To work as a hazardous material worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete classroom course work;
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass a federal or state licensing exam.

Education after high school

Hazardous material workers must complete a 32-40 hour formal training program. This training is a requirement for the license in asbestos and lead removal. Training includes:

• recognizing health hazards;
• wearing personal protective equipment and clothing; and
• recognizing, identifying, and cleaning up hazards.

You need additional training if you will work with nuclear waste. This work is called decommissioning and decontamination. These workers also take courses on nuclear material and safety rules. You need about three months to complete all these courses.

In addition, HAZMAT workers are required to take refresher courses every year. They may also need medical monitoring, depending on what material they work with.

On-the-job training

Most of the skills that hazardous material workers have are learned on the job. Training generally lasts up to three months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be environmental health and safety specialists. This occupation includes hazardous material workers. Training lasts 11 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.