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Non-DOT Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training

by | Jan 7, 2022

The Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training is designed to provide DERs with knowledge of the drug and alcohol testing industry and the supervisory skills required to maintain compliance with drug and alcohol testing best practices as outlined in safe and drug-free workplace company policies.

Through the course, the student will receive:

  1. An overview of testing procedures to understand the complete testing process.
  2. An understanding of best practices in maintaining a thorough drug and alcohol testing program.
  3. A full definition of the role of the DER to help ensure company safety.

Course Overview

For the most part, this training pertains to processes and protocols for drug and alcohol testing standards commonly practiced by businesses and organizations. We also will discuss a variety of testing types that may follow company policies, state laws or municipal laws. It is essential for the DER to know what type of testing is done by their workplace and how to make sure they are following the correct procedures.

DERs must have thorough knowledge and understanding of both drug test collection procedures and alcohol testing procedures. This includes familiarity with required forms including the Custody and Control Form (CCF) form for drug testing and the Alcohol Testing Form for alcohol testing.

This course pertains only to drug testing situations confirmed by a certified laboratory, reviewed by a certified Medical Review Officer (MRO), and followed according to a strict forensic chain of custody that will stand up in a court of law. When DERs don’t follow the standards recommended in our industry, it will put their company at risk from both legal and safety standpoints.  

Most of the discussion in this course will concern urine specimen drug testing because this is the only type of drug testing currently accepted by U.S. Department of Transportation standards. The majority of principles and procedures for urine testing also apply to hair sample, oral fluid or sweat patch testing, which are allowed in some states for testing that is not federally required. The section of the course concerning alcohol testing focuses on the use of Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) devices for breath alcohol testing.

As the DER, you are often the person who must step into the process when a problem occurs. This course provides the tools for dealing with any of the special circumstances that can arise in drug and alcohol testing while ensuring your company’s compliance with the regulation.

Upon completion of this professional-level course, you will have the information and skills to perform your duties as a DER at the highest standards of professional excellence.

As you move through the course, click the “Complete Lesson” button at the bottom of each lesson page to be taken to the next lesson.

Non-DOT DER Resources Library Glossary of Terms An Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Testing Drug Testing Governance Explained Who is the DER? Overview of DER Responsibilities Who and When to Test What to Test For The DER and Company Policy Employees and the Company Policy Administration of the Drug & Alcohol Testing Program DER Duties and Service Providers: The Collector, BAT/STT and Lab DER Duties and Service Providers: The MRO DER Duties and Service Providers: The SAP and EAP DER Duties and Service Providers: The C/TPA Reasonable Suspicion or For Cause Testing Signs & Symptoms Highlights Urine Specimen Collection – Collection Site Urine Specimen Collection – CCF Urine Specimen Collection – Process Overview Urine Specimen Collection – Special Circumstances Urine Specimen Collection – Direct Observation Collections Urine Specimen Collection – Errors and Refusals The DER and Drug Test Results Alcohol Testing Process Overview The DER and Alcohol Testing Problems Alternative Testing Methods The DER's Role When an Employee Violates the Rules The DER and Record Keeping The DER and Compliance