Only a qualified Substance Abuse Professional can evaluate you after a DOT drug or alcohol violation. If the person you see isn’t qualified, the evaluation doesn’t count, and you may have to start over with someone else. Checking first takes five minutes.
What makes a SAP “qualified”?
Under 49 CFR §40.281, a SAP must meet every one of these requirements:
- An eligible credential: a licensed physician, licensed or certified social worker, licensed or certified psychologist, licensed or certified employee assistance professional, licensed or certified marriage and family therapist, or a drug and alcohol counselor certified by an approved organization
- Clinical experience diagnosing and treating alcohol- and drug-related disorders
- Knowledge of the SAP role and DOT rules
- DOT-specific qualification training
- A passing score on an exam given by a nationally recognized professional or training organization
- At least 12 hours of continuing education every three years
Why a license alone isn’t enough
Plenty of therapists, counselors and doctors are licensed but have never completed DOT SAP training or the qualification exam. They can provide treatment, but they can’t perform your SAP evaluation. Make sure the professional is qualified for the SAP role specifically, not just licensed.
Questions to ask before you pay
- What is your professional license, and in which states?
- When did you complete DOT SAP qualification training and the exam?
- Are your continuing-education hours current?
- Do you provide face-to-face evaluations, and are virtual sessions allowed under your license in my state?
- What does your fee include? Does it cover the follow-up evaluation?
- How will you send reports to my employer, or to me if I’m unemployed?
A qualified SAP must be able to show documentation of their qualifications to DOT representatives, employers and C/TPAs on request.
Red flags
- A promise to finish the entire process in a day or a week
- An evaluation done only by phone, questionnaire or online form
- A guarantee that you’ll get your job or CDL back
- An offer to “switch” your SAP to get an easier recommendation
Our qualifications
Nikita Banks, LCSW, is a DOT-qualified Substance Abuse Professional licensed in New York, New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts, providing virtual DOT SAP evaluations for all six DOT agencies.
Frequently asked questions
Can my regular therapist be my SAP?
Only if they meet all DOT SAP qualification requirements, including training and the exam. Otherwise they can still provide treatment your SAP recommends.
Can I choose any qualified SAP?
Often, yes. Your employer must give you a free list of SAPs it accepts. If you’re still employed, check with your employer before choosing one not on that list.
Does a SAP have to be in my state?
DOT doesn’t require it, but a SAP doing virtual evaluations must be licensed where you are located during the session.
Work with a DOT-qualified SAP.
Your first inquiry is free. Virtual DOT SAP evaluations throughout New York State, plus New Jersey, Georgia and Massachusetts, often within 24–48 hours after intake and payment.
