NHTSA Required Training for Breathalyzers

Breathalyzers help prevent thousands of potential drunk driving-related accidents every year. People who administer breathalyzer tests must be trained under the guidelines of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Identification

Blood alcohol tests or breath alcohol tests must be administered by breath alcohol technicians (BATs) and screening test technicians (STTs). These technicians receive training in the operation of NHTSA-approved breathalyzers.

Operation

Technicians must know how to calibrate the breathalyzers (setting them to the manufacturer's standards), attach and secure the mouthpiece if one is required, understand the response time (time it takes the machine to produce results) of different breathalyzers and several other items.

Becoming a BAT or STT

The STT credential requires completion of a training course and five, error-free STT mock tests. The BAT, a higher level credential, requires a more-extensive course and seven BAT mock tests." Course length is determined by the instructor, but is usually less than two weeks.

Other Information

Training manuals and supplies cost between $20 and $30 (as of 2010). Manuals are available through the DOT by mailing and faxing an order form, online or through private entities. BAT and STT tests are only given through private companies and police stations who set their own prices, usually less than $100.

References

• Department of Transportation: BAT info
• NHTSA: Breathalyzer Testing
• DOT: Security and Safety Initiatives
• Breathalyzer Training Manuals
• DOT: How to Become a BAT

Resources

• DOT: BAT Model Course Instructions