Updated October 25, 2026
Oilfield certifications: what you need to get hired
The right cards in your wallet can get you hired faster in the Delaware Basin. Here's what each common oilfield certification is, who asks for it, and where to start. Most of these are short classes, and many employers pay for them after hiring.
Safety basics (get these first)
- H2S awareness. Hydrogen sulfide is a deadly gas found in many Permian and Delaware Basin wells. Most operators require H2S training before you set foot on location. Classes are usually a few hours to a day, and cards are typically renewed every year.
- SafeLand USA or PEC Basic Orientation. General oilfield safety orientations that many operators require from contractors. Ask the employer which one they accept.
- First Aid / CPR. Often required for supervisors and remote crews. Offered by the Red Cross, the American Heart Association and local training centers.
Driving
- Class A CDL. The most in-demand license in the Basin, used for water, sand, crude, chemical and equipment hauling. You'll need a DOT medical card and Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test. 21 jobs on this site mention a CDL today.
- Hazmat (H) and tanker (N) endorsements. Needed for many crude, fuel, acid and chemical hauling jobs. The combined endorsement is X.
Other cards employers ask for
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30. OSHA outreach training for construction or general industry. 10-hour for workers, 30-hour for supervisors.
- TWIC. A TSA-issued card required to enter secure maritime facilities, needed for some midstream and terminal jobs.
- Forklift. Warehouse and yard jobs often want forklift experience. Employers must train and evaluate operators on their own equipment.
Jobs that list certifications today
- Operations Supervisor
- Terminal Operator I
- Landfill Engineer
- Lease Operator
- Instrument & Electrical Technician
- I&E Tech
- Parts Runner
- Rough Terrain Forklift Operator
- HSE Specialist
- HSE Specialist
Questions
What certifications do I need for the oilfield?
For most field jobs, start with H2S awareness training and a basic safety orientation such as SafeLand or PEC. A Class A CDL, a DOT medical card and First Aid/CPR make you more hireable. Some midstream terminals also require a TWIC card.
How long does H2S training take?
An H2S awareness class usually takes a few hours to one day and is offered by safety training centers in Midland, Odessa, Hobbs and Carlsbad. Most companies want the card renewed every year, so check the date on yours.
Will the company pay for my certifications?
Often, yes. Many employers pay for H2S, SafeLand or PEC and other training after they hire you, and some pay for CDL school. Check the job listing or ask during the interview.
What do I need to get a CDL in Texas or New Mexico?
You need a commercial learner permit, a DOT medical card, and Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before you take the skills test with Texas DPS or the New Mexico MVD.