DOT Compliance Services
DOT breath alcohol compliance: BAT training, calibration, and tracking
Breath alcohol technician training and certification, refresher and instructor courses, instrument calibration to the manufacturer's QAP, supplies, and driver qualification tracking.
49 CFR Part 40
Questions? Call the office at 513-891-0868.
What Foster does for DOT breath alcohol programs
DOT-regulated employers follow 49 CFR Part 40 for workplace alcohol testing, and the rule sets who may conduct a breath alcohol test and how the testing equipment is maintained. Those obligations are compliance-driven, and employers choose the vendors that help them meet them.
Foster Special Instruments covers the training, equipment, and tracking around that work. We do not perform drug or alcohol tests on employees. Foster does not sell drug or alcohol testing. Our scope is BAT training, instrument calibration and supplies, and compliance tracking, described below.
Part 40 puts the weight on three things: a qualified person conducting each breath alcohol test, an evidential breath testing device calibrated on the manufacturer's schedule, and documentation that shows both. Programs get into trouble during an audit when one of those three is missing, so we cover all three from one Cincinnati office.
Services, mapped to Part 40
BAT training and Certificate of Qualification
A breath alcohol technician (BAT) must complete qualification training, show proficiency in seven consecutive error-free mock tests observed by a qualified monitor, and keep the documentation. Our online course covers the Part 40 curriculum, and Foster issues the Certificate of Qualification once the mocks are complete on the device you will use.
49 CFR §40.213
BAT training online →Refresher and proficiency
Part 40 calls for refresher training at least every five years, with proficiency shown again in error-free mock tests. Our BAT refresher is built for returning technicians: the full curriculum, a shorter written exam, and the proctored mocks.
49 CFR §40.213(d)
Refresher course options →Instructor and trainer training
Organizations that train their own BATs need an instructor who meets the Part 40 experience or train-the-trainer standard. Our instructor course qualifies your trainer to teach your BATs and monitor their mock tests.
49 CFR §40.213(c)
Instructor course →Device practicum
BAT qualification is device specific. The practicum is where you run your mock tests on the evidential breath testing (EBT) device your program actually uses. We support the CMI device line and will tell you plainly if your device is outside it.
Schedule the practicum →EBT and ASD calibration
Evidential breath testers and alcohol screening devices stay in service only if they are calibrated on schedule. We calibrate and service them to the manufacturer's quality assurance plan (QAP), on site or by mail, and return a traceable certificate with each unit.
49 CFR §40.233
Calibration and repair →Breath alcohol testing supplies
Mouthpieces and other supplies for the instruments you already operate, from the same partner that calibrates them, so your testing program does not stall on a missing part.
Shop supplies →Driver qualification tracking
The Foster Compliance Workspace tracks the DOT items behind each driver: BAT qualification dates, driver qualification file items, and due dates, with the regulation on each row and an evidence trail behind every completion.
49 CFR Parts 40, 382, 391
Compliance Workspace →What we do not do
Foster does not perform drug or alcohol tests on employees, operate collection sites, or act as a third-party administrator. If you need testing performed, your employer program will use a separate testing provider. We train your technicians, keep your instruments calibrated, and track the paperwork.
How it works
- 1
Pick the path
New BAT, returning BAT, or instructor. Each has its own course, and employers can enroll a roster on one invoice by calling the office.
- 2
Study, test, and run your mocks
Complete the coursework and final exam online, then run your proficiency mocks live with a CMI-certified instructor on your device.
- 3
Stay current
Foster issues your certificate, calibrates your instruments to the QAP, and the Compliance Workspace flags the next refresher and calibration date.
Common questions
Does Foster perform drug or alcohol tests on employees?
No. Foster does not perform or sell drug or alcohol testing. We train breath alcohol technicians, calibrate and supply breath alcohol testing instruments, and provide tracking software. Your employer program, collection sites, and testing providers do the testing.
Who needs a breath alcohol technician?
DOT-regulated employers must have DOT alcohol tests conducted by a qualified BAT. That is a compliance-driven requirement under Part 40, and employers choose their own training provider. Anyone who meets the training and proficiency standard can serve as a BAT.
49 CFR §40.213
Is Foster's BAT course DOT approved?
DOT does not approve or endorse training courses or certificates from any provider. Part 40 sets the qualification standard: training that follows or is equivalent to the DOT Model BAT Course, seven consecutive error-free mock tests, and documentation. Our course is original Foster content built to that standard.
49 CFR §40.213
Can I take the BAT course online?
Yes. The coursework and exam are online and self-paced. The proficiency mocks are remote proctored in real time by a CMI-certified instructor, and the Certificate of Qualification is issued after they are complete.
How often does a BAT need refresher training?
At least every five years, using the same mock-test proficiency demonstration as initial qualification. Our refresher course covers it, and the Compliance Workspace can track the due date.
49 CFR §40.213(d)
What documentation should a BAT keep?
Part 40 expects documentation of the BAT's training, the proficiency demonstration, and the qualification, available for inspection on request. Foster provides the Certificate of Qualification and course records so your employer file is complete.
49 CFR §40.213(f)
Can one employer enroll several technicians?
Yes. Employers can enroll multiple technicians on one invoice with a roster. Call the office at 513-891-0868 and we will set up the roster directly.
Who calibrates our breath alcohol testers?
We calibrate evidential breath testers and screening devices to the manufacturer's QAP, whether or not you bought them from us, on site or by mail, with a traceable certificate for your records.
Qualified technicians and calibrated instruments.
Enroll a technician online, or call 513-891-0868 to set up a team roster.