Entry Level Truck Driver Training Certification

Entry Level Driver Training Standards

PTDI training standards were developed by schools, carriers, insurance providers, safety groups and other truck industry groups and stakeholders. Ours is the first industry and government-recognized curriculum and certification standards.

The certification standards are performance based, incorporate industry driven benchmarks, and the US Department of Transportation standards.  

Download the PTDI Entry Level Driver Training Standards.

1. Skill Standards
2. Curriculum Standards
3. Certification Requirements
   

How to Get Certified

It is highly recommended you review the standards thoroughly.  Courses are evaluated based on the standards.  The process requires a training organization to provide evidence that demonstrates the course meets the requirements in the skill, curriculum and certification standards.

Steps To Certifying Your Course

   Complete the certification readiness survey to assess your current program

   Complete the Certification Application

   Create your Certification Profile to tell us about your course

   Welcome a site visit to see your course in action

   If applicable, remedy any gaps identified during the process

The Certification Process

The certification process consists of five stages.  The application (initial only), certification profile, visit, review and recertification.

1. APPLICATION - online app is required for initial certifications only. 

2. CERT PROFILE - complete each of the 9 profile sections, providing the details about your course.

3. VISIT - PTDI visits your course (Initial cert requires a physical onsite visit;  Recerts can be physical or virtual visit)

4. REVIEW - The profile and visit are reviewed by the PTDI Certification Commission.

5. RECERT - Renew your certification each year by updating your profile and submitting the annual fee.  Every 5 years a visit is required for recertification.

 

Certification Fees

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

• There is an initial certification fee due with your application.
• Discounts are offered for multiple sites and multiple courses.  Certification fees are non-refundable.
  

ANNUAL RENEWAL AND RECERTIFICATION

• An annual fee is required to maintain certification.
• Annual fees include a virtual visit during 5 year recertification.  There is an additional for for a physical on site visit.
  

CERTIFICATES AND SEALS

• Certification standards require each graduate of a certified course receive a PTDI certificate or seal
• PTDI certificates or seals affixed to your certificate are purchased directly from PTDI ($7.30 each)
  

OTHER GEAR

• Additional PTDI gear such as decals for trucks can be purchased through the store.
  

  

Certification Deadlines

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

You can apply for certification at any time.  There is no guarantee when certification will be determined.  Time frames vary depending on a number of factors including:

• how quickly and thoroughly the Certification profile is completed
• When the site visit can be scheduled (Note: The visit is scheduled AFTER the certification profile is complete and has been reviewed by PTDI)
• Gaps found during the review of your Profile and the site visit may require additional time for the training organization to resolve.  

RECERTIFICATIONS

PTDI coordinates deadlines based on your certification group (cert group).  This is the anniversary of your original certification (unless a custom change has been assigned).

A reminder to update your profile and pay the annual fee is sent each year based on the cert group schedule.

Site Visit

A site visit is required before certification of your course can be determined.  The purpose of a visit is to:

1. training organization demonstrates how the course meets PTDI standards
2. verify the course, equipment, range and other operations firsthand

Download the site visit slide deck. 

It is highly encouraged to review the slide deck. It includes details about site visits, what you will present and a preparation checklist.

The Certification Profile must be approved by PTDI before the visit can be held.  After the Profile is approved, a pre-visit call is scheduled to determine the visit date.

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

• Initial certifications require an onsite visit. 
  

RECERTIFICATION - Choose between a physical onsite or virtual visit for five year recertifications. 

• Onsite visits strongly encouraged when a course needs additional support to meet standards and/or is not comfortable with the visit technology.
• A virtual visit can be selected if the course is certification ready programs and the organization comfortable with the technology required to conduct the visit.

Whether a physical onsite visit or virtual visit, the school must secure an independent, qualified mechanic to conduct the FMCSR Level 2 inspection of vehicles.  Instructions will be provided by the PTDI site visit team.