How Many Questions on the Hazmat Test: State Table + TSA

Most states do not print how many questions are on the hazmat test. Where a state does, the number is 30. That covers Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Missouri and Wisconsin.

The short answer

The hazmat (H) knowledge test has 30 questions in the eight states below that publish a count. You must get 80 percent right, which is 24 correct. The other 12 states in our table do not state a count on the pages we read.

The step that trips people up is not the test. It is the TSA background check. Some states want it before the test. Others want it after. Get the order wrong and you can lose weeks.

State table: questions, pass mark and TSA step

We read each state page or manual on 2026-10-25. "Not published" means the pages we read did not say. We did not fill gaps from memory.

Two notes. Virginia's page states 80 percent for the general knowledge exam only, so we left hazmat blank. Minnesota's order comes from a March 2021 brochure, so call before you rely on it.

What 80 percent means for you

Federal rule 49 CFR 383.135 says you must answer at least 80 percent of the questions on each knowledge test correctly. On a 30 question test, that is 24 right. You can miss 6. Massachusetts and Washington print "24" themselves.

Do the math for your state only if the state prints a count. If it does not, ask the office. Do not plan around a forum number. For the other CDL tests, see how many questions are on each CDL test.

The TSA check, and how we plan it

Federal rule 49 CFR 383.141 says a state may not issue, renew, upgrade or transfer a hazmat endorsement unless TSA has found you are not a security risk, or you hold a valid TWIC. That is why every state in the table mentions TSA.

TSA says to enroll at least 60 days before you need a decision, and that the assessment is valid for five years. The fee is set by TSA and changes, so read it on tsa.gov the day you enroll. Our table shows what each state page printed, and those amounts do not all match.

Here is how we plan it with new drivers:

• First, learn the order in your state. The table shows states that go test first, TSA first, or a mix. Do not guess.
• Second, start TSA early where your state allows it. Waiting 60 days after you pass the test is a slow way to get your H.
• Third, finish ELDT theory before the test if this is your first H. The federal rule treats the hazmat knowledge test as the step that needs entry-level training first. Read ELDT explained for who must do it.
• Fourth, budget for more than the test. TSA, fingerprints and state fees are all separate in many states.

Remember that a CLP cannot carry hazmat. Under 49 CFR 383.25, a permit holder must not operate a commercial motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials.

How to get ready for the 30 questions

The hazmat test covers hazard classes, shipping papers, placards, loading, parking and emergencies. If it feels like a lot, it is. Read what makes it tough in is the hazmat endorsement hard, then work through the hazmat study guide.

Ten exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual are below. Miss a few, then go back to the manual section. You can also try more on the hazmat practice test.