Drug & Alcohol Testing Training & Compliance Solutions

This book, titled "Empowered Awareness: Navigating Drug and Alcohol Screening with Knowledge," by Jan Kornmann of KorManagement Services LLC, serves as a comprehensive guide for trainers and other professionals in the drug and alcohol testing industry. It emphasizes the critical importance of integrity, ethical responsibility, and regulatory compliance in workplace drug and alcohol screening for certified professional collector trainers.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including:

- The historical context and evolution of drug and alcohol testing policies, influenced by significant accidents like the USS Nimitz crash, the Conrail accident, and the Union Square derailment.

- The fundamental reasons for training in the industry ("why"), the specific knowledge and skills required for different roles ("what"), and effective training methodologies ("how"), including compliance with regulations such as 49 CFR Part 40 and 42 CFR Part 79.

- Detailed information on training qualifications for various roles, such as employees, supervisors, collectors, Designated Employer Representatives (DERs), and Medical Review Officer (MRO) Assistants.

- The consequences of errors in drug and alcohol screening, distinguishing between "fatal flaws" and "correctable flaws" and their impact on compliance and safety.

- Guidance on creating powerful presentations, including defining purpose and audience, structuring content, designing visuals, and practicing delivery.

- Preparation strategies for the training day, focusing on optimizing the learning environment and ensuring participant comprehension, incorporating adult learning principles like the M.A.R.S. framework (Motivation, Association, Repetition, Sensory Perception).

- An in-depth look at search and seizure regulations, particularly the Fourth Amendment and the "special needs" doctrine, as they apply to drug and alcohol testing to protect rights and privacy.

- Specific requirements and best practices for DOT urine drug collection training, including what qualifies a collector under 49 CFR Part 40.33.

The author, Jan Kornmann, draws on over three decades of experience in the field, advocating for education, compliance, and ethical screening solutions. The book aims to be a "guiding light" for professionals, helping them master technical aspects and embrace ethical responsibilities to ensure safe workforces and communities.

July 11, 2025                  NDASA  "THE VOICE"  

What makes a great trainer for certified professional collector trainers?

By Jan Kornmann, NDASA Training and Certification Chair, founder KorManagement Services  

Training is more than just transferring information, sharing inspiration, guiding, and shaping the way people think and act. A truly effective trainer for drug and alcohol testing isn’t someone who knows just the material; they also embody a set of qualities that make learning engaging, meaningful, and transformative. What sets a great trainer apart? Four key elements: knowledge, patience, experience, and the ability to communicate the “why” behind the passion.

1. Knowledge: the foundation of credibility  

A trainer must be well-versed in their subject, particularly in the specific training qualifications required for certified professional collector trainers. Knowledge provides authority, which ensures that trainees trust and respect the information being presented. Beyond facts and figures, a great trainer understands how to connect knowledge to real-world applications, making lessons practical and relatable.  

For example, a trainer must be knowledgeable about the Department of Transportation’s Urine Collector Guidelines and the importance of following the procedures to properly instruct DOT qualified Urine Drug Collectors. They should also describe the negative outcomes that may occur due to non-compliance. When a collector fails to follow the correct procedures under 49 CFR Part 40, it can lead to serious consequences, including invalid test results, regulatory violations, and potential legal or financial repercussions. Here’s what might happen when procedures are not followed correctly:  

- Test cancellation or invalid results  

If a collector makes a procedural error—such as improper specimen handling, incorrect documentation, or failure to follow chain-of-custody requirements—the test may be cancelled or deemed invalid. This means the employer cannot use the results for compliance purposes, and there may or may not be an opportunity to retest, depending on the situation.  

- Corrective action and retraining  

Collectors who violate procedures may be required to undergo additional training to ensure compliance with DOT regulations. Employers and service agents must ensure collectors are properly trained to prevent future errors.  

- Employer liability and compliance issues  

Employers relying on DOT drug and alcohol testing must ensure their collectors follow strict procedural guidelines. If a collector’s mistake leads to non-compliance, the employer may face fines, audits, or corrective action from regulatory agencies.  

- Public interest exclusion (PIE) for serious violations  

In cases of fraudulent or repeated violations, the DOT may issue a Public Interest Exclusion (PIE), barring the collector or service agent from participating in DOT-regulated testing programs.  

- Impact on employees and workplace safety  

Improper collection procedures can compromise workplace safety, especially in transportation industries where drug and alcohol testing is critical. If a test is mishandled, an employee who should have been flagged for substance use may continue working in a safety-sensitive role.  

2. Patience: the art of meeting learners where they are  

Every trainee learns at a different pace and through various learning styles. Some grasp concepts quickly, while others need repetition and reassurance. A trainer’s patience enables learners to feel safe and supported, creating an environment where they are comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and experiencing growth in their skill set.  

