Top 10 Professional Driver Certifications

Certifications are important for professional drivers in the job market because they demonstrate a driver’s knowledge and commitment to safety. Employers want to hire drivers who are knowledgeable and have taken the time to understand the industry standards. Certifications also provide proof that a driver is qualified, experienced, and able to handle the demands of the job. In addition, certifications can help open up opportunities for higher-paying jobs or promotions within an organization. Finally, certifications also give employers peace of mind knowing that their drivers are safe and reliable, which is essential in an increasingly competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Professional Drivers and explains how they can help to enhance a professional driver's career.

What are Professional Driver Certifications?

Professional driver certification is a certification program designed to verify the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional drivers in areas such as safety, vehicle maintenance, and operational procedures. This certification can be beneficial for individuals who are looking for a career in driving, as it can help demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to the industry. By demonstrating these qualities, employers can be more confident when hiring potential employees. Additionally, professional driver certification can help increase the overall safety of roads and highways by helping ensure that certified drivers are knowledgeable and experienced in operating their vehicles safely. Furthermore, having this certification can also lead to better job opportunities due to the increased credibility it provides. Finally, having professional driver certification can help provide peace of mind to those who are hired by knowing that they are working with someone who has been properly trained and certified in all aspects of driving.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the requirements for professional driver certification in your state or country before beginning the process. Different states and countries have different regulations, so make sure you are aware of them before starting the process.

Related: What does a Professional Driver do?

Top 10 Professional Driver Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Professional Drivers today.

1. Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a specialized license that allows individuals to operate large commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers, buses, and tankers. It is required in the United States for drivers of any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

The process of obtaining a CDL varies by state but typically involves passing both written and driving tests. The written test covers topics such as traffic laws, safe driving practices, and knowledge of the vehicle being operated. The driving test evaluates skills such as backing up, turning, and coupling/uncoupling trailers.

The amount of time it takes to get a CDL depends on the individual’s experience level and the state in which they are applying for the license. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to obtain a CDL depending on how quickly an individual can complete all the necessary steps.

In order to obtain a CDL, individuals must meet certain requirements such as being at least 18 years old (21 years old for interstate travel), having a valid driver’s license from their home state, and passing both written and driving tests. Additionally, applicants may be required to provide proof of medical certification before they can receive their CDL.

The cost of obtaining a CDL varies by state but generally ranges from $50-$200 depending on the type of license being applied for. In addition to this fee, applicants may also need to pay for additional costs such as testing fees or medical certification fees.

2. National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course

The National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course is a comprehensive program designed to help drivers improve their driving skills and reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. The course covers topics such as defensive driving techniques, traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, and emergency procedures. The course is typically offered in two forms: online or classroom-based.

Online courses are self-paced and can be completed at any time. They usually take between 6-8 hours to complete and involve reading materials, watching videos, and taking quizzes to test your knowledge. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that can be used for insurance discounts or other benefits.

Classroom courses are typically held over a period of several days or weeks depending on the instructor's schedule. During these sessions, instructors will go over topics like defensive driving techniques, traffic laws, vehicle maintenance, and emergency procedures with students in an interactive environment. At the end of the course, students will take a written exam that must be passed before they receive their certificate of completion.

The cost of the National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course varies depending on the type of course chosen (online or classroom), but it generally ranges from $30-$60 USD per person.

3. Professional Truck Driver Institute Certification

The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) Certification is a voluntary certification program that is designed to ensure the highest quality of safety and professionalism in the trucking industry. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of truck driving, including defensive driving, cargo securement, hours-of-service regulations, pre-trip inspections, and more. The certification is valid for three years and requires successful completion of both classroom training and on-the-road training.

To get PTDI Certification, applicants must complete an approved truck driver training course at an accredited school or institution. The course includes classroom instruction as well as practical experience behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. Upon successful completion of the course, applicants must pass a written exam administered by PTDI and submit proof of passing all required tests.

The cost for PTDI Certification varies depending on the school or institution offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for the entire program. Additionally, some schools may offer discounts or financial aid options to help cover costs.

In summary, PTDI Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to promote safety and professionalism in the trucking industry. To get certified, applicants must successfully complete an approved truck driver training course at an accredited school or institution and pass a written exam administered by PTDI. The cost for this certification varies but typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 for the entire program.

