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Specific training and proficiencies are required of those who conduct alcohol tests using alcohol screening devices (ASDs). Screening test technicians (STTs) are expected to be knowledgeable of the alcohol testing procedures as outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
Scope
These requirements apply to screening test technicians (STTs) using alcohol screening devices (ASDs) to test drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate, intrastate, and foreign commerce.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 40.211 — Who conducts DOT alcohol tests?
- 49 CFR 40.213 — What training requirements must STTs and BATs meet?
Key definitions
- Alcohol screening device (ASD): A breath or saliva device (other than an evidential breath testing device (EBT)) that is approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and appears on the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance’s (ODAPC) webpage for “Approved Screening Devices to Measure Alcohol in Bodily Fluids” because it conforms to the model specifications from NHTSA.
- Alcohol screening test: A procedure to determine whether a driver may have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in a breath or saliva sample.
- Breath alcohol technician (BAT): A person who instructs and assists drivers in the alcohol testing process and operates an evidential breath testing device (EBT).
- Screening test technician (STT): A person who instructs and assists employees in the alcohol testing process and operates an alcohol screening device (ASD).
Summary of requirements
A screening test technician (STT) can conduct only alcohol screening tests. Alcohol confirmation tests must be performed by a breath alcohol technician (BAT).
The STT must be knowledgeable about the Part 40 alcohol testing procedures and current Department of Transportation (DOT) guidance. The STT must keep current on any changes to these materials.
Qualification training. Qualification training must:
- Be in accordance with the DOT Model STT Course. A course of instruction equivalent to the DOT Model Courses is acceptable;
- Include training to proficiency in using the Part 40 alcohol testing procedures and in operation of the particular testing device the STT will be using; and
- Emphasize that the STT is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the testing process, ensuring the privacy of employees being tested, and avoiding conduct or statements that could be viewed as offensive or inappropriate.
The instructor performing the qualification training must be an individual who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by regularly conducting DOT alcohol tests as an STT for a period of at least one year, or who has successfully completed a “train the trainer” course.
Initial proficiency demonstration. Following completion of qualification training, the STT must demonstrate proficiency in Part 40 alcohol testing by completing five consecutive error-free mock tests using the same testing device that will be used to conduct collections.
If the STT will be using an ASD that indicates readings by changes, contrasts, or other readings in color, the STT must demonstrate (as part of the mock test) the ability to discern changes, contrasts, or readings correctly.
Another person must monitor and evaluate the STT’s performance and attest in writing that the mock collections are error-free. This person must be an individual who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by regularly conducting DOT alcohol tests as an STT for a period of at least one year, or who has successfully completed a “train the trainer” course.
Refresher training. Refresher training must be completed at least once every five years from the date the STT successfully completed the Qualification Training and Initial Proficiency Demonstration.
Error correction training. If an STT makes a mistake in the alcohol testing process that causes a test to be cancelled (fatal or uncorrected flaw), the STT must undergo error correction training.
The training must cover only the subject matter area(s) in which the error that caused the test to be cancelled occurred.
The instructor must be an individual who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by regularly conducting DOT alcohol tests as an STT for a period of at least one year, or who has successfully completed a “train the trainer” course.
As part of the error correction training, the STT must complete three consecutive error-free mock tests. The mock tests must include one uneventful scenario and two scenarios related to the area in which the error occurred. The person providing the training must monitor the tests and attest in writing that they were error-free.
This training must occur within 30 days of the date the STT is notified of the error that led to the need for retraining.
Others who may serve as an STT. Anyone who is qualified to be a BAT may act as an STT, provided that the BAT has demonstrated initial proficiency in the operation of the ASD being used.
An STT-qualified immediate supervisor may not act as the STT when an employee is being tested, unless no other BAT or STT is available. However, for reasonable suspicion testing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations do not allow a person who makes a reasonable suspicion determination to conduct the alcohol test.
Record retention. The STT must maintain documentation showing that the training requirements have all been met. This information must be provided on request to DOT agency representatives and to employers and C/TPAs who are negotiating to use the STT’s services.