DOT/SAP Overview

How it Works

What is a SAP?

In the mental health and substance abuse field, a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is a certified individual who evaluates employees who have violated a company’s drug and alcohol policy, typically in safety-sensitive industries like transportation.

The SAP assesses the employee’s substance use issues and provides recommendations for treatment, education, follow-up testing, and aftercare. They play a key role in ensuring that individuals who misuse substances can safely return to work after completing any required treatment and meeting other conditions.

For Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated employees, only a certified SAP can clear an employee to return to duty, following specific procedures outlined by the DOT.

DOT/SAP Qualification Training and The IC&RC DOT/SAP Written Examination

Effective January 1, 2004, professionals are prohibited from providing DOT substance abuse evaluations unless they have met the revised criteria outlined in the DOT regulations (49 CFR, Part 40, Subpart O, 40.281). The revised criteria requires the substance abuse professional to receive training in nine areas of study and to successfully complete an examination related to the training.

Note: The two day training can be used as a refresher course for the individual who is already a qualified SAP as it meets the DOT/SAP re-qualification criteria for the 12 contact hours.

Requirements

To Qualify as a SAP, you must have one of the following credentials:

Licensed Physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
Licensed or Certified Psychologist
Licensed or Certified Social Worker
Licensed or Certified Employee Assistance Professional
Licensed or Certified Marriage and Family Therapist
Drug and Alcohol Counselor Lcensed or Certified by either IC&RC, NAADAC, or NBCC

3 Day SAP Training Course

This three day event, includes two days of training (12 CEU’s) related to the nine (9) domains of education required by the DOT regulations followed by the administration of the IC&RC written examination on the morning of the third day.

Participants who successfully complete the training and receive a passing score on the written IC&RC DOT /SAP examination will meet the revised DOT/SAP qualification criteria.

Specific Training Topics Include:

Background, rationale, and coverage of the DOT drug testing program.

49CFR part 40 and the 6 DOT agencies’ drug and alcohol testing rules.

key DOT drug testing requirements including collection, laboratory testing, MRO review, and problems in drug testing.

key DOT alcohol testing requirements including the testing process, the role of BATs and STTs, and problems in alcohol testing.

SAP qualifications and prohibitions.

The role of the SAP and the returning to duty process including the initial employee evaluation, referrals for education and/or treatment, follow-up evaluation, continuing treatment recommendations, and the follow-up drug and alcohol testing plan.

SAP consultation and communication with employers, MROs, and treatment providers.

Reporting and record keeping requirements.

Legal and ethical issues that SAPs confront in carrying out their duties.

Referral resources for the SAP that meets all qualification.

Our Mission

Educating for Impact, Inspiring Change

At Professional Training Center, our mission is to empower and elevate substance abuse providers through comprehensive, high-quality education and training. We are dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and credentials required to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to those affected by substance use disorders.

By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, we inspire our participants to grow as leaders and advocates, promoting healthier individuals and stronger communities. Together, we are committed to raising the standard of care in substance abuse treatment and making a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.