4. Advanced Driver Training Program

Advanced Driver Training (ADT) is a program designed to improve the safety and skill of drivers. It typically involves classroom instruction, on-road driving practice, and evaluation of a driver’s performance. The program can be tailored to the needs of the individual driver or fleet, and may include topics such as defensive driving techniques, vehicle dynamics, traffic laws, accident avoidance, and emergency maneuvering.

The length of an ADT program can vary depending on the type of training being provided. Most programs are designed to last between one and three days, although some may take longer depending on the complexity of the material being covered.

To get an ADT certification, you must first find a qualified instructor or school that offers the program. You will then need to complete all required coursework and pass any tests or evaluations given by your instructor in order to receive your certification.

The cost of an Advanced Driver Training Program will vary depending on the provider and type of training offered. Generally speaking, most programs range from $200-$500 per day for classroom instruction and/or on-road driving practice. Some providers may also charge additional fees for testing or evaluation services.

5. Certified Professional Driver Program

The Certified Professional Driver Program (CPD) is a comprehensive training program designed to help drivers become more knowledgeable, safe and efficient in their work. It is offered by the National Safety Council (NSC) and is recognized as the industry standard for professional driver safety training.

The CPD program consists of three levels of certification: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level requires completion of a specific number of hours of classroom instruction, on-road driving experience, and successful completion of an exam.

To get certified at the Basic level, you must complete at least 10 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of supervised on-road driving experience. To get certified at the Intermediate level, you must complete an additional 20 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of supervised on-road driving experience. To get certified at the Advanced level, you must complete an additional 30 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of supervised on-road driving experience.

The cost for the CPD program varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. The Basic level costs $250, the Intermediate level costs $400, and the Advanced level costs $600.

In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with taking part in the CPD program such as travel expenses if you need to attend classes or take exams away from your home location.

6. National Association of Fleet Administrators Certification

The National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in fleet management. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of fleet professionals, and it is the only certification program for fleet managers in North America.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as vehicle selection and acquisition, fuel management, maintenance, safety and environmental compliance, financial management, and more. The exam can be taken online or in person at one of NAFA's testing centers. It typically takes between two and three hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are a member of NAFA or not. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members, it is $395 USD. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $75 USD for both members and non-members.

In order to maintain their certification status, NAFA Certified Fleet Professionals must complete at least 15 continuing education credits every three years. These credits can be earned through attending conferences or seminars related to fleet management or by completing online courses offered by NAFA or other organizations.

7. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). It is designed to recognize the highest level of professional achievement in public transportation, and it is the only nationally recognized certification for public transportation professionals.

To become a Certified Transportation Professional (CTP), an individual must have at least five years of relevant experience in the field, and must pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as fiscal management, operations, safety, customer service and planning.

The process of becoming a CTP takes approximately six months from start to finish. To begin, individuals must submit an application and fee to APTA. After their application has been approved, they will be given access to study materials and information about taking the exam. Once they have studied for the exam and are ready to take it, they can register for it through APTA’s website or call center. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

The cost of becoming a CTP varies depending on whether or not you are an APTA member. For non-members, it costs $500 for the application fee plus $400 for the exam fee; for members, it costs $250 for the application fee plus $200 for the exam fee.

8. National Safety Council Instructor Training Program

The National Safety Council (NSC) Instructor Training Program is designed to provide safety professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach NSC safety courses. The program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, a hands-on training seminar, and an assessment.

The online self-study course provides an introduction to the NSC’s safety curriculum and covers topics such as adult learning theory, instructional design, and classroom management. The course is typically completed in one week and can be accessed online at any time.

The hands-on training seminar is a two-day event that provides instructors with the opportunity to practice teaching NSC safety courses. During the seminar, instructors will learn how to create lesson plans, present materials in an engaging manner, and evaluate student performance.

The final part of the program is an assessment that tests the instructor’s knowledge of NSC safety courses and their ability to teach them effectively. Upon successful completion of the assessment, instructors will receive an official certificate from the NSC recognizing them as certified instructors.

To get started with the National Safety Council Instructor Training Program, individuals must first register for the online self-study course by visiting nsc.org/instructor-training/. The cost of this program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the NSC; members pay $150 while nonmembers pay $250 for access to all three parts of the program.

