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
Federal Motor Carrier Safety...

10. Computer Service Technician (CST)

The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Computer Service Technician
Certifying organization
ETA International

11. Passenger Endorsement (P) (P)

Passenger, A CLP holder with a 'P' endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers, other than Federal/state auditors and inspectors, test examiners, other trainees, and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder as prescribed by 49CFR383.25(a)(1).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Passenger Endorsement (P)
Certifying organization
Federal Motor Carrier Safety...

12. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
Practice Management Institute

13. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)

14. Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS)

The Certified Professional - Food Safety is for food safety professionals and is designed for individuals within the public and private sectors whose primary responsibility is the protection and safety of food. The exam for this prestigious credential integrates food microbiology, HACCP principles and regulatory requirements into questions that test problem solving skills and knowledge.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)

15. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

CSP candidates must have professional safety experience. The exact number of years depends on their degree(s) and if they hold OHST/CLCS or CHST certification. BCSP has a broad definition of safety. Professional-level work experience in safety, health, environmental protection, fire protection, ergonomics, radiation protection and industrial hygiene is considered professional safety experience.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
Board of Certified Safety...

16. Certified Master Safe Technician (CMST)

A CMST has successfully demonstrated advanced proficiency in safe and vault related categories.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
Associated Locksmiths of America

17. Master Collision Repair & Refinishing Technician

The ASE Collision Repair Test Series includes one test for paint refinishers and three other tests for repair technicians, covering non-structural damage repair, structural damage repair, and vehicle mechanical and electrical system repair. These tests are all intended for hands-on collision technicians. ASE also offers a test specially designed for collision damage estimators. The Collision Repair and Refinish test series is available in either Paper/Pencil or Computer-Based Testing format.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

18. Level 1 Driver

Qualified to drive single or pair recreationally on private property or in an arena; qualified to hitch and unhitch single or pairs, including fitting and adjusting harness and vehicle safety checks.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Level 1 Driver
Certifying organization
Certified Horsemanship Association

19. Apple Certified Trainer (ACT)

The Apple Certified Trainer (ACT) program certifies industry professionals to deliver the Apple curriculum. Subjects range from Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server administration to Apple's Pro Applications, including Aperture, Color, DVD Studio Pro, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Motion, Shake, and Soundtrack Pro.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
Apple Computer, Inc.

20. Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT)

The Auto Glass Safety Council's Certified Auto Glass Technician certification examination is an online examination consisting of 70 multiple choice questions; allowing 90 seconds per question to answer. Requirements: knowledge in OSHA regulations, all types of auto glass replacement, NAGS and custom cut laminated glass parts will help in taking the examination.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
Auto Glass Safety Council

What is the best certification for a driver?

The best driver certification is Commercial Driver License (CDL). The Commercial Driver License (CDL) is awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this driver certification:

  • To become a certified Commercial Driver License (CDL), you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 4 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for drivers?

The most in-demand driver certification is Commercial Driver License based on all active job postings. Having this driver certification will give you access to more driver jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a driver career and salary?

The Commercial Driver License certification will help you to secure a delivery driver position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A delivery driver's average salary is $37,715 whereas drivers make an average salary of $34,771.

Best certifications

The most common combination of driver certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).

Online courses for drivers to earn certifications

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