THE CORNERSTONE GUIDE · 49 CFR §40.281
How to Become a DOT SAP
Becoming a DOT Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is one uniform federal pathway, set in 49 CFR §40.281 and applied the same way in every state. You hold a qualifying clinical credential, complete DOT SAP qualification training, pass a national exam, and keep your continuing education current. What varies from state to state is the underlying clinical credential — the license or certification your state issues.
Not sure which credential your state issues? See your state's SAP credential path for the specific board and requirements where you practice.
WHO QUALIFIES
Who can become a DOT SAP?
You must first hold one of six credentials listed in 49 CFR §40.281(a). Any one of these makes you eligible to pursue SAP qualification — you do not need more than one.
- 1 Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy — MD/DO)
- 2 Licensed or certified social worker
- 3 Licensed or certified psychologist
- 4 Licensed or certified employee assistance professional (EAP)
- 5 State-licensed or -certified marriage and family therapist (MFT)
- 6 Drug and alcohol counselor certified by an ODAPC-listed organization (NAADAC, IC&RC, or NBCC)
Source: 49 CFR §40.281(a)
THE REQUIREMENTS, IN ORDER
The steps to qualify as a DOT SAP
Every requirement below is set in 49 CFR §40.281. Here is the whole path, in order, with the exact citation for each piece.
What credential do you need to become a DOT SAP?
Under 49 CFR §40.281(a) you must first hold one of six credentials — physician, social worker, psychologist, employee assistance professional, marriage and family therapist, or an addiction counselor certified by NAADAC, IC&RC, or NBCC. The specific license/certification is issued by your state; see your state page.
Source: 49 CFR §40.281(a)
What knowledge does a SAP need?
Per §40.281(b), a SAP must have clinical knowledge and experience diagnosing and treating alcohol- and drug-related disorders, understand the SAP function relative to employer safety interests, and know 49 CFR Part 40, the applicable DOT agency rules, and the DOT SAP Guidelines.
Source: 49 CFR §40.281(b)
What qualification training and exam are required?
Per §40.281(c), you must complete qualification training covering the required DOT SAP subject areas, then pass an examination administered by a nationally-recognized professional or training organization covering all elements of the training.
Source: 49 CFR §40.281(c)
What continuing education must a SAP maintain?
Per §40.281(d), during each three-year period (from the date you passed the exam) you must complete at least 12 professional development hours (e.g., CEUs) relevant to SAP functions.
Source: 49 CFR §40.281(d)
What documentation must a SAP keep?
Per §40.281(e), you must maintain documentation showing you currently meet all requirements of the section and provide it on request to DOT representatives and to employers.
Source: 49 CFR §40.281(e)
What does a DOT SAP actually do?
Under Subpart O, after a driver’s drug/alcohol violation the SAP performs a face-to-face clinical evaluation, refers the employee to education and/or treatment, conducts a follow-up evaluation to confirm compliance, writes SAP reports, and sets a follow-up testing plan.
Source: 49 CFR Part 40 Subpart O
THE ADDICTION-COUNSELOR PATH
Which certifying bodies does DOT accept?
If you qualify as an addiction counselor rather than a physician, social worker, psychologist, EAP, or MFT, DOT accepts your certification only through one of three national organizations. Your certification must come from NAADAC, IC&RC, or NBCC.
NAADAC — the Association for Addiction Professionals
Drug and Alcohol Counselor
International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
TRAINING & EXAM
Where do you get SAP qualification training and the exam?
Qualification training and the national exam are delivered by nationally-recognized professional and training organizations. We keep a running list of SAP training and exam providers so you can compare options in one place.