Two steps under 49 CFR § 40.33: complete qualification training on the collection process, then pass an initial proficiency demonstration of five consecutive error-free mock collections, monitored and attested in writing by a qualified collector. Refresher training is required at least every five years.
49 CFR § 40.33(c) — Initial Proficiency Demonstration
Following your completion of qualification training under paragraph (b) of this section, you must demonstrate proficiency in collections under this part by completing five consecutive error-free mock collections. (1) The five mock collections must include two uneventful collection scenarios, one insufficient quantity of urine scenario, one temperature out of range scenario, and one scenario in which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle tamper-evident seal.
You cannot pass by running five easy mock collections. The regulation names them: two uneventful, one insufficient quantity of urine, one temperature out of range, and one refusal to sign the CCF and initial the seal. “Consecutive” and “error-free” are both load-bearing — an error means starting the sequence again.
The monitor must be a qualified collector who has demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities, and they must observe you either in person or by a means giving real-time observation and interaction. They attest in writing that the collections were error-free. This is why a purely self-paced online course cannot qualify you on its own.
Two ongoing obligations. Refresher training is required no less frequently than every five years, repeating both the qualification training and the five mock collections (§ 40.33(e)). And error correction training is required within 30 days if a mistake you make in the collection process causes a test to be cancelled (§ 40.33(f)) — though errors outside the collection process, like a specimen damaged in transit, do not trigger it.
Section 40.33(a) also requires collectors to stay current on Part 40, the DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines, and the DOT agency rules applicable to the employers they collect for — including subscribing to the ODAPC list-serve for updates.
Self-paced procedures course plus a live, proctored five-collection proficiency demonstration.
Learn more →Not entirely. The qualification training can be delivered online, but § 40.33(c)(2) requires a qualified collector to monitor your five mock collections in person or by a means providing real-time observation and interaction, and to attest in writing that they were error-free.
At least every five years. Section 40.33(e) requires refresher training meeting the requirements of both paragraphs (b) and (c) — the training and the five mock collections.
You must complete error correction training within 30 days of being notified, covering the subject areas in which the error occurred, under 49 CFR § 40.33(f).
Regulatory text on this page was verified against the current eCFR on August 31, 2026. This is general compliance information, not legal advice. Questions? Call (888) 869-0898.