3. Experience: bridging theory with reality  

There’s a difference between reading about a skill and applying it in real-world scenarios. Experience is what allows trainers to offer invaluable insights, troubleshooting methods, and practical guidance that can’t be found in textbooks. The best trainers for certified professional collector trainers incorporate personal anecdotes, case studies, and hands-on activities that enrich the learning process.  

A trainer who hasn’t actively performed drug or alcohol collections for at least a year may have gaps in hands-on experience, especially with evolving procedures and regulations. This can affect their ability to provide practical, up-to-date guidance.  

Here’s what a trainer who lacks updated hands-on experience might encounter:  

- Limited practical knowledge – They may understand the regulations but lack current familiarity with real-world collection scenarios.  

- Potential compliance risks – If they’re not actively involved, they might overlook recent changes in DOT 49 CFR Part 40 or other industry updates.  

- Reduced confidence in demonstrations – Trainees benefit most from trainers who can showcase techniques firsthand rather than relying solely on theory.  

- Weaker engagement – Experience-driven trainers offer valuable anecdotes, troubleshooting strategies, and best practices—something harder to provide without recent fieldwork.  

To ensure training effectiveness, it’s best to have trainers who regularly perform collections or remain deeply connected to industry developments.  

4. The “why” behind the passion: Fueling lasting impact  

A trainer’s passion is what makes their message resonate. When learners see genuine enthusiasm, they engage more deeply, absorb more, and feel inspired to implement what they’ve learned. But true passion stems from a deeper “why,” promoting a personal mission, belief, or experience that drives their dedication. Understanding and communicating this “why” creates authenticity and connection, turning routine training sessions into memorable, meaningful experiences.  

The trainer’s lasting influence  

Great trainers don’t just teach; they empower. They cultivate curiosity, confidence, and competence, leaving trainees with not just knowledge, but the motivation to apply it effectively. Whether training employees, students, or industry professionals, the best trainers recognize their impact extends beyond a single session. It shapes careers, perspectives, and even industries.  

Great training techniques make learning engaging, memorable, and practical. Here are some highly effective methods incorporating the training qualifications for certified professional collector trainers to consider:  

- Interactive case studies and real-world scenarios – Using actual cases or hypothetical scenarios allows trainees to apply knowledge to realistic settings. This technique fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills while making the training relatable.  

- Hands-on activities and role-playing – Rather than passive learning only, hands-on exercises reinforce skills through practice. Role-playing helps trainees navigate real-world interactions, whether in compliance testing, policy enforcement, or industry-specific situations.  

- Microlearning and bite-sized lessons – Breaking content into short, focused segments improves retention and prevents information overload. This method works well for technical training or regulatory updates.  

- Visual aids and infographics – Diagrams, timelines, and comparison charts simplify complex concepts. Incorporating engaging visuals enhances clarity and retention, especially when explaining testing procedures or historical evolution in drug screening.  

- Discussion-based learning and peer engagement – Encouraging trainees to ask questions, debate issues, and share experiences makes the training dynamic. Peer engagement reinforces learning through collaboration.  

- Gamification and competitive learning – Introducing quizzes, challenges, or simulations adds motivation and engagement. Gamification fosters participation and encourages learners to absorb information actively.  

- The “Teach-Back” Method – Having trainees explain concepts to others reinforces understanding and ensures mastery. This works exceptionally well for compliance-based training, where clarity is essential.  

- Storytelling and historical context – Tying concepts to real-life stories or historical developments creates a deeper connection to the material. This technique is especially useful when discussing drug testing evolution and societal impact.  

Would you like suggestions for tailoring these techniques to your specific training programs? NDASA’s Training Mastery Co-Hort meetings provide opportunities for trainers to hone their skills, ask questions, and receive input from colleagues and expert trainers.  

NDASA Teaching Faculty members are experts in the industry, and the training provided is exceptional!  

What do attendees say after attending NDASA classes?  

“I love the in-person training NDASA provides! I always learn more than I expected and get practical wisdom with continued support from the instructors. Thank you!”  

“Excellent course material with a knowledgeable trainer. The learning environment was engaging and fun!”  

“Thank you for providing expert training with a level of excellence. I feel fully prepared to address challenging issues and help my colleagues to up their game.”  

INTRODUCING THE NDASA TEACHING FACULTY  

NDASA’s teaching faculty is a group of approved experts who will lead sessions at the association’s live training events, including pre- and post-NDASA’s Annual Conference training, NDASA webinars, Mid-Year Training, Regional Training, and at other events as needed. These members have gone through a rigorous application process and were vetted through NDASA’s Training and Certification Committee.  

Congratulations to the first NDASA Training Faculty!  

• Kelly Dobbins  

• Becki Fisher  

• Dean Klassy  

• Jan Kornmann  

• Mark Magsam  

• Chuck Marting  

• Leslie Prince  

• Joe Reilly  

• Chandra Spring DeWald  

• John Throckmorton