How do I get a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement? 
You must first have a CDL to apply for the HazMat endorsement. A driver with a NY State CDL must have an " H " or an " X " HazMat endorsement to operate commercial motor vehicles that carry hazardous materials. Read the CDL Manual [1] CDL-10, Hazardous Materials Manual pdf [2] CDL-11, and Driver License Class Descriptions pdf [3] MV-500C for more information. 

What requirements do I have to meet to apply for a HazMat endorsement? 
You must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and present proof of citizenship or resident status at the time you apply for the hazardous materials endorsement. See Important Information about the Hazardous Materials Endorsement pdf [4] HAZ-11 for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship or resident status. You must meet the federal medical requirements in 49 CFR Part 391 and have a valid USDOT Medical Examiner's Certificate. See Medical Certification Requirements [5] for more information. You must be fingerprinted for background checks. 

Is there anything that may disqualify me from getting a HazMat endorsement? 
Yes , under federal law , the Federal Transportation Security Administration TSA may disqualify you from being authorized to transport hazardous materials if you have been convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of any of the crimes listed on Important Information about the Hazardous Materials Endorsement pdf [4] HAZ-11 during the seven years before the date you apply for the endorsement you have been released from incarceration in any jurisdiction for committing any disqualifying crime during the five years before the date you applied for the endorsement. 

How do I apply for the HazMat endorsement? 
Complete the Application for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement pdf [6] and make a copy of one or more of the legal status documents that are listed on the form. Mail the completed form and a copy of your legal status document to : HazM

user: Hi, I'd like to know if I can get a temporary HazMat endorsement before the background checks are completed?

assistant: No. We cannot issue the HazMat endorsement until the background checks are completed and approved.

user: How will I know if my application has been approved or not?

assistant: We will send you an approval notice along with instructions to go to a DMV office to obtain a CDL backed by HazMat. Your new CDL will display the expiration date of your CDL and the expiration date of your HazMat endorsement. The endorsement is valid for five years.

user: What happens if I fail the written exam or background checks?

assistant: want to know what happens if you fail the written test?

user: do not

user: under what circumstances is endorsement possible?

assistant: We cannot issue the HazMat endorsement until the background checks are completed and approved. The DMV will provide a CDL with the HazMat endorsement that is valid for 90 days only if you applied to renew a current New York State CDL with a HazMat endorsement

user: and what is required to initiate background checks?

assistant: The rules require that the applicant be fingerprinted and that their U.S. citizenship or permanent legal presence in the United States be verified.
You must answer 80% or more of the questions correctly to pass the exam. You can take the exam as many times as necessary until you pass the exam