Delivered2Choices | Your Trusted Partner for SAP & Return-to-Duty Services
What Does the Clearinghouse Return-to-Duty (RTD) Process consist of?
The Return-to-Duty (RTD) process is a mandatory procedure outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for employees who have violated drug and alcohol regulations. It ensures that safety-sensitive employees, like commercial drivers, are properly evaluated and treated before resuming their duties.
If you are a CDL driver and have failed or refused a DOT drug or alcohol test, you must successfully complete this process through the Clearinghouse to get back to work.
Focus Keyword: Return-to-Duty process, Clearinghouse return-to-duty process
Who Needs to Complete the Return-to-Duty Process?
Anyone working in a DOT-regulated industry, including commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, railroad workers, pilots, pipeline workers, and transit employees, who have:
- Tested positive on a DOT drug or alcohol test
- Refused to take a required test
- Leaving the testing site before producing a UA sample
You cannot return to safety-sensitive duties until completing the full RTD process under a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
Step-by-Step: The 6 Steps of the RTD Clearinghouse Process
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 6 steps moving through the Clearinghouse process, as guided by Delivered2Choices:
Step 1. Designate a DOT Qualified SAP (Substance Abuse Professional)
First, you must choose and designate a DOT-qualified SAP, like at Delivered2Choices. The SAP will assess your situation and guide you through the complete process. We ensure a non-cookie cutter and compassionate approach in each case.
Focus Keyword: DOT Qualified SAP, Substance Abuse Professional for RTD
Step 2. SAP Accepts the Designation
Once you’ve designated a SAP, they accept the designation and officially become your SAP provider. The SAP will normally accept this designation when you show up to your scheduled appointment.
Step 3. SAP Conducts a Thorough Assessment
Your assigned SAP will conduct an in-depth face-to-face or virtual assessment to evaluate your level of addiction severity, as applicable. Based on the assessment outcome, the SAP will prescribe a specific education and/or treatment plan, tailored to address the severity level.
Focus Keyword: SAP assessment, Return-to-Duty evaluation
Step 4. Complete SAP’s Recommended Education and/or Treatment
You must fully complete the SAP’s recommended education or treatment assignment. This may include counseling, rehab programs, or educational courses. Delivered2Choices helps ensure you are connected to certified programs that meet DOT standards.
Most don’t realize that after receiving your 4th checkmark in the Clearinghouse, you have successfully completed the SAP portion of the Return-to-Duty process. Technically no longer in, what this profession calls, “The SAP Program”. In addition, you are not a “SAP Driver”, but a driver who has successfully completed the SAP portion of the RTD process. Be proud of this accomplishment.
Focus Keyword: SAP treatment for DOT violations, RTD education programs
Step 5. Sent to RTD Test by Either Your Employer or a C/TPA
Once you finish the SAP portion (Step 4) in the Clearinghouse, you will be eligible for the return-to-duty test. Remember, you cannot order this particular type of test yourself, only your current/future employer or a Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) can order a Return-to-duty test. Once that test comes back negative, your employer or C/TPA is responsible to enter those results in the clearinghouse.
Your SAP does not need a copy of your negative RTD test. Once your RTD test is entered into the Clearinghouse by your employer or C/TPA this will turn your light green, give you your 5th checkmark on, and you are no longer prohibited from driving a CMV.
Focus Keyword: Clearinghouse return-to-duty test
Step 6. Follow-up Testing Plan
Finally, you must undergo follow-up testing to earn your 6th checkmark in the Clearinghouse. Once you start working, you are subject to a minimum of 6 follow-up tests in the first 12 months from the date you started working again and can continue for up to 5 years. Follow-up tests are in addition to all other DOT required tests. Your employer or C/TPA is responsible to assure the follow-up tests are conducted and completed.
You cannot know exactly when your follow-up testing plan will end. You will not receive a notification that your testing is about to end, nor that it has ended. The only way you will know that your testing plan has ended is when you log into your Clearinghouse, after 1-year from the date you returned to work, and discover a checkmark on step 6. If there is no checkmark, you know that the testing plan is still active. Only the last follow-up test is entered into the Clearinghouse by your employer of C/TPA, which will give you that 6th and final checkmark.
Why Choose Delivered2Choices for Your Return-to-Duty Needs?
Delivered2Choices offers efficient, confidential, and compliant SAP evaluations and guidance throughout the Return-to-Duty process. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Certified DOT-qualified SAP
- Virtual & in-person assessments
- Step-by-step guidance until you are cleared to return to work
- Affordable and transparent pricing
- Support for employers and drivers navigating DOT Clearinghouse requirements
FAQs about the Return-to-Duty Process
1. How long does the Return-to-Duty process take?
The duration varies based on the SAP’s recommendation. Some may complete it within a few days, while others may need longer depending on assessment outcome.
2. What is a SAP assessment?
A SAP assessment is a professional evaluation to determine addiction, if any, severity level, then match it with the appropriate level of treatment or education to address the specific DOT violation.
3. Do I have to notify my employer?
Yes. Employers must be aware of violations and are responsible for ensuring you complete the RTD process before resuming safety-sensitive duties.
4. Can I do the SAP assessment online?
Yes, Delivered2Choices offers virtual SAP assessments for your convenience while maintaining DOT compliance.
5. What happens if I fail the Return-to-Duty test?
If you fail, you cannot return to work and will need to restart the RTD process under your SAP’s guidance.
Focus Keywords for FAQs: SAP assessment, DOT Return-to-Duty timeline, SAP online assessment, fail return-to-duty test
Ready to Return to Work? Contact Delivered2Choices Today!
Take the First Step Towards Your Return-to-Duty with Confidence
Don’t let a DOT violation end your career. Delivered2Choices is here to help you navigate the Return-to-Duty process through the Clearinghouse smoothly and efficiently. With the expert SAP you need, supportive guidance, and a streamlined process, we’ll help you get back on the road or back to work — safely and confidently.
Contact us now to schedule your SAP assessment or learn more about how we can help:
Call: 916-399-3047 
Visit: https://delivered2choices.com
