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Return to duty, the right way.

A plain-language guide to the DOT SAP evaluation process, and a nationwide directory of Substance Abuse Professionals qualified to clear you for safety-sensitive duty.

Search the directory for a SAP or C/TPA in your state

Two providers, two different jobs

Most drivers only hear about the SAP. But you can't return to duty without a test, and if you don't have an employer, a C/TPA is how you get one.

EVALUATIONS & CLEARS

Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

Evaluates you face-to-face, recommends education or treatment, and decides when you're ready for your return-to-duty test. Every employee with a violation needs one.

TESTS

Consortium / Third-Party Administrator

Runs DOT drug and alcohol testing programs. Owner-operators and drivers without an employer can work with a C/TPA to complete their return-to-duty test.

No Employer? You can still complete the process.

49 CFR Part 40

Federal regulation prohibits a safety-sensitive employee from returning to duty until a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional has confirmed successful compliance with the recommended education or treatment program.

Find your role in the process

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Drivers & operators

Violated a drug or alcohol regulation? Here's exactly what has to happen before you can return to safety-sensitive duty.

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Employers & DERs

Your responsibilities as a Designated Employer Representative under Part 40, from referral through clearance.

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SAPs & C/TPAs

Get listed in the directory. Spots are limited per state, so every listing gets seen.

The return-to-duty process

Federal regulation lays out a specific sequence. Skipping a step means starting over.

1

Drug or Alcohol Violation

A safety-sensitive employee fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test.

2

SAP Evaluation

A DOT-qualified SAP evaluates the employee face-to-face.

3

4

5

Education or Treatment

The employee completes the SAP's recommended program.

Follow-up Evaluation

The SAP confirms compliance and clears the employee to test.

Return-to-duty Test

A negative, directly observed test result clears the employee to resume duty.

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