BAT Proficiency Testing & Certification Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many proficiency tests must a BAT successfully complete before being permitted to conduct evidentiary breath alcohol tests on employees?
- One test with a passing score
- Two tests with no errors on either (Correct answer)
- Three tests with a combined average score
- One written and one practical examination
Correct answer: Two tests with no errors on either
DOT regulations require a BAT to demonstrate proficiency by completing two error-free proficiency tests before conducting actual evidentiary tests.
Question 2: Which organization publishes the model BAT training curriculum that employers and training programs typically follow?
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy (Correct answer)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Correct answer: Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy
The DOT's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC) publishes the model BAT training curriculum used across DOT-regulated industries.
Question 3: A BAT's certification lapses if they have not conducted a breath alcohol test for a period of how long?
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months (Correct answer)
- 24 months
Correct answer: 18 months
Under 49 CFR Part 40, a BAT who has not performed a test for 365 days (approximately 18 months per program specifics) must complete a refresher proficiency demonstration before retesting.
Question 4: During proficiency testing, an evaluator marks an error when the BAT performs an action that could result in which outcome?
- A delay of more than five minutes in the testing process
- An invalid or inaccurate test result or a violation of employee privacy (Correct answer)
- Any deviation from the exact sequence listed in the curriculum
- The use of an unapproved breath alcohol testing device
Correct answer: An invalid or inaccurate test result or a violation of employee privacy
Errors in proficiency testing are those actions or omissions that could lead to an incorrect result or a compromise of test integrity, such as an invalid or inaccurate result.
Question 5: What must a BAT do if an error is made during a proficiency test administered for initial certification?
- Continue the test and note the error in the record
- Stop and restart that specific test from the beginning
- Complete both proficiency tests over again from the start (Correct answer)
- Switch to a different approved testing device and retry
Correct answer: Complete both proficiency tests over again from the start
If any error occurs during proficiency testing, the BAT must restart and successfully complete both required error-free tests before certification can be granted.
Question 6: Which of the following is an acceptable format for BAT initial qualification training?
- Self-study using only the device manufacturer's manual
- Online course only, without any practical component
- Classroom, online, or a combination including hands-on device demonstration (Correct answer)
- On-the-job training supervised by a certified collector for 30 days
Correct answer: Classroom, online, or a combination including hands-on device demonstration
DOT allows classroom, online, or blended training formats for BAT qualification, provided training includes hands-on demonstration with an actual EBT or approved simulator.
Question 7: Who is responsible for ensuring that a BAT used in a DOT-regulated testing program has current, valid certification documentation on file?
- The BAT themselves
- The device manufacturer's regional representative
- The employer or designated employer representative (DER) (Correct answer)
- The Medical Review Officer (MRO) overseeing the program
Correct answer: The employer or designated employer representative (DER)
The employer or DER is responsible for maintaining and verifying that BAT qualification records are current before allowing the BAT to conduct regulated tests.
BAT Proficiency Testing & Certification Requirements 2
How many proficiency tests must a BAT successfully complete before being permitted to conduct evidentiary breath alcohol tests on employees?