DOT does not certify, license, or approve individual SAPs. However, the SAP must be able to demonstrate to the employer qualifications necessary to meet DOT rule requirements. Part 40 states that the SAP must be a licensed physician (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy); or a licensed or certified social worker; or a licensed or certified psychologist; or a licensed or certified employee assistance professional; or a state-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist; or an alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission (NAADAC) or by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (ICRC); or by the National Board of Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates/Master Addictions Counselor (NBCC). I meet the last of these qualifications.
SAPS must also complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education every three years (See below). Joh’s most recent update training was completed on Sept. 14, 2023.
