DOT SAP evaluations: your path back to work
A failed or refused drug or alcohol test doesn’t have to end your career. As a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), I guide you through the return-to-duty process with respect and without judgment, so you can get back to work and move forward with dignity.
What is a SAP?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires drug and alcohol testing for workers in safety-sensitive transportation jobs. When an employee violates those rules, they must be evaluated by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) before they can go back to safety-sensitive work.
A SAP is a licensed or certified addiction professional who has completed DOT-required training and passed a qualification exam. The SAP evaluates the employee, recommends education and/or treatment, confirms the employee followed through, and sets a follow-up testing plan. I bring more than 25 years of addiction treatment experience, and my own 30 years of recovery, to that role.
Who needs a SAP evaluation
Employees covered by DOT drug and alcohol testing rules, in industries regulated by:
- FMCSACommercial truck and bus drivers (CDL holders)
- FAAPilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, mechanics and other aviation workers
- FRARailroad workers
- FTAPublic transit workers
- PHMSAPipeline workers
- USCGMaritime workers
How the return-to-duty process works
Initial evaluation
We meet face to face by secure video for a full clinical evaluation of your alcohol and drug use, so I can decide what level of help you need.
Education and/or treatment recommendation
I recommend the education and/or treatment you must complete before returning to safety-sensitive duty, and help you find an acceptable program.
Complete the recommendation
You complete the education and/or treatment program I recommended.
Follow-up evaluation
We meet face to face by video again so I can confirm you complied with my recommendations and made enough clinical progress to return to duty.
Report to your employer
I send my report to your employer with a follow-up testing plan and any recommendations for continuing care.
Return to duty
Your employer decides whether to return you to work. You take a return-to-duty test, then the unannounced follow-up tests in your plan.
For employers
If you’re a designated employer representative (DER) or work with a third-party administrator, I provide clear, timely written reports of initial and follow-up evaluations, follow-up testing plans and continuing care recommendations, in line with DOT requirements.
- Certified Addiction Professional
- #9666
- SAP certificate
- #26130126
- Qualified through
- January 26, 2029
- Training and exam
- Program Services Continuing Education, a DOT-recognized SAP training provider (49 CFR Part 40)
Non-DOT evaluations and consultation
I also provide substance abuse evaluations for employers and employees who are not covered by DOT rules but want a similar process, and I consult with businesses that need help with an employee’s drug or alcohol problem. Call to talk about what your workplace needs.
Common questions
Who needs a SAP evaluation?
Anyone in a DOT-regulated safety-sensitive job who violates DOT drug and alcohol rules, such as a positive drug or alcohol test or a refusal to test. You must complete the return-to-duty process with a SAP before you can perform safety-sensitive duties again, for any DOT employer.
Does the SAP decide whether I get my job back?
No. My role is to evaluate you, recommend education and/or treatment, and confirm whether you followed through. Whether to return you to work is your employer’s decision.
How long does the process take?
It depends on what I recommend after your initial evaluation and how quickly you complete it. Some people finish an education program in a few weeks; treatment can take longer.
What happens after I return to work?
You’ll have unannounced follow-up testing. DOT rules require at least 6 follow-up tests in your first 12 months back on duty, and a plan can last up to 5 years.
I drive a commercial truck or bus. What about the Clearinghouse?
CDL drivers’ return-to-duty progress is recorded in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. You’ll designate me as your SAP there, and I report your evaluations as the rules require.
Can I do my SAP evaluation by video?
Yes. I do SAP evaluations by secure video, following DOT’s guidance on remote evaluations, so you don’t have to travel. You’ll need a private space and a device with a camera.
How much does a SAP evaluation cost?
$425 for the entire process, including both the initial and follow-up evaluations. You can split it into 2 payments. Your employer may pay for the evaluation; ask them about their policy.