What Jobs Drug Test?

Evelyn Sanderson - April 15, 2024

Entering into a new career or finding a job for the first time can be stressful, and you may be wondering if any of the jobs you are applying for will be drug testing you. While the process of drug testing can seem scary, drug tests are fairly commonplace in certain types of careers, and these tests are generally not a big deal for most job applicants.

Our article gives you more details on pre-employment drug tests, what to expect from these tests, and the most common drugs that require a drug test before you are officially hired.

Understanding Pre-Employment Drug Tests

Drug tests are used by employers to determine if their potential employees use any illegal substances, alcohol, or prescription medication inappropriately.

Employers typically require drug tests as a part of their duty of care, as hiring an employee in certain fields without testing them may present a danger to the workplace. That could open up the employer to lawsuits if individuals find that they acted negligently during the hiring process.

There are several different forms of pre-employment drug tests. You may be requested to complete one or more of the following types of drug tests depending on your potential employer’s drug testing policies.

Common methods of pre-employment drug testing include:

• Urine testing
• Hair testing
• Oral, or saliva, testing
• Breath alcoholic testing
• Blood testing

For the most part, urine testing is the most common way that employers will conduct drug tests. This is because it is the basic method that is approved for federally mandated drug testing, and it is the least invasive option for drug testing.

The turnaround times for urine testing are also fairly fast, with negative results only taking around a day to come back, while further testing and non-negative results may take a few days.

Employers typically choose to have their potential employees complete drug test screening between a week and several weeks before official hiring and onboarding.

What Drugs Could I Be Tested For?

Depending on your potential employer, they could be looking for the presence of one specific drug, or they may request a full panel to test for different kinds of substances. For the most part, jobs test for the following drugs during pre-employment drug screening:

• Marijuana or THC
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines, including MDMA and methamphetamine
• Opiates, including heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and codeine
• Phencyclidine, also known as PCP

If your employer is looking for a specific type of drug, they will generally inform you as part of the disclosure they are required to give before you complete your drug testing. You can speak with your employer or the HR department of your potential employer for more details about the process of the company’s drug screening.

Will a Drug Test Always Be Required of Me Before I’m Hired?

In general, drug testing is almost always required in certain industries and within certain companies. This is because drug testing is a vital part of ensuring that potential employees will not put themselves and others at risk by working while under the influence.

It is important to check directly with a company in addition to state laws to figure out which drug tests may be required of you. You’ll also want to know what your rights are when an employer requests a drug test, and any specific state-level disclosure laws.

Drug Testing Laws to Know About

While drug testing is often a strict requirement for most careers and specific job fields, it is important to note that you also have rights. There are certain drug testing laws that your potential employer will need to follow.

In general, pre-employment drug testing is confidential, and there are regulations and laws in place that protect the release of any drug testing results from your pre-employment screening.

Additionally, potential employees who are being drug tested will need to sign a release. This details what their employer will be looking for and the method of drug testing, in addition to allowing their employer to access the results.

There are both state-level and federal laws in place that govern drug testing. It’s important to look through the laws in your state and be aware of your federal rights when it comes to drug testing disclosure.

What Jobs Drug Test Employees?

In reality, any job or employer could potentially drug test their employees, as long as their drug screening policies align with state and federal laws.

However, there are some careers, industries, and companies that are much more likely to drug test their employees due to the nature of the work. These careers may include high-security working situations, and other factors, such as requirements for employees to work with children or operate heavy machinery.

Industries that are likely to request pre-employment drug screenings include:

• Any job working for the federal or state government
• Hospital and health care work, including nursing homes and specialized treatment facilities
• Transportation
• Construction
• Aerospace and defense
• Education or daycare and childcare
• Private security
• Information technology

Guidance for drug testing in these fields is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Though, employers have the final authority on how and when they drug test.

Additionally, you should note that specific job roles and career fields that may require job testing include the following:

• Law enforcement officers
• Employees in transportation, railroad, and aviation
• Political figures and appointees
• Employees who are authorized for firearms
• Employees with any level of security clearance
• Employees who work to rehabilitate those with substance abuse issues
• Social workers
• Pharmacists
• Firefighters

You should keep in mind that these lists are not comprehensive. Many other industries, careers, and employers may require pre-employment or post-employment drug testing for employees.

You should also note that if an employer does suspect that a current employee is abusing drugs or alcohol, they may be able to use this reasonable suspicion to request a drug test.

Could I Be Drug Tested at Any Time During My Employment?

Whether or not you are drug tested randomly during your employment or at regular intervals depends on your career field and your employer. If your employer has a reasonable suspicion that you are abusing drugs or alcohol, they may request a test.

Otherwise, your employer may disclose to you upon hiring that random drug testing is expected. You will typically need to sign a release before every drug test to allow your employer to see your results.

It’s important to ensure you understand drug testing expectations upon being hired into a position, as every field and employer may have a different policy regarding ongoing drug screening for employees.

How Do I Prepare for a Drug Test?

Typically, just the idea of having to submit a drug test can make individuals nervous, as many people have never had to submit a drug test before. However, this process isn’t too difficult, and your employer should give you details on how to prepare and how to complete your drug testing.

Most of the time, you will be expected to go to a chosen drug testing facility or a clinic and submit a urine sample. You will notify your employer of your completion, and they will receive the results directly from the drug testing facility or clinic, depending on the terms of your disclosure and results release agreement.

You can prepare for your drug test by remaining calm, following all employer instructions, and speaking to drug testing or clinic staff if you have questions.

Other Factors Your Potential Employer Looks At

In addition to drug screening, your potential employer may look at other factors throughout the hiring process. These factors can all weigh into a decision to hire you or not, and they are generally important to keep in mind as you apply for jobs.

Factors that may be considered in your application include:

• Your educational history, including colleges attended and professional certifications you have obtained
• Your employment history, including your experience in the field you are applying for or other fields
• Your eligibility for a security clearance or other specialized or government job
• Your skills and licenses, such as forklift operation licenses or a CDL license
• Your criminal history and history of DUIs

Employers may also review your personal history, social media, and other details on a background check.

It is important to note that it is illegal for an employer to make a hiring decision based on gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. You can review your equal employment rights on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website.

Applying for Jobs Without Fear

Drug testing and pre-employment drug screenings can often be a topic of anxiety and stress for many individuals. This is especially true if you have never submitted a drug test before or you aren’t too sure what the laws are surrounding drug testing disclosure.

It’s important to review both state-level and federal drug test laws. Make sure you know your rights in addition to reviewing all details that your employer may give you about their specific drug-testing processes.

If you have any questions or concerns about drug testing, you should speak to an HR professional for your company or drug testing facility staff as necessary.