9. International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Certification

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is an agreement between the United States and Canadian provinces that simplifies the reporting of fuel use taxes for motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions. The agreement allows motor carriers to report their fuel use taxes using a single, unified form and to pay their taxes to one jurisdiction instead of multiple jurisdictions.

It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to get IFTA certification. To get IFTA certification, you must first register with your base jurisdiction and obtain an IFTA license. You must also provide proof of insurance and financial responsibility, as well as a copy of your vehicle registration documents. After submitting all required documents, you will receive an IFTA decal for each vehicle in your fleet that will be used for interstate travel.

The cost of obtaining IFTA certification varies by state but typically ranges from $25-$100 per vehicle. In addition, some states may require additional fees or taxes depending on the type of vehicle being registered.

10. International Registration Plan (IRP) Certification

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is an agreement between states, provinces, and territories that allows for the registration of commercial vehicles engaged in interstate or international travel. The IRP provides for the equitable apportionment of fees among jurisdictions based on a vehicle's total miles traveled in each jurisdiction.

To obtain IRP certification, applicants must first register their business with the base jurisdiction and provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance). Once registered, applicants must then submit an application to the base jurisdiction's IRP office. The application will require information about the vehicle(s) being registered, such as make/model/year, gross weight, and route information.

The amount of time it takes to get IRP certification varies by state; however, most states have a turnaround time of 2-4 weeks once all necessary documents are submitted.

The cost of obtaining an IRP certification depends on several factors including the number of vehicles being registered and the type/weight class of each vehicle. Generally speaking, most states charge a one-time registration fee plus a per-vehicle fee that is based on the total miles traveled in each jurisdiction. Some states may also charge additional fees for late registrations or special permits.

Do You Really Need a Professional Driver Certificate?

In most cases, the answer to this question is no. A Professional Driver Certificate (PDC) is not required for most drivers, and many states do not require one. However, if you plan to drive a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus, in certain jurisdictions, then you will need a PDC.

A PDC is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is required for people who want to drive commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks in certain states. It is also necessary for those who are applying for jobs that involve driving these types of vehicles. The certificate shows that the driver has successfully passed a series of tests related to commercial vehicle operation and safety.

The requirements for obtaining a PDC vary from state to state but most require passing a written test as well as an on-road driving test. The written test covers topics such as road signs, traffic laws, vehicle control and inspection procedures. The on-road driving test focuses on skills such as reversing maneuvers, turns and lane changes.

In addition to passing the tests mentioned above, many states also require that you have at least one year of experience driving commercial vehicles before applying for your PDC. This can include experience gained from working with a company or from personal experience with a recreational vehicle or trailer.

Overall, if you plan to drive a commercial vehicle in certain states then it is important to obtain your PDC before operating any vehicles on public roads. Obtaining your Professional Driver Certificate will help ensure that you are safe while operating large vehicles and that you are following all applicable laws and regulations when it comes to driving these types of vehicles.

Related: Professional Driver Resume Examples

FAQs About Professional Driver Certifications

Q1: What is a professional driver certification?

A1: A professional driver certification is a credential that proves you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to safely operate a commercial vehicle. It is usually obtained through passing a standardized exam or completing a training program.

Q2: How do I get a professional driver certification?

A2: You must first meet the eligibility criteria for the particular certification you are seeking. Once you have met all of the requirements, you will need to take an exam that tests your knowledge and skills related to driving a commercial vehicle. Depending on the type of certification you are seeking, additional training may be required.

Q3: What are the benefits of having a professional driver certification?

A3: Professional driver certifications demonstrate that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to safely drive commercial vehicles. In addition, they can help you stand out from other job applicants and potentially increase your earning potential by allowing you to access higher paying jobs.

Q4: Are there any age restrictions when it comes to obtaining a professional driver certification?

A4: Generally speaking, there are no age restrictions when it comes to obtaining a professional driver certification; however, some certifications may require applicants to be at least 21 years old in order to be eligible. Additionally, some states may have specific age requirements for certain types of certifications or endorsements.

Q5: How often do I need to renew my professional driver certification?

A5: The frequency with which your professional driver certification needs to be renewed will depend on the type of license or endorsement that you hold. Typically, certifications must be renewed every two years; however, this timeframe can vary depending on the issuing authority.