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Certified Training Solutions

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Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training Course

DER How to Buy and Course intro Video 6-18-25 FINAL_720_1x1.mp4

Our comprehensive Designated Employer Representative (DER) online training program is designed to equip employers and supervisors with the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively manage Department of Transportation (DOT) drug and alcohol testing programs. Whether you are new to the DER role or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course provides clear, practical guidance to help you stay compliant and make informed decisions in real-world situations.

The core DER course consists of nine in-depth modules covering the essential requirements of 49 CFR Part 40. Learners will gain a thorough understanding of federal testing procedures, employer responsibilities, and the critical role DERs play in maintaining a compliant workplace. The content is presented in an easy-to-follow format, making complex regulations more accessible and actionable.

Starting at just $49.99 per module!

See pricing below

To further tailor your training, we offer additional modules specific to each DOT Operating Administration, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). These add-on modules ensure that your training aligns with the specific regulations and nuances of your industry.

Throughout the course, learners engage with interactive content, including quizzes and realistic role-play simulations that mirror situations DERs commonly face. These exercises are designed to strengthen understanding and build confidence in applying DOT regulations in day-to-day operations. At the end of the program, participants must pass a comprehensive final exam to demonstrate their knowledge. Upon successful completion, a Certificate of Completion is awarded, providing documentation of training for compliance purposes.

Each module includes a quiz and an interactive role-play simulation designed to reinforce learning and assess comprehension. These simulations place DER students in realistic workplace scenarios, where they interact with lifelike characters and make decisions they may encounter on the job, helping to build confidence in real-world situations.

At the conclusion of the course, learners must successfully complete a comprehensive final exam to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Upon passing, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Our comprehensive DER training program is structured into nine easy-to-follow modules:

Module 1: Introduction to DER Responsibilities
Module 2: DOT Operating Administrations and Key Entities in the Testing Process
Module 3: Hiring Procedures and DER Responsibilities
Module 4: DOT vs. Non-DOT Testing — Who to Test, Types of Required Tests, Substances Tested, Split Specimen Testing, and Alcohol Testing
Module 5: Test Refusals
Module 6: Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Process, Violations, and Return-to-Duty Procedures
Module 7: Direct Observation Collections, Problem Collections, Fatal Flaws, and Cancelled Tests
Modules 8–9: Employer Recordkeeping Requirements and Confidentiality

Choose Your Industry-Specific DER Training Course

Trucking & Transport Industry: DER Training Course for FMCSA-covered Employers

$199.99

Covers Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules under 49 CFR Part 40 plus the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration module (Part 382), includes Clearinghouse content and FREE Reasonable Suspicion Course.

Railroad Industry: DER Training Course for FRA-covered Employers

$229.99

Covers Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules under 49 CFR Part 40 plus includes the Federal Railroad Administration module (Part 219), and FREE Reasonable Suspicion & Post-Accident Training Course.

Airline - Aviation Industry: DER Training Course For FAA-covered Employers

$199.99

Covers Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules under 49 CFR Part 40 plus the Federal Aviation Administration module (Part 120), includes FREE Reasonable Suspicion Course.

Transit Industry: DER Training Course for FTA-covered Employers

$199.99

Covers Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules under 49 CFR Part 40 plus the Federal Transit Administration module (Part 655), includes FREE Reasonable Suspicion Course.

Pipeline, LNG, Hazardous Materials Industry: DER Training Course for PHMSA-covered Employers

$199.99

Covers Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules under 49 CFR Part 40 plus the Pipeline and Hazardus Materials Safety Administration module (Part 199), includes FREE Reasonable Suspicion Course.

Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training - Main DOT Modules/Course Only

$155.00

Covers Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules under 49 CFR Part 40.

Includes FREE Reasonable Suspicion Course.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Training Module

$49.99

Covers 49 CFR Part 382 – Controlled Substances/Alcohol Use, plus Clearinghouse rules.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Training Module

$49.99

Covers 49 CFR Part 219 –

Drug/Alcohol Use

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Training Module

$49.99

Covers FAA rules 49 CFR Part 120 and Pilot Records Database info

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Training Module

$49.99

Covers 49 CFR Part 655 – Transit drug/alcohol regulations

Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Training Module

$49.99

Covers 49 CFR Part 199 – Drug/Alcohol Testing for pipelines/hazardous materials

Important Notes

  •  Upon registration and payment, students will have up to 60 days to complete the course online. Students may “come & go” from the online course by saving their progress — it is not necessary to complete the entire course in one sitting.
  • This is a self-paced course, and the main DER training modules take the average adult learner approximately 6 hours to complete. Each additional operating agency module takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on the length.
  • All courses provide a Certificate for download and printing upon successful course completion.
  • Although some courses include video and audio segments, for a more active learning experience, online learners read and navigate the courses at their own pace. Additional interaction is required frequently in the quizzes and interactive simulations.
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