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Best school bus driver certifications
School bus driver certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an school bus driver to employers. However, not all school bus driver certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a school bus driver are Commercial Driver License (CDL), Master School Bus Technician, and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Below is a list of the best school bus driver certifications. Obtaining an school bus driver certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
15 best certifications for school bus drivers
| Rank | School bus driver certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 2 | Master School Bus Technician | ASE |
| 3 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 4 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 5 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 6 | Passenger Endorsement (P) (P) | FMCSA |
| 7 | School Bus Endorsement | FMCSA |
| 8 | Defensive Driving Instructor (DDI) | NSC |
| 9 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 10 | Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED | American Red ... |
| 11 | Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) | PFMI |
| 12 | Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT) | ASTL |
| 13 | Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) | Microsoft |
| 14 | School Bus Technician: Drive Train | ASE |
| 15 | Operator Certification | CSDA |
15 best school bus 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. Master School Bus Technician
The ASE School Bus Technician Test Series includes seven certification exams: Body Systems and Special Equipment (S1), Diesel Engines (S2), Drive Train (S3), Brakes (S4), Suspension and Steering (S5), Electrical/Electronic Systems (S6), and Air Conditioning Systems and Controls (S7). While several of these tests parallel existing ASE Medium/Heavy Truck tests, each one is designed to test knowledge of systems that are specific to school buses. The School Bus test series is available in Paper/Pencil test format only. The tests are offered every May and November at over 700 test centers nationwide.
- 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)
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- 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 1 year(s)
4. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- 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
5. 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
6. 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).
- 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)
7. School Bus Endorsement
No one may operate a type A, B, C or D school bus when transporting school children to or from school or a school-related trip or activity unless s/he has a valid commercial driver's license with a passenger and school bus endorsement. A person who has a valid driver's license but not a school bus or passenger endorsement may drive a type III school bus. School Bus: A motor vehicle used to transport pupils (grades K-12) to or from a school or to or from school-related activities, by the school or a school district or by someone under an agreement with the school or a school district. School Bus Driver: A person with a school bus endorsement on a valid Minnesota driver's license or a person with a valid Minnesota driver's license who drives a vehicle used as a school bus that has a passenger seating capacity of ten or fewer, including the driver.
- 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)
8. 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
9. 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?
10. Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Participants learn the importance of AEDs, and how to use an AED properly.The professional rescuer courses are designed for people with job-related duties in emergency preparedness and response. This includes nurses, law enforcement and EMS personnel, fire fighters, business and industry response teams, lifeguards, flight attendants, and others who must take action in emergency situations.
- 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 3 year(s)
11. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)
By earning the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) designation, you join a group of transportation professionals who have made a commitment to the private fleet industry, to an ongoing pursuit of career advancement, and to continuing enhancement of their knowledge and skills.
- 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? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT)
The exam modules are constantly revised to meet the needs of transportation logistics professionals. To qualify an individual must be an active member of ASTL and have earned an undergraduate degree or have at least three years of professional experience.
- 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)
13. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)
The Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification validates that educators have the global educator technology literacy competencies needed to provide a rich, custom learning experience for students. MCE certification is ideal for educators-in-training, faculty of teacher training colleges, and in-service educators. Microsoft offers a comprehensive e-learning curriculum, 21CLD, to help educators prepare for this rigorous exam.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
14. School Bus Technician: Drive Train
Successfully passing test S3 will certify you in school bus drive trains.
- 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? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
15. 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?
What is the best certification for a school bus driver?
The best school bus 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 school bus 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 school bus drivers?
The most in-demand school bus driver certification is Commercial Driver License based on all active job postings. Having this school bus driver certification will give you access to more school bus driver jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a school bus driver career and salary?
The Commercial Driver License certification will help you to secure a bus driver position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A bus driver's average salary is $33,192 whereas school bus drivers make an average salary of $37,607.
The most common combination of school bus driver certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), Master School Bus Technician, and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
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