Is Quest Diagnostics' Free Collector Training Enough for DOT Qualification?

Quest Diagnostics offers free online specimen collection modules, and many employers use them to introduce staff to collections. Quest states publicly that these courses, including the completion certificate, do not meet the requirements to become a DOT-certified collector. Under 49 CFR 40.33, a collector must complete qualification training and five consecutive error-free mock collections before performing any DOT collection. Employers remain responsible for using qualified collectors.

Does Quest's free training qualify someone for DOT collections?

No. Quest's own page states:

The specimen online collection training offered by Quest Diagnostics is not a qualification training program approved by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). These Quest learning courses, including the certificate for course completion, do not fulfill the requirements needed to become a DOT-certified collector.

Source: Quest Diagnostics online training

Those modules are a learning resource. They are not described as including Part 40 mock collections or shipping collector training supplies for staff who need to qualify.

What does 49 CFR 40.33 require before a collector performs DOT collections?

Before performing any DOT urine collection, a collector generally must complete qualification training covering the subjects in § 40.33(b), then five consecutive error-free mock collections monitored by a qualified person who attests in writing (§ 40.33(c)). Collectors must also keep documentation and provide it on request to employers and C/TPAs (§ 40.33(g)), complete refresher training at least every five years, and finish error correction training within 30 days if a mistake cancels a test.

Details of the steps are on What Steps Are Necessary to Become a Qualified DOT Collector? and How To Become a DOT Specimen Collector?. Rule text: 49 CFR 40.33. DOT overview: How can I become a collector.

Who is responsible if an unqualified collector performs a DOT collection?

The employer. Under 49 CFR 40.15(b)–(c), the employer is responsible for ensuring service agents (including collectors) are qualified, and good-faith use of a service agent is not a defense. Clinics, collection sites, and TPAs supporting employers generally need the same documentation trail before staff collect for DOT tests.

How can an organization train several collectors at once?

Organizations can enroll a team through a Training Manager account and track each collector's progress in DOT Urine Specimen Collector Training (online qualification training, mock supplies shipped to learners, and live virtual mocks). For a broader package, see the DOT Specimen Collector Training bundle. Organizations that want staff who can monitor their own mocks can use DOT Urine Specimen Collector Train-the-Trainer.