The Different Types of DOT Certifications and Their Requirements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is not enough to be a professional motor carrier who transports goods or people. You'd also need to meet Department of Transportation (DOT) standards, which include having a DOT certificate within your driver qualification file (DQF). 

So, what is DOT certification? At FMCA Filings, we help people file their DOT MC number registrations, so we know what this certificate is and why it's necessary. Continue reading for more details. 

What Are DOT Certifications?

What is DOT certification? The document shows the agency that drivers are physically, emotionally, and mentally fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle. It is essential to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.

If you intend to drive a safety-sensitive vehicle like a bus or truck, you must pass the certification process, which verifies that you know how to be safe on the road. If you don't meet certification requirements, you could lose your CDL. 

Types of Department of Transportation Certificates

There are many kinds of certifications within the Department of Transportation for ground travel, flights, and inspections, including the ones below:

• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): The ELDT program is for those seeking a Class A or Class B CDL with less than a year of commercial driving experience. Participants must follow specific hours of service (HOS) compliance and take a road safety assessment.
• Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate: With an SPE certificate, drivers with prosthetic limbs can work as commercial drivers. Qualifications include being able to complete critical tasks like opening a truck door using a prosthesis. 
• Public Transportation Safety Certification Training: This credential outlines the experience, knowledge, and technical skills of those working for the Department of Transportation as a public driver. Participants must complete coursework regarding federal safety standards and equipment use.
• Vehicle Inspection Certification: Vehicle inspectors must have an in-depth understanding of FMCSA regulations and inspection procedures and have at least one year of experience or training.

What DOT Certification Means for CMV Operations

If you're still asking, "What is DOT certification?" know that not all drivers need this credential. Only those who meet the following criteria must go through the process:

• Drivers who handle interstate hauling or commerce
• Drivers operating trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds
• Drivers transporting hazardous materials
• Drivers transporting more than eight passengers as a paid employee or 15 passengers as an unpaid worker

How To Get Certified

To get this documentation, you must submit to a DOT physical. FMCSA regulations state that individuals must have an examination by a certified medical examiner (CME) to ensure their fitness. The exam covers:

• Drug and alcohol testing
• Hearing
• Vision
• Cardiovascular health
• Neurological indicators
• General appearance
• Limb function

The exam results are good for up to two years. If you pass it, you'll get a DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), which stays on file for three years. Whether you pass or fail the physical, the medical examiner will share the results with the FMCSA; that part of the certification process isn't your responsibility.

How To Find a Certified Examiner

As part of the medical examination requirements, you must undergo a physical with an FMSCA-certified medical examiner to get DOT certification. As a one-stop source for trucking administrative services, our team at FMCA Filings can help you find an examiner. We also help with filing certification applications. 

What Is a DOT Number?

If you find yourself asking, "What is DOT certification?" you might also wonder about DOT numbers. Businesses transporting goods or people over state lines or dealing with hazardous materials must have a unique number through the FMCSA. Federal and state agencies will use it to do the following:

• Administer compliance assessments
• Track safety data from audits
• Investigate accidents involving commercial vehicles
• Conduct commercial vehicle inspections

You'll get the number if you pass your physical and submit a completed application to the FMCSA. Although the CME will submit the report on your health directly to the agency, you can count on FMCA Filings to assist with other documentation. 

Let Our Experts Handle Your DOT Certification Needs — Contact FMCA Filings Today

Knowing the answer to "What is DOT certification?" is essential for all businesses within the transportation and logistics industries. Having a valid DOT number is a must to comply with federal safety compliance regulations. 

If it's time to get a USDOT number or renew or reactive one, turn to our professionals at FMCA Filings. We have the expertise to help you complete and submit the FMCSA application for DOT certification. We're here to help with applications and DOT medical certification preparations, so contact us today for more information.