DOT Substance Abuse Testing Laboratory Certification

In 1988, the U.S. Federal government instituted the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLCP) to certify certain laboratories that perform substance abuse testing. These laboratories are the only ones permitted to perform drug testing for Department of Transportation purposes.

Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this program requires laboratories to meet certain stringent requirements in order to participate in Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs.

To become certified, a laboratory must undergo three rounds of performance testing plus an on-site inspection. To maintain that certification, a laboratory must participate in a quarterly performance testing program plus periodic on-site inspections.

A notice listing all currently certified laboratories is published in the Federal Register during the first week of each month. If any laboratory's certification is suspended or revoked, the laboratory will be omitted from subsequent lists until such time as it is restored to full certification under the Mandatory Guidelines. The list is available here: Federal list of certified laboratories.