The internet is full of people who make it sound easy to make big money in DOT Mobile Collections, and offer collector
training. But there is a great deal to consider about starting a Mobile Collections Business.
For one, not everyone advertising DOT certification is a qualified trainer. Secondly, DOT collections is more than just sending urine specimens to a
lab. DOT collections are strictly regulated under 49 CFR Part 40, with detailed training and procedural requirements.
Thirdly, almost all DOT-regulated employers need providers who are certified in both urine specimen collection and alcohol
testing. If you only offer urine collections, you’ll be passed over for collectors that provide both services.
The greatest revenue opportunity for mobile collectors is post-accident testing—which requires certification to conduct DOT urine
drug screen collections AND certification to conduct DOT alcohol testing.
The short and skinny on specimen collection:
Collectors must be knowledgeable about 49 CFR Part 40, the current “DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines,” and DOT agency
regulations applicable to the employers for whom they perform collections. Collectors must keep current on any changes to these materials and must subscribe to the ODAPC list-serve.
COLLECTOR TRAINING consists of two parts;
Qualification Training and Proficiency Demonstration Training
Qualification Training is required to include:
(1) Proper completion and transmission of the Federal CCF (Custody and Control Form);
(2) How to handle “Problem” collections (e.g., situations like “shy bladder” and attempts to tamper with a specimen);
(3) Fatal flaws, correctable flaws, and how to correct problems in collections; and
(4) Collector's responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the collection process, ensuring privacy of employees being tested, ensuring
specimen security, and avoiding conduct or statements that may be viewed as offensive or inappropriate;
Proficiency Demonstration Training follows completion of qualification training, in which collectors must
demonstrate proficiency in collections by completing five consecutive error-free mock collections.
(1) Mock collections must include the following scenarios: two uneventful collection scenarios, one insufficient quantity of urine scenario,
one temperature out of range scenario, and one scenario in which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle seals.
(2) Mocks must be monitored and evaluated in person or by a means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the instructor
and trainee, and attested in writing that the mock collections are “error-free.” The monitor must be a qualified urine collector who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and
abilities by—
(i) Regularly conducting DOT urine drug test collections for a period of at least one year;
(ii) Conducting urine collector training under this part for at least one year; or
(iii) Successfully completing a urine “train the trainer” course.
ALCOHOL TECHNICIAN REQUIREMENTS
Only qualified Screening Test Technicians (STTs) and Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) who meet DOT requirements may conduct DOT alcohol tests.
All DOT alcohol tests must be conducted with devices approved for use in DOT alcohol tests. (Approved devices may be found on the Conforming Products List, or CPL.)
Training as an STTs can be limiting as they may perform screening tests only, while BATs are authorized to conduct both screening
and confirmation tests.
STT and BAT Training Requirements
To be permitted to act as a BAT or STT in the DOT alcohol testing program, you must be knowledgeable about the alcohol testing
procedures in 49 CFR Part 40 and the current DOT guidance. Technicians must must keep current on any changes to these materials, and must subscribe to the ODAPC list-serve.
STT and BAT training consists of two parts:
Qualification Training and Proficiency Demonstration Training
Qualification Training must
(1) be in accordance with the DOT Model BAT or STT Course.
(2) include training to proficiency in the alcohol testing procedures of 49 CFR Part 40, and in the operation of the particular alcohol
testing device(s) (i.e., the ASD(s) or EBT(s)) you will be using.
(3) emphasize BAT or STT's responsibility 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.
(4) be conducted by an instructor who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by regularly conducting DOT alcohol tests
as an STT or BAT, as appliicable, for at least one year, who has conducted STT or BAT training, as applicable, under 49 CFR Part 40, for a year, or who has successfully completed a “train the
trainer” course
Initial Proficiency Demonstration. Following completion of
Qualification Training you must demonstrate proficiency in alcohol testing by completing seven consecutive error-free mock tests
(BATs) or five consecutive error-free tests (STTs).
Proficiency Demonstration must
(1) be monitored and evaluated, in person or by a means providing real-time observation and
interaction between the instructor and trainee. The monitor must meets the requirements of 49 CFR Part 40, and attest in writing that the mock collections are “error-free.”
(2) be completed using the alcohol testing devices (e.g., EBT(s) or ASD(s)) that you
will use as a BAT or STT.
(3) ensure that an STT who is using an ASD that indicates readings by changes, contrasts, or other
readings in color, demonstrates as part of the mock test that the STT is able to discern changes,
contrasts, or readings correctly.
Refresher Training is required no less than every 5 years for both specimen collectors and alcohol
technicians
Error Correction Training is required for specimen collectors and alcohol technicians who make a mistake that causes a
test to be cancelled.
Collectors and Alcohol Technicians found to be in serious noncompliance with 49 CFR Part 40 may be issued a Public Interest Exclusion
(PIE). This means the technician will be barred from conducting any DOT business for a period of up to 5 years.
Quick Trax LLC Training and Consultation
Training When you train with Quick Trax you will receive certification from qualified trainers who work diligently to
ensure you are fully in compliance.
Consultation Our consultation gives you the tools to launch a successful mobile
collections business—including compliant training guidance, fee structuring, regulatory compliance, budget-friendly mobile setup, landing your first client, avoiding costly startup mistakes, and
growing with minimal overhead.
For information about training and consultation, contact us today!
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