The pre employment onboarding process is important no matter what industry you are in. However, that process can look different from one company or industry to the next. For many employers who prioritize safety and reliability, a pre employment drug test remains an essential part of this process.

What is Pre Employment Drug Testing?

Pre employment drug testing, as the name implies, is a drug test that occurs prior to a prospective worker’s official employment period. A pre-employment drug test is typically administered after an employment offer has been made, but before the candidate begins working. A positive, or failed, drug test often results in the employment offer being rescinded.

Why Issue a Pre Employment Drug Test?

Pre employment drug tests are widely used by employers who must prioritize safety and security. For instance, jobs that require heavy machine operation often require regular drug testing, including pre-employment testing. Commercial truck drivers and airline pilots are two examples of professions that require pre-employment testing. Employee performance in these positions directly impacts worker and public safety. As such, employers have a responsibility to ensure a drug-free environment.

Other professions may issue pre employment drug testing for different reasons. Employers may have security concerns as well as image concerns which may necessitate drug testing. In any case, the reasons to issue pre-employment drug tests often relate to creating a healthy, drug-free environment.

Pre Employment Drug Testing Policy

For employers, preparation for pre employment drug testing means having a clear drug testing policy. A drug testing policy should outline what substances will be tested for. Employers should also outline their reasons for issuing drug tests, as well as procedures to follow in the event of a positive drug test. 

A drug testing policy provides legal guidance for employers in the event of a positive drug test. It also provides clarity for current and prospective employees when preparing for their own drug test.

For prospective employees, understanding your employer’s drug testing policy is an essential preparation step. Employees should know which substances will be tested for, as well as testing methods and the reasoning for the drug test. Typically, urine tests and hair tests are the two most common types of pre-employment drug tests.

Other Types of Drug Tests

Pre employment drug tests are not the only form of drug test that employers may issue. Regular or random drug testing is also a requisite part of maintaining employment in certain professions.

Reasonable suspicion drug tests and return-to-work drug tests may also be issued when deemed necessary by the employer. A reasonable suspicion test may be administered when an employee shows signs of substance abuse, or if they are involved in a workplace accident. Return-to-work drug tests may be necessitated by some employee drug policies in the event of a positive drug test at any stage.

What Do Pre Employment Drug Tests Look For?

Pre employment drug tests can test for several substances, depending on the company’s drug policy. Several categories of drugs are most commonly tested for in pre-employment testing. These include:

• Marijuana/THC
• Opioids
• Cocaine and its derivatives
• Amphetamines
• Certain hallucinogens, like PCP
• Alcohol

Note that some of these substances, like alcohol and marijuana, may not necessarily be illegal. Some employers will still test for these substances when their effects may present a safety or performance risk.

Learn More with Soteria.

Want to order a drug test or learn more about pre-employment drug testing? Soteria can help. We provide a wide variety of DOT and non-DOT drug tests for employers across several industries. Order a test today if you are looking for accurate and reliable drug testing of any kind.