Understanding Substance Abuse Professional Training

DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees are aware that they’re subject to scheduled and random drug and alcohol testing. This testing ensures the public is never put into unnecessary danger when they take a public mode of transportation, such as buses, trains, ferries, and more. After failing or refusing a screening, employees must complete a program with a SAP. You may be asking, what is a SAP? A SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) is a specially trained professional that can help employees get the help they need. Keep reading to find out about the extensive Substance Abuse Professional training an individual completes to become a DOT qualified SAP. Completing this training allows them to be an asset to struggling DOT mandated employees.

Substance Abuse Professional Training and Qualifications

A SAP is a subjective third party responsible for doing their part in protecting the safety of the traveling public. First, the SAP evaluates the employee who has failed a drug and/or alcohol test. Next, they recommend various courses of education and/or treatment, as well as recommendations for follow-up testing and aftercare.

Individuals must possess a particular set of skills to become a SAP. There are minimum credentials or licenses required, as well as Substance Abuse Professional training and substance abuse knowledge.

Credentials or Licenses

A SAP must have one of the following credentials or licenses:

  • A licensed or certified MD, Doctor of Osteopathy, psychologist, social worker, Employee Assistance Professional, or Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
  • A Master Addiction Counselors certification from the NBCC
  • National-level certification through the NAADAC or the IC&RC. (Note that state-level certification doesn’t meet DOT SAP requirements.)

All of these credentials and licenses take years of education to earn.

Training

A SAP must:

  • Complete qualification training directly related to 49 CFR Part 40 and DOT agency drug and alcohol testing rules.
  • Earn a passing grade on a SAP relevant exam administered by a recognized training organization.
  • Ensure that every three years you complete at least 12 hours of continuing education relevant to performing DOT SAP functions.

Knowledge

A SAP must have:

  • Experience in diagnosing and treating individuals with substance abuse disorders
  • A clear understanding of the SAPs functions as they relate to the employers’ interest in safety-sensitive duties
  • Knowledge of the nine required components laid out by Section 281 (c), Part 40 of the DOT regulations, as well as any changes to these regulations at any given time

Access to a Network of Qualified SAPs

SAP Referral Services (SRS) provides employees with access to a network of qualified SAPs across the United States. To date, SRS has helped more than 20,000 employees in the return-to-duty process. More than 3,900 employers have trusted SRS as the top source for SAPs in the nation. SRS generates thousands of referrals for our providers. To learn more about becoming a SAP, or to partner with SAP Referral Services, click here.

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.