Prepare your Designated Employer Representatives to manage testing programs with confidence and regulatory precision.
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DER Training & Certification
Comprehensive Designated Employer Representative training—learn to manage drug and alcohol testing programs, receive confidential test results, make removal decisions, and coordinate compliance activities with confidence and regulatory precision.
Every DOT-regulated employer must have a Designated Employer Representative (DER)—an employee authorized to receive confidential drug and alcohol testing communications, make removal decisions for safety-sensitive employees, and coordinate testing program activities. The DER role carries significant responsibility: improper handling of test results, premature disclosure of confidential information, or failure to remove prohibited employees creates substantial liability exposure.
DSC's DER Training & Certification program prepares your designated representatives to execute their responsibilities with confidence and precision. Our curriculum covers the complete DER role: understanding DOT testing requirements and triggers, receiving and interpreting MRO-verified results, making immediate removal decisions when violations occur, coordinating Return-to-Duty processes, maintaining confidentiality requirements, and documenting actions properly. Whether you're designating a new DER or refreshing existing knowledge, our training ensures your representatives understand both the regulatory requirements and practical application of this critical compliance function.
Key Features
Complete DER Curriculum
Comprehensive training covering all DER responsibilities from result receipt through removal decisions and Clearinghouse reporting.
Practical Application Focus
Real-world scenarios and decision exercises prepare DERs to handle testing situations with confidence and regulatory precision.
Certification Documentation
Training completion certificates demonstrate your organization's commitment to proper program administration during audits.
Compliance Requirements
Compliance Requirement
49 CFR Part 40 defines the Designated Employer Representative as an employee authorized to:
While DOT doesn't mandate specific DER training, employers are responsible for ensuring their DER understands regulatory requirements and can execute responsibilities properly. Inadequate DER knowledge creates compliance gaps and liability exposure.
- Receive drug and alcohol testing communications on behalf of the employer
- Take immediate action to remove employees from safety-sensitive functions when required
- Make decisions regarding testing (reasonable suspicion, post-accident)
- Receive confidential MRO communications and test results
How Diversified Helps
- Comprehensive DER role and responsibility training
- DOT testing requirements, triggers, and timelines
- Receiving and interpreting MRO-verified test results
- Removal decision protocols and documentation
- Confidentiality requirements and HIPAA considerations
- Return-to-Duty process coordination
- Clearinghouse reporting responsibilities
- Recordkeeping and audit preparation
- Certification of completion for compliance documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
The DER is your organization's point of contact for drug and alcohol testing matters. They receive confidential test results from MROs, make decisions about removing employees from safety-sensitive duties when violations occur, coordinate testing logistics (scheduling, notifications), and ensure proper documentation and Clearinghouse reporting. The DER must be available to respond to testing situations promptly.
DOT regulations don't mandate specific DER training, but employers must ensure their DER can properly execute the responsibilities defined in Part 40. Given the legal consequences of improper result handling, removal decisions, or confidentiality breaches, formal training is strongly recommended and represents industry best practice for liability protection.
Yes, one person can fulfill both roles, though they require different training. Reasonable Suspicion Training teaches recognition of impairment indicators, while DER Training covers result handling, removal decisions, and program administration. Many organizations have their DER also complete Reasonable Suspicion Training for comprehensive knowledge.
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