The DOT states you must be one of the following in order to become a substance abuse professional: a licensed physician, a licensed or certified social worker, a licensed or certified psychologist, a licensed or certified employee assistance professional, a state-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist, an alcohol and drug abuse counselor certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission, or by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, or by the National Board of Certified Counselors, Inc. and Affiliates/Master Addictions Counselor.
You need knowledge of substance abuse-related issues and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of such issues. Having an understanding on how a substance abuse professional relates to the special responsibilities employers have for ensuring a safe, drug-free environment is vital as well. Most employers provide their own substance abuse professional guidelines. However, "It is important to note that your degrees and certificates alone do not confer to you these knowledge requirements," as said by the Department of Transportation.
The qualification training must include the nine required components laid out in Section 281(c) of Part 40 of the Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional Guidelines, which explains who is qualified to act as a substance abuse professional. The most stressed of these components are the necessary credentials, basic knowledge on the subject, qualification training, continuing education and documentation.
After completing your training, you must successfully pass an examination. "This examination must be given by a nationally recognized professional or training organization and must comprehensively cover all the elements required for the qualification training," as written in the DOT's Substance Abuse Professional Guidelines. As of June 2010, every three years after the completion of this examination, you must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education relevant to your SAP's responsibilities.
There are several accredited courses you may take to become a certified substance abuse professional. The American Substance Abuse Professional Inc. offers a home study course with an approximate cost of $150 as of June 2010. Likewise, the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association offer online as well as in-class training for less than $300. Blair Consulting offers a 14-hour classroom training course for an approximate cost of $395.