Who Can be a DOT SAP?
A top priority of the U.S. Department of Transportation is safety. To maintain safety, it is required that DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees refrain from using drugs or alcohol. Therefore, the DOT created regulations, including an Alcohol and Drug Testing Program, to monitor employees. If a drug and/or alcohol test is refused or failed, the employee must meet with a Substance Abuse Professional and comply with a return-to-duty process before they can be allowed to return to their safety-sensitive duties. Not just anyone can be a DOT SAP. In order to be a DOT-qualified SAP, professionals must undergo special training and testing. Read on to learn more about this process.
What is a SAP?
A SAP, which stands for Substance Abuse Professional, is a specially trained, subjective third party who helps DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees receive the help they need. First, a SAP evaluates an employee who has failed or refused an alcohol or drug test. Next, they must make a recommendation for either treatment or, at minimum, an educational course.
Who Can Become a DOT Qualified SAP?
To become a DOT SAP, an individual must be a licensed or certified, social worker, marriage or family therapist, Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Employee Assistance Professional, psychologist or a drug and alcohol counselor that has an international certification through either the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) or the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). According to DOT SAP requirements, state-level certification is not enough.
To become a SAP, the candidate must earn a passing grade on a SAP exam given by a recognized training program and complete their qualification training related to DOT agency alcohol and drug testing rules as well as 49 CFR Part 40. Once they become a SAP, they must undergo at least 12 hours of continuing education relevant to their SAP functions every three years.
SAP Training and Testing from SAP Referral Services
If you want to engage with a new set of clients and use your current skillsets, then becoming a SAP through Substance Abuse Professional Training might just be what you’re looking for. As a SAP, not only do you evaluate employees, but you’ll represent a major decision point when it comes to allowing an employee to perform such important duties like drive a train, carry hazardous waste, or pilot a plane. Contact SAP Referral Services today for any questions you may have regarding becoming a DOT-qualified SAP.
SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.