A firefighter endorsement is a specialized certification that is added to a commercial drivers license (CDL) in some states, which permits the holder to operate certain types of commercial vehicles used in firefighting. In California, a firefighter endorsement is required for individuals who operate fire trucks, water tenders, and other firefighting equipment. The endorsement allows both career and volunteer firefighters to drive a fire engine or truck, even if they have a class C non-commercial driver’s license. To qualify for a firefighter endorsement in California, the driver must provide proof of current employment as a firefighter or registration as a volunteer firefighter with a fire department and evidence of fire equipment operation training. Applicants must also have a commercial or noncommercial Class A, B, or C driver license and pass any required knowledge test(s) . The firefighter endorsement test is actually parts of the class A and B commercial drivers test. The endorsement is important because it makes it easier for fire departments to complete the necessary training for their drivers, especially in small counties with mostly volunteer firefighters.