Step 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Step 5 is the Return-to-Duty testing stage. After your SAP determines that you are eligible for RTD testing, you must complete the required DOT Return-to-Duty test and obtain a qualifying result before moving forward.

You are generally ready after completing your initial SAP evaluation, the education or treatment required by your SAP, and your SAP follow-up evaluation. Your SAP must determine that you are eligible for Return-to-Duty testing.

Your SAP determines the Return-to-Duty testing requirement. We confirm the required test type with your SAP and order the DOT drug test, alcohol test, or both exactly as specified.

You do not need to guess. We confirm your testing requirements with your SAP before the Return-to-Duty test is ordered.

Step 5 service is $199 when one Return-to-Duty test is required, either drug or alcohol. If both a DOT drug test and alcohol test are required, the price is $289.

Your service includes Step 5 coordination, confirmation of the required testing with your SAP, the applicable DOT test or tests, collection-site coordination, testing instructions, donor pass when applicable, MRO review when applicable, and applicable Clearinghouse reporting.

We coordinate testing at an available collection site and provide the location and instructions needed to complete your test.

A donor pass contains information used by the collection site to complete your ordered drug test. When applicable, we provide the donor pass after your testing has been arranged.

Yes. DOT Return-to-Duty drug tests are completed under direct observation.

Step 5 reporting is completed by the responsible employer or an authorized C/TPA when applicable. When our service is properly designated to handle Step 5, we complete the applicable Clearinghouse reporting after the qualifying result is received.

Your prohibited status can change after the required Return-to-Duty process is completed and the qualifying negative RTD result is properly reported to the Clearinghouse.

In certain situations, a driver without a current or prospective DOT-regulated employer may use a properly designated C/TPA for the limited purpose of completing the Return-to-Duty process.

After Step 5, the process moves to Step 6 follow-up testing. Your SAP establishes the follow-up testing plan that applies after you return to DOT safety-sensitive work.

No. The Return-to-Duty test is Step 5. Follow-up testing occurs under Step 6 and follows the testing plan established by your SAP.

You are not yet ready for Step 5. Complete your SAP requirements first, including the follow-up evaluation and SAP determination that you are eligible for Return-to-Duty testing.