Subpart J - Alcohol Testing Personnel
§ 40.211 Who Conducts DOT Alcohol Tests?
(a) Only Screening Test Technicians (STTs) and Breath Alcohol Technicians (BATs) who meet the requirements of this subpart are authorized to conduct DOT alcohol tests.
(b) An STT is permitted to conduct alcohol screening tests only, while a BAT may conduct both screening and confirmation tests.
(c) If you are a BAT- or STT-qualified immediate supervisor of a specific employee, you may not perform testing on that employee unless no other BAT or STT is available and your DOT agency does not prohibit it.
§ 40.213 What Training Requirements Must STTs and BATs Meet?
To serve as a BAT or STT under the DOT alcohol testing program, you must meet all of the following:
(a) General Knowledge
You must be knowledgeable about DOT alcohol testing procedures and current guidance. Resources are available from ODAPC (Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; 202–366–3784; https://www.transportation.gov/odapc). You must stay up to date and subscribe to ODAPC updates.
(b) Qualification Training
Training must follow the DOT Model BAT or STT Course or an equivalent course approved by ODAPC.
You must be proficient in the testing procedures and operation of the specific testing devices (e.g., ASD or EBT).
Training must stress maintaining test integrity, ensuring employee privacy, and avoiding inappropriate behavior or statements.
Your instructor must be experienced—having performed DOT alcohol tests and/or training for at least one year or having completed a “train the trainer” course.
(c) Initial Proficiency Demonstration
After training, you must pass:
BATs: Seven consecutive error-free mock tests
STTs: Five consecutive error-free mock tests
A qualified monitor must observe and document these as error-free.
(d) Readiness to Perform Duties
You must complete both training and mock test proficiency before conducting any alcohol tests.
(e) Refresher Training
You must complete refresher training at least every five years from your qualification date.
(f) Error Correction Training
If you make a fatal or uncorrected error that cancels a test:
You must undergo error correction training within 30 days.
Training must focus on the area of error and include three error-free mock tests (one normal, two related to the error).
A qualified instructor must document your proficiency.
(g) Documentation
You must keep proof of current qualification and provide it upon request to DOT agencies, employers, or C/TPAs.
(h) Others Who May Serve as STTs or BATs
A qualified BAT may serve as an STT if they are proficient in the ASD device being used.
Law enforcement officers certified by a state or local government to perform breath alcohol testing are considered qualified BATs. They do not need additional training under this section if using the certified EBT or ASD device.
§ 40.215 What Information Must Employers Provide to STTs and BATs?
Employers must provide the name and phone number of the designated employer representative (DER) and, if applicable, the C/TPA to the BATs and STTs for contact during any testing issues.
§ 40.217 Where Else Can You Find Information on STTs and BATs?
You can find more about STT and BAT responsibilities in: