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Best over the road driver certifications
The best certifications for an over the road driver are Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , and Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
Over the road driver certifications demonstrate your competency as an over the road driver to employers. However, not all over the road driver certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best over the road driver certifications. Obtaining an over the road driver certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for over the road drivers
| Rank | Over the road driver certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 2 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 3 | Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) | NBCOT |
| 4 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 5 | Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) | NATMI |
| 6 | Level 1 Driving Instructor | CHA |
| 7 | Operator Certification | CSDA |
| 8 | Level 1 Driver | CHA |
| 9 | Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T) (T) | FMCSA |
| 10 | Defensive Driving Instructor (DDI) | NSC |
10 best over the road 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.
- 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)
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.
- 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
3. Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)
Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.
- 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)
4. 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.
- 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?
5. Certified Driver Trainer (CDT)
The Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) is for individuals with two years in the training field. Certification is awarded for those individuals who demonstrate the ability to administer programs and carry out responsibilities assigned by their management.
- 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 3 year(s)
6. Level 1 Driving Instructor
Qualified to teach recreational driving on private property, both single and pairs.
- 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?
7. 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.
- 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?
8. 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.
- 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?
9. Double/Triple Trailer Endorsement (T) (T)
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.
- 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)
10. Defensive Driving Instructor (DDI)
- 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
What is the best certification for an over the road driver?
The best over the road 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 over the road 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 over the road drivers?
The most in-demand over the road driver certification is Commercial Driver License based on all active job postings. Having this over the road driver certification will give you access to more over the road driver jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an over the road driver career and salary?
The OSHA Safety Certificate certification will help you to secure an driver/owner operator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An driver/owner operator's average salary is $134,091 whereas over the road drivers make an average salary of $62,119.
The most common combination of over the road driver certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), OSHA Safety Certificate , and Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
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