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Am I Subject to Random Testing?

Many federal employees have asked "How do I know if I am subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation Random drug/and or alcohol testing?"

To answer this question, we have developed the following decision tree to assist you in determining if you are covered for Random drug/and or alcohol testing or not. The decision tree is only a guide and does not replace or supersede the actual policy.

This tool was provided for the purpose of helping you determine your Testing Designated Position (TDP) status. All results should be verified with your supervisor or the SAATO.

The decision tree begins by answering this simple question:

Are you a federal DOT employee?
Do you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?
What Operating Administration (OA) do you work for?
Do you hold one of the below FAA job titles?
  • Airspace Systems Inspection/Flight Test Pilots - FV2181
  • Misc title for Program Manager/Director of Flight Inspection Programs - FV301/340(b)
  • Program Support Specialist - FV301(c)
  • Computer Specialists in Technical Operations in ARTCC - FV334 (e)
  • Engineering Technicians in ATO Technical Operations - FV802 (e)
  • Aerospace Engineering Technicians - FV802 (b)
  • Engineers in ATO Technical Operations - FV8XX (e)
  • Electronics Technicians in ATO Technical Operations - FV856 (e)
  • Aerospace Engineers - FV861 (f)
  • Civil Aviation Security Specialists in Office of Airports - FV1801 (f)
  • Certification Safety Inspectors - FV1801 (f)
  • Criminal Investigators - FV1811 (f)
  • Aviation Safety Inspectors - FV1825 (f)
  • Quality Assurance Specialist (Aerospace and Electrical) - FV1910 (b)
  • Airway Transportation System Specialist in ATO Technical Operations - FV2101 (e)
  • Engineering Research Psychologist in Aircraft Certification Service - FV180 (f)
  • Air Traffic Control Specialists - FV2152 (f)
  • Air Traffic Assistants - FV2154 (g)
  • Aviation Technical System Specialist - FV2186 (b)
  • All wage grade employees in ATO Technical Operations - FW-xxxx (e)
  • Transportation Equipment Operation Family - FW57xx (e)

Learn more about Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) for FAA Jobson the DOT Order 3910.1 Series Appendix A page.

  • (b) Only those positions in TOW, Technical Operations Service Unit (Aviation systems Standards), assigned to the Aeronautical Center that have certification responsibilities and their first level supervisors, except for those posi associated with the former AOS-200, National Airway Systems Engineering Division.
  • (c) Only those individuals assigned certification responsibilities and their first level supervisors.
  • (d) Except FG/FV-802 employees assigned to Field Maintenance Party staff and Facilities and Equipment staff.
  • (e) Positions provide direct support for the NAS and their first level managers.
  • (f) Only FG/FV-1801, FG/FV-1811, FG/FV-1825, FG/FV-861, FG/FV-189 and FG/FV-2152 employees who are required to take periodic physical exams to retain medical clearances.
  • (g) Except Traffic Assistant (Simulation), FG/FV-2154, positions at the Technical Center, Atlantic City, NJ.
  • (h) Except those individuals who are not targeted for safety related positions (will never certify equipment) and/or a assigned to Field Maintenance Party staff positions.
  • (i) Only those Office of Airports employees who are responsible for conducting safety and certification inspections In compliance with safety requirements in 14 CFR Part 139)
Do you hold one of the below PHMSA job titles?
  • General Engineers (Pipeline) - GS-801(a)
  • Petroleum Engineers - GS-881 (a)
  • Transportation Specialists - GS-2101 (a)
  • Compliance Investigator - GS-1801 (a)

Learn more about Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) for PHMSA Jobs on the DOT Order 3910.1 Series Appendix A page.

  • (a) Includes only those GS-801, GS-881, and GS-2101 positions with responsibilities for field operations of inspection and enforcement.)
Do you hold one of the below OST job titles?
Do you hold one of the below FMCSA job titles?
  • Highway Safety Specialists - GS-2125 (a)
  • Motor Carrier Safety Specialists - GS-2123(a)

Learn more about Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) for FMCSA Jobs on the DOT Order 3910.1 Series Appendix A page.

  • (a) Includes only those GS-2123 and GS-2125 positions with day-to-day responsibilities for field operations of inspection and enforcement.
Do you hold one of the below FHWA job titles?
Do you hold one of the below FRA job titles?
  • Program Manager - ES-0340
  • Railroad Safety Series - ES-2121
  • Drug & Alcohol Program Specialist - GS-0301
  • Industrial Hygienists - GS-0690
  • General Engineers - GS-0801 (a)
  • Civil & Structural Engineers - GS-0810 (a)
  • Mechanical Engineers - GS-0830 (a)
  • Electronic Engineers - GS-0855 (a)
  • Railroad Safety Series - GS-2121
  • Transportation Specialist Series - GS-2101

Learn more about Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) for FRA Jobs on the DOT Order 3910.1 Series Appendix A page.

  • (a) Includes only Headquarter RRS positions assigned to work in the discipline specific areas of: Hazardous Materials, Motive Power & Equipment, Operating Practices, Signals & Train Control, Track and Structures. Also includes Positive Train Control (PTC), and Passenger Safety)
Do you hold one of the below FTA job titles?
Do you hold one of the below MARAD job titles?
  • Engineers (Watchstander) - WM-5352
  • Marine General Utility Maintenance Mechanics (Deck/Engine) - WM-5352
  • Transportation Equipment Operations Family - WG-57XX
Do you hold one of the below NHTSA job titles?
  • Auto Enforcement Investigators - GS-1801
  • Criminal Investigator - GS-1811
  • Motor Vehicle Operators - WG-5703
Do you hold one of the below OIG job titles?
Do you hold one of the below SLSDC job titles?
  • Lock and Dam Operators - WG-5426 (b)
  • Vessel Traffic Controllers - GS-2150 (b)
  • Transportation Equipment Operation Family - WG-57XX (b)

Learn more about Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) for SLSDC Jobs on the DOT Order 3910.1 Series Appendix A page.

  • (b) Employees in other series who periodically perform the duties of Vessel Traffic Controllers, Lock and Dam Operators and Heavy Transportation or Marine Equipment Operators are also included as TDPs.
Do you have a Top-Secret or Secret Clearance?
This eligibility tool does not apply to you. Please visit the Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance to take the Am I Covered? quiz.
You are subject to random drug testing under DOT Order 3910.1 Series. Please visit the DOT Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies page for more information.
You are not subject to random drug or alchohol testing under DOT Order 3910.1 Series,  Please visit the DOT Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies page for more information.
You are subject to random drug and alcohol testing under DOT Order 3910.1 Series. Please visit the DOT Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies page for more information.