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Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification (Designated Employer Representative) – Access

Dot Motus Compliance

Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification (Designated Employer Representative) – Access

Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification is an online course designed for
Designated Employer Representatives (DERs) who manage DOT drug and alcohol testing programs.
This training explains DER responsibilities under 49 CFR Part 40 and
Part 382, including ordering tests, handling results, removing employees from
duty, working with MROs and SAPs, and maintaining audit-ready records.

Self-paced, mobile friendly, with an instant certificate of completion for each DER.

Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification (Designated Employer Representative) – Access

$0.00

Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification is an online course designed for
Designated Employer Representatives (DERs) who manage DOT drug and alcohol testing programs.
This training explains DER responsibilities under 49 CFR Part 40 and
Part 382, including ordering tests, handling results, removing employees from
duty, working with MROs and SAPs, and maintaining audit-ready records.

Self-paced, mobile friendly, with an instant certificate of completion for each DER.

Questions? Call (307) 200-8338, Mon-Fri 7am–7pm CT.

Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification

Online training for Designated Employer Representatives (DERs) who manage DOT drug and alcohol
testing programs under 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 382.

  • Focused specifically on the DER role – not general supervisor training
  • Covers test ordering, result management, refusals, and SAP referrals
  • Created for motor carriers and DOT-regulated employers
  • Online, self-paced course with instant certificate of completion

  • DER Responsibilities

    Clarifies what the DER must do before, during, and after DOT drug and alcohol tests.

  • Practical Workflows

    Walk-through of random, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing workflows.

  • Audit-Ready Records

    Guidance on what to keep on file, for how long, and how to respond to DOT or FMCSA audits.

Course Overview

The Drug & Alcohol – DER Training Certification course explains the duties
of a Designated Employer Representative (DER) responsible for administering an employer’s DOT
drug and alcohol testing program. While supervisors focus on recognizing reasonable suspicion,
the DER is responsible for managing the entire testing process – from ordering
tests and coordinating with service agents to handling positive results and maintaining
compliance documentation.

This self-paced online course is ideal for small and mid-size fleets where the DER is often the
owner, safety manager, or HR contact who must understand exactly how to keep the program
compliant and audit-ready.

What This
Includes

  • DER-focused online training modules
  • Step-by-step workflows for each DOT test type
  • Sample forms, checklists, and email templates
  • Guidance on working with TPAs, collectors, labs, and MROs
  • Scenarios for positive tests, refusals, and shy bladder
  • Knowledge checks throughout the course
  • Final assessment with passing score requirement
  • Downloadable DER certificate upon completion
  • Access to materials for 12 months from purchase

What DERs Will Learn

1. DER Role & Legal Authority

  • Definition of a Designated Employer Representative (DER)
  • How the DER fits into the company’s compliance structure
  • Key responsibilities under Parts 40 and 382

2. Understanding DOT Test Types

  • Pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion
  • Return-to-duty and follow-up testing
  • When each test type is required and by whom

3. Working With Service Agents

  • TPAs / CTPAs, collection sites, laboratories, MROs, and SAPs
  • What the DER must verify and what can be delegated
  • How to track and follow up on outstanding tests

4. Managing Results & Violations

  • Receiving and documenting negative and positive results
  • Handling refusals, cancellations, and invalid tests
  • Immediate removal from safety-sensitive duty
  • Initiating SAP referral and return-to-duty process

5. Recordkeeping & Audit Readiness

  • What records must be kept, and for how long
  • Organizing files for FMCSA / DOT audits
  • Common mistakes that cause violations or fines

Course Module Outline

  • Module 1 – Introduction to DER Responsibilities
    What a DER is, why the role exists, and legal foundations.
  • Module 2 – Overview of DOT Drug & Alcohol Regulations
    Key sections of 49 CFR Part 40 and Part 382 every DER must understand.
  • Module 3 – DOT Test Types & When They Apply
    Pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up.
  • Module 4 – Managing the Testing Process
    Selecting employees, scheduling collections, coordinating with service agents.
  • Module 5 – Handling Results, Positives & Refusals
    MRO reports, refusals, shy bladder, canceled tests, and immediate removal procedures.
  • Module 6 – SAP Process & Return-to-Duty
    DER role in SAP referrals, follow-up testing plans, and tracking completion.
  • Module 7 – Recordkeeping & Audit Preparation
    Required records, retention periods, and preparing for DOT/FMSCA audits.
  • Module 8 – Final Assessment & Certification
    Knowledge test and issuance of DER Training Certificate.

Regulatory
Compliance.

This DER Training course is designed to support compliance with:

  • 49 CFR Part 40 – Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs
  • 49 CFR Part 382 – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing for Commercial Motor Vehicles

The course explains DER responsibilities within a DOT-compliant testing program. Employers
remain responsible for maintaining a complete program and complying with all applicable rules.

Who Should Take This Course?

  • Designated Employer Representatives (DERs) for motor carriers
  • Owners, safety managers, and HR managers acting as DER
  • Compliance coordinators in trucking, busing, and other DOT-regulated operations
  • Third-party administrators who support DER duties
  • Anyone newly assigned to manage a DOT drug & alcohol testing program

How It Works

  • Purchase the course for each DER who needs training.
  • Receive login details by email with a link to the online training portal.
  • Complete the modules at your own pace – progress is saved automatically.
  • Pass the final assessment to confirm understanding of DER duties.
  • Download and save the DER certificate for your compliance files.

Frequently
Asked Questions.

Yes — available instantly after passing the exam.

No. Supervisor training focuses on recognizing drug and alcohol misuse. DER training focuses on
managing the entire DOT testing program, including ordering tests, handling results, and
maintaining records.

Every DOT-regulated employer must designate one or more individuals to act as the DER and manage
the employer’s testing program.

DOT rules require employers to ensure their program is compliant and that DERs understand the rules.
This course is designed to document that your DER has been formally trained.

Most DERs complete the course in approximately 90–120 minutes, depending on pace.

Yes. You can purchase multiple seats at checkout and enroll each DER separately. This pairs well
with your existing Supervisor Training Certification course.

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