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Best truck driver certifications

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

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

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

20 best truck 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
udemy
4.3
(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. 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...

6. 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

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 Logistics Associate (CLA)

This credential addresses the core competencies of higher skilled, front-line material handling workers (entry-level) across the supply chain: from factories, to warehouses, to distribution centers to transporters.

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. 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.

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 3 year(s)
Course that help you to prepare for certification
International Logistics & Transportation in Supply Chain.
udemy
4.5
(2,446)

10. Certified Commercial Inspector

Becoming an NWFACP Certified Commercial Inspector validates your wood flooring knowledge and expertise. Your certification will help you provide your customers with the most thorough inspection services available.

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 1 year(s)

11. 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

12. Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP)

To be eligible an applicant shall be primarily engaged in the practice of mine safety or one of its related specialties, andShall have been certified as competent within the broad practice of safety or one of its relevant specialties by an organization recognized as qualified by the Society and shall have a minimum of five (5) years in the mine safety profession, orShall have been registered or licensed by an approved agency as a Professional Engineer and shall have a minimum of five (5) years in the mine safety profession, orShall hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a recognized college or university, and shall have a minimum of seven (7) years in the mine safety profession, orShall have a minimum of ten (10) years in the mine safety profession.

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)

13. 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

14. Air Conditioning Service Certification

Tests a candidate's knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. System sizes are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity.

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)

15. 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

16. Mobile Crane Operator Certification

NCCER and NACB have collaborated to develop the Crane Operator Certification Program. The program consists of written assessments and practical exams that meet or exceed current ASME/ANSI B30.5 consensus safety standards for mobile crane operators. Use our 'Find a Training or Assessment Center' locator tool to start the process of becoming certified.

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)

17. 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.

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 3 year(s)

18. 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.

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)

19. Certified Maintenance Technician (CMT)

This program is designed for busy professionals involved in the sales and service of equipment to the baking industry who are not able to attend the AIB Baking Science and Technology resident course. The program is divided into the following steps: Applied Baking Technology Correspondence Course, Baking Basics for Allied Industries Seminar, and Food Processing Sanitation/Hygiene.

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? No
Certifying organization
American Institute of Baking

20. School Bus Technician: Drive Train

Successfully passing test S3 will certify you in school bus drive trains.

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? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

What is the best certification for a truck driver?

The best truck 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 truck 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 truck drivers?

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

What certifications can impact a truck driver career and salary?

The Commercial Driver License certification will help you to secure a truck driver class a position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A truck driver class a's average salary is $58,393 whereas truck drivers make an average salary of $60,326.

Best certifications

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

Online courses for truck drivers to earn certifications

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