If you want to be a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), it is required that you go through special training to be certified. However, it is important that you do not simply choose any course: here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which SAP training course is right for you:

Do they cover the DOT’s Substance Abuse Professional training rules and regulations?

The DOT requires that all courses cover the following information:

• The DOT’s drug and alcohol testing program: its background, rationale, etc.
• Key drug and alcohol testing requirements, including collection, testing, and the problems in drug and alcohol testing
• Reporting requirements and what is expected of your recordkeeping
• Issues that Substance Abuse Professionals confront on the job
• Does the trainer teaching the course know the topic?

It is essential that, like any class, the instructor knows the topic well and is not simply teaching out of a handbook. You need an instructor with experience and is very knowledgeable about SAP standards and qualifications.

Does the training go beyond the qualifications?

A good SAP training course will include things like case studies, stories, and other situational problems that SAPs find themselves in regularly. Try to find an instructor who communicates with current SAPs on a regular basis for updated information and new situations and problems.

Will the training cover reporting requirements?Reporting and recordkeeping requirements are strict. Your course must include these requirements and teach you how to keep effective and proper records that follow these guidelines.

Does the course teach you how to get work?

Being trained to be an SAP is about more than simply learning the requirements: your training course should cover how to set up your own SAP practice, or how to market yourself in your community.

Will the training show you how to get answers?

You will not be in class forever, and you will not leave the class with answers to all of your questions. You need to learn where to look, either in your manual, your notes, or on the web, to find answers to questions that come up.

What is the instructor’s reputation?

Try to talk to others who have taken his/her course. People who have experience should be willing to help you choose.

Do they claim to be approved or endorsed by the DOT?

The DOT does not endorse any SAP instructional course, nor do they endorse instructors. Be careful of any class that claims this.
Like any class, it’s important to review what it claims to teach you and the subject matter it will cover before enrolling. Take note of some of these tips before you look at your SAP qualification training course.

Who is qualified to act as a SAP, info on the DOT Website

SAP qualification is the process by which an individual becomes licensed to provide evaluations to workers who have violated a DOT drug or alcohol program regulation. SAP is an acronym for Substance Abuse Professional. An SAP can evaluate and make recommendations concerning education, treatment and follow up for an individual. The Department Of Transportation has created very specific mandates for who can qualify as a Substance Abuse Professional. An SAP must have certain credentials; receive training and possess very specific knowledge. In addition there is a Continuing Education requirement.
In order to become an SAP the DOT requires you to be one of the following:<\p>

• Licensed Physician
• Licensed or Certified Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Employee Assistance Professional
• Alcohol or Drug abuse Counselor certified by NAADAC Certification Commission or ICRC Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

And also possess knowledge of:

• Clinical experience diagnosing and treating substance abuse disorders
• Part 40, Permanent DOT regulations, SAP guidelines and any changes to those guidelines.
• An understanding of how the role of the Substance Abuse Professional relates to the responsibilities of employers to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

In addition an SAP must receive qualified training which includes:

• The nine required components laid out in Section 281 (c) of Part 40.
• A score of %75 or higher on an approved exam
• 12 Continuing Education Contact Hours every three years relevant to SAP duties.

These qualifying exams are offered by organizations such as The National Association for Addiction Professionals or organizations approved by the NAADAC to offer these examinations.
For a list of agencies offering these exams click here.

In addition Treatment Solutions Network offers re-qualification exams and continuing education hours at our semi-annual Back to Basics Conference. Our Conferences are a fun way to fulfill your duties in an environment that feels more like a vacation than a job requirement!

Upcoming Conferences:
SAP Training Reno Nevada

SAP Training New Jersey