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Create ResumeIf you're building or updating a CDL driver resume, the most important certifications are your Commercial Driver’s License (Class A, B, or C), DOT Medical Card, and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). These prove legal eligibility to drive. Additional endorsements and safety certifications can significantly increase your job opportunities and earning potential.
This guide gives you a complete, recruiter-level breakdown of which CDL certifications to include, when they matter, and how to position them on your resume to get hired faster.
A strong CDL resume must clearly show:
You are legally qualified to operate commercial vehicles
You meet federal DOT and FMCSA requirements
You have relevant endorsements for the job type
You have safety and compliance training
Without these, your resume is often rejected within seconds.
These are non-negotiable certifications. If you don’t have them, you cannot legally work as a commercial driver.
This is the foundation of your career.
Class A → Tractor-trailers, long-haul, OTR
Class B → Straight trucks, buses, dump trucks
Class C → Smaller commercial vehicles, passenger vans
Resume Tip: Always include your CDL class clearly:
“CDL Class A – Active, Clean Record”
Required by the Department of Transportation to confirm you're physically fit to drive.
Valid typically for 2 years
Endorsements are add-ons to your CDL that qualify you for specialized, higher-paying roles.
Hazmat (H) → Transport hazardous materials
Tanker (N) → Liquid cargo transport
Doubles/Triples (T) → Multiple trailer hauling
Passenger (P) → Bus and shuttle driving
School Bus (S) → Required for school transport
Drivers with multiple endorsements are significantly more employable, especially in competitive markets.
Example:
A Class A driver with Hazmat + Tanker can qualify for fuel transport jobs that pay 20–40% more.
Must be issued by a certified medical examiner
Recruiter Insight: Expired or missing DOT cards are one of the top rejection reasons.
Mandatory for new CDL drivers under FMCSA rules.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Required for endorsements like Hazmat
Important: Employers often filter resumes looking specifically for ELDT completion.
These are not always mandatory, but often required depending on the role.
Required for access to ports and secure facilities.
Essential for port drivers
Often required for tanker and hazmat roles
Most Class A and B vehicles require this.
Usually obtained during CDL training
Must be listed if applicable
These certifications don’t just help you qualify — they reduce employer risk, which is critical in hiring decisions.
Defensive Driving Certification
OSHA Safety Training
Smith System Driver Training
First Aid/CPR
Recruiter POV: Safety-trained drivers are preferred because they reduce insurance costs and accident risk.
These certifications show you can perform the job immediately without extra training.
ELD / Hours of Service (HOS) Training
Load Securement Training
Forklift Certification
Air Brake Training
Flatbed Tarping and Securement Training
Tanker Safety Training
Hazardous Materials Handling
Fuel Delivery Training
Winter Driving / Mountain Driving
Example:
Flatbed companies prioritize drivers who already understand tarping and load securement — this saves them weeks of onboarding time.
Not all certifications matter equally. Here’s how to align them with your target role.
Focus on:
CDL Class A
DOT Medical Card
ELDT
Defensive Driving
ELD / HOS Training
Focus on:
CDL Class A or B
Forklift Certification
Liftgate Experience
Route Safety Training
Focus on:
Hazmat Endorsement
Tanker Endorsement
TWIC Card
Spill Response Training
Safety Certifications
Focus on:
Load Securement Training
Tarping Certification
Chains and Binders Experience
Oversize Load Awareness
Focus on:
Passenger Endorsement
School Bus Endorsement
First Aid/CPR
Focus on:
OSHA Certification
Forklift Certification
Air Brake Training
Jobsite Safety Training
This is where many drivers lose opportunities.
Create a dedicated section:
Certifications
CDL Class A – Active
DOT Medical Card – Valid through 2026
Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements
ELDT Certified
OSHA Safety Training
Defensive Driving Certification
“Have CDL and some certifications”
Why it fails:
Too vague
No keywords for ATS
No proof of compliance
“CDL Class A (Clean Record), DOT Certified, Hazmat + Tanker Endorsements, ELDT Completed, OSHA Safety Trained”
Why it works:
Keyword-rich
Clear qualifications
ATS optimized
Instantly scannable
Employers must verify compliance with DOT and FMCSA rules.
Certifications eliminate doubt instantly.
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems.
Including certifications like:
CDL Class A
Hazmat
DOT Medical Card
…helps your resume get past filters.
Specialized certifications = higher pay.
Examples:
Hazmat → fuel hauling jobs
Tanker → liquid transport
Flatbed → construction and heavy loads
If you lack experience, certifications act as proof of capability.
Recruiter Insight: A new driver with ELDT + safety certifications often beats someone with minimal experience but no training proof.
From a recruiter’s perspective:
Certifications =
Lower accident risk
Faster onboarding
Compliance confidence
Always include validity dates for:
DOT Medical Card
Endorsements
Don’t assume employers will guess.
Always specify:
“Hazmat Endorsement (H)”
“Tanker Endorsement (N)”
Many drivers skip this, but it’s a major differentiator.
Stay focused on job-relevant certifications only.
If applying for tanker jobs, lead with:
Hazmat
Tanker
TWIC
Recruiters scan resumes in this order:
CDL type
Valid DOT certification
Endorsements
Safety certifications
Specialized training
If these aren’t visible in seconds, your resume may be skipped.
Before applying, confirm your resume includes:
CDL Class (A, B, or C)
DOT Medical Card
ELDT (if applicable)
All endorsements
Safety certifications
Job-specific training
If any of these are missing, your chances drop significantly.
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