DOT Oral Fluid Collection Training and Certification
Provide DOT and non-DOT drug testing by becoming a certified DOT oral fluid (saliva) specimen collector.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not yet approved devices or certified labs that may be used for oral fluid drug testing.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) allows individuals to complete the qualification portion of their certification training ahead of the device and lab approvals. However, they also stipulate that a hands-on mock collection testing portion of the training must be completed within 30 days of the qualification portion. Since mock testing is device-specific, trainees cannot complete this portion until device approvals are granted. This approach requires students to retake the qualification portion section once HHS approvals are established.
TeamCME believes it is not in the best interest of our customers to have them complete the qualification portion before device and lab approvals are finalized. Upon final HHS approvals, we will be offering an online, self-paced qualification course followed by mock collections (proficiency demonstration) via video conference.
Qualification Training
2 training videos provide an in-depth discussion of everything a specimen collector should know
Proficiency Demonstration
5 mock collections performed via video conference
Training Manual
A downloadable PDF version of the training manual
Training Certificate
Available upon review of your completed CCFs from the mock collections
Chain of Custody Forms (CCF)
CCF completion instructions and samples of completed CCFs
Collection Checklist
Step-by-step instructions, walking you through the entire process
Scripted Statements
Don’t sweat the mock collections! Simply follow this script
Flowcharts & Brochures
Helpful information to provide to the donor when needed
What you’ll learn
Master the essential skills and knowledge required to become a certified DOT urine specimen collector, including:
- Proper specimen collection procedures
- Maintaining the integrity of the specimen
- How to properly complete a chain of custody (CCF)
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Proper observation and monitoring techniques
- Confidentiality and privacy considerations
Articles
Starting Your Own DOT Drug Testing Business
Blog Article
FAQs
Who can become a certified DOT oral fluid specimen collector?
To qualify for training as a certified specimen collector for DOT drug testing, you must first meet the minimum qualifications set by the Department of Transportation:
- You need to be at least 21 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be able to communicate and understand instructions in English
What are the certification renewal requirements for DOT drug testing?
You must also undergo refresher training every five years to maintain your DOT specimen collection certification. The renewal training and the initial training are generally the same training.
However, the DOT expects you to stay current with regulations and collection procedure changes between your courses instead of waiting for your refresher course.
What are the steps to take when becoming a certified DOT oral fluid specimen collector?
Enroll in an accredited DOT oral fluid specimen collector certification course
Once enrolled:
- Familiarize yourself with the regulatory language from the DOT 49 CFR Part 40.
- Review the DOT agency regulations and oral fluid specimen collection guidelines, so you can easily follow them in training
- Complete the certified urine specimen collector training course
- Demonstrate your proficiency in collections
- Obtain your training certificate
How long is oral fluid drug testing certification good for?
Certified DOT oral fluid collectors are certified for 5 years from the original certification date. To remain certified, an individual must retake a certification course.
What is included in the oral fluid drug testing certification training?
This training program consists of 2 video modules, 1 quiz, and a proficiency demonstration (mock collections).
Training Includes:
- Saliva collection kits
- Downloadable training manual
- Chain of Custody Forms (CCFs)
- Collection checklist
- Scripted statements
- Flowcharts
- Brochures
Upon completion, the student can download and print a certificate of completion, certifying them as a DOT Oral Fluid Specimen Collector.
How long is the specimen collector training course?
There are 2 video modules equaling approximately 89 minutes. The course also contains a 32-question specimen collector quiz. Finally, the proficiency demonstration (mock collections) takes roughly 90 minutes to complete.
Can I stop and start the training as needed?
Yes. The course and all its content is available at any time. When you pause your training, the course will keep track of where you left off. Even after completion, you can go back and review the material.
Can I review the material multiple times?
Yes. Your training is valid for one year. All of the material including video modules and documents can be reviewed as much as needed.
When will I get my training certificate?
Your training certificate will be available to download once we receive the completed CCFs from the mock collections. It can be found in your training portal.
What are the differences between DOT and non-DOT drug tests?
DOT Tests are Regulated and More Comprehensive
- DOT drug tests are regulated by the US Department of Transportation
- DOT drug tests test for a wider range of drugs, including amphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, and opiates, while non-DOT drug tests usually only test for marijuana, cocaine, and opiates
- DOT drug tests are more expensive than non-DOT drug tests
When do businesses require drug tests?
Businesses can require a drug test under the following conditions:
- Onboarding: Some businesses want assurances right off that a new hire isn’t using. They can require testing as part of the hiring process.
- Randomized: Some businesses employ a randomized drug testing protocol. It makes drug testing less predictable and encourages operators to stay clean.
- Post-Accident: Anytime there is an accident, DOT operators are required to do a drug and alcohol test to prove they were sober at the time of the incident.
- Reasonable Suspicion: If an employee is acting out of character, slurring their speech, smells of alcohol or marijuana, or gives their boss reasonable cause to suspect the employee is using on or before the job, the employer can require a drug test.
- Return to Duty: If an employee fails a drug test and goes through the substance abuse program, they must pass the drug and alcohol test before they can return to work.
- Follow-up: After a return to duty test, several follow-up tests will prove the employee is maintaining their sobriety.
Where do I get specimen collection materials?
You can use a lab that gives you DOT regulatory industry-approved supplies at a reasonable cost. Some will give them to you for free until the kit is used and sent to the lab, and the kit is part of the fee. You can also order drug testing forms and supplies and alcohol testing forms and supplies online from a supplier who orders in bulk and passes the discount on to you.