In order to be a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), you need to have certain credentials, possess specific knowledge, receive training, achieve a passing score on an examination and complete a continuing education requirement.  Each of these requirements is discussed below and is easily accomplished through NAADAC’s Substance Abuse Professional’s U.S. DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Regulation Qualification Independent Study Course. Learn more.

Download the SAP Informational Flyer

1.)  In order to qualify as a U.S. Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), the applicant must have one of the following credentials:

• Alcohol and drug abuse counselor national level certification through the NAADAC Certification Commission (NCC) or the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Note: State level certification does NOT meet DOT requirements. Learn more about certification.
• Alcohol and drug abuse counselors with MAC certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
• Licensed or certified psychologist
• Licensed or certified social worker
• Licensed or certified employee assistance professional
• Licensed or certified Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

2.)  SAP applicants must possess knowledge of:

• Clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse-related disorders.
• Understanding how the SAP role relates to the special responsibilities employers have for ensuring the safety of the traveling public.
• The nine required components laid out in Section 281 (c), Part 40 of the U.S. Department of Transportation's agency regulations, SAP guidelines and any significant changes to the SAP guidelines.
• Note: Degrees and certificates alone do not confer to you these knowledge requirements.

3.)  SAP applicants must receive 12 hours of professional development relevant to performing SAP functions during each three-year renewal period and pass a validated examination administered by a nationally recognized professional or training organization.

• Obtain this training through NAADAC’s Substance Abuse Professional’s U.S. DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Regulation Qualification/Re-qualification Independent Study Course

Each of these requirements can be met through NAADAC!

• Gain your national certification through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)
• Receive SAP training with NAADAC’s Substance Abuse Professional’s U.S. DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Regulation Qualification Independent Study Course, which includes a bound manual and validated 50-item written examination.
• Receive SAP re-qualification training every three years with NAADAC’s Substance Abuse Professional’s U.S. DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Regulation Re-qualification Independent Study Course, which includes a bound manual and online 25-item examination.

The links below provide more information on Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs):

• What is a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)?
• Re-qualifying as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)
• Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) Listed by State
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Updates
• Learn more about the NAADAC SAP Independent Study Course
• Download Order Form for NAADAC SAP Independent Study Course

For more information on becoming a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), follow the above links, call 800.548.0497 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .