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What is a SAP?

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation -- 49 CFR Part 40 -- defines the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) as a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. In order to be a SAP, you need to have certain credentials, possess specific knowledge, receive training, and achieve a passing score on a DOT approved examination. There is also a continuing education requirement. For more information on becoming a SAP, please visit their website at http://www.dot.gov/odapc/sap.

To be permitted to act as a SAP in the DOT drug and alcohol testing program, you must meet each of the requirements of this section:

Credentials
One of the following credentials must be held:
  • Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
  • Licensed or certified social worker
  • Licensed or certified psychologist
  • Licensed or certified employee assistance professional
  • State-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist
  • IC&RC Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
Qualification Training
To become a SAP, professionals already holding one of the above mentioned credentials must participate in one of the DOT qualified training programs. A list of all programs can be found at this link: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/sap. CCAPP is an approved qualification training organization. Visit www.ccappconferences.com/events to find a CCAPP training.
Trainings can vary in delivery and duration but typically last 12 hours. IC&RC does not provide DOT trainings.
The Professional Training Center offers one such training. It is 12 hours in length and is completed over a span of 2 days. For information about Professional Training Center trainings, follow this link: http://www.professionaltrainingcenter.com/.
Written Examination
After the completion of a qualified training program, a written examination covering the DOT SAP knowledge areas must be taken. A list of all DOT approved examinations can be found at this link: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/sap. CCAPP is the only organization in California authorized to use the IC&RC DOT SAP Exam.
Continuing Education
SAPs are required to have 12 hours of continuing education training every 3 years.
This continuing education must include material concerning new technologies, interpretations, recent guidelines, rule changes, and other information about developments in SAP practice, pertaining to the DOT program, since the time you met the qualification training requirements of this section.
DOT approved trainings can be found at this link: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/sap
Providing Services as an SAP
SAPs must “self market” their qualified status. SAPs can work with a variety of organizations to market their qualified status. Such organizations include the Professional Training Center, Inc. (http://www.professionaltrainingcenter.com/) SAP Referrals (http://www.sapreferralservices.com/) and SAPlist.com (http://www.saplist.com/).

IC&RC’s Role in Earning a SAP

IC&RC's Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC) is approved by the DOT as a SAP pre-requisite credential. Interested professionals can obtain their IC&RC ICADC credential through their IC&RC member board. Contact information for all member boards can be found here.

Professionals that already hold an ICADC may request a print copy of their ICADC by completing the International Certificate Order Form.

IC&RC does not work with the DOT on the development of SAP standards or regulations or certify and keep a registry of current SAPs.

SAP Resources

US Department of Transportation (DOT)
Professional Training Center, Inc.

SAP

Initial Credential

Benefits of CCAPP’s Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Specialty Credential:

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation — 49 CFR Part 40 — defines the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) as a person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare. In order to be a SAP, you need to have certain credentials, possess specific knowledge, receive training, and achieve a passing score on a DOT approved examination. There is also a continuing education requirement. For more information on becoming a SAP, please visit their website at http://www.dot.gov/odapc/sap.

CCAPP Approved Schools

Before you enroll, purchase, or attend a class, make sure it is CCAPP approved! The following information can help you avoid any confusion or anxiety related to the school you attended, are attending, or are planning to attend!

Find a School

SAP

Initial Credential Application Requirements

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Initial Application

Complete all steps in our online e-application system, called Certemy.

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Credentials

One of the following credentials must be held:
  • Licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy)
  • Licensed or certified social worker
  • Licensed or certified psychologist
  • Licensed or certified employee assistance professional
  • State-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist
  • IC&RC Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
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Qualification Training

Must participate in one of the DOT qualified training programs. A list of all programs can be found at this link: http://www.dot.gov/odapc/sap. CCAPP is an approved qualification training organization. Visit www.ccappconferences.com/events to find a CCAPP training.

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Scope of Practice

Agree to and sign the CADC-CS scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.

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Statement of Understanding

Agree to and sign the CCAPP Statement of Understanding

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Continuing Education

SAPs are required to have 12 hours of continuing education training every 3 years; Must include material concerning new technologies, interpretations, recent guidelines, rule changes, and other information about developments in SAP practice, pertaining to the DOT program.

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Membership

CCAPP credentials do not include membership. Membership must be current and valid for 2 consecutive years prior to your renewal or you must pay the non-member price.

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Application Fees & Discounts

$48 Member with multiple credentials

$175 Member | $645 Non-Member

These fees are non-refundable

Certemy User Tips

    • Use one email account. If you need to change your email, see the information below.
    • Don't use your work email. If you change jobs, it can be hard to access your Certemy account, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email is not easy and takes time. To avoid delays, use a personal email address.
    • When starting a new application, don't use a different email if you already have a Certemy account. Use the same name, email, and password you used for your original application.
    • To change your email or other profile details, you need to submit a request through the [Contact Us] section or tell CCAPP staff directly by phone or email.
    • To reset your password, go to the Certemy login page and click the [Forgot password?] button.
    • To change your name, go to your Certemy account and select the [profile details] link from the profile icon in the top right.
    • Be careful with your spelling. Your documents will be printed based on the information you provide.
    • If you need help, use our information request form.

READY TO BEGIN YOUR NEW SAP APPLICATION IN CERTEMY?

The link below opens in Certemy. If this is your first time using Certemy, create a new account, otherwise, login to your existing account. Your application will be there waiting for you.

DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!

GO TO CERTEMY

ALREADY STARTED IN CERTEMY AND TRYING TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK?

The link below will take you back to Certemy without creating a new application. Please login to your existing account to resume your application or check on its status.

DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!

GO TO CERTEMY