---
title: "Establishing a Drug & Alcohol Consortium Account"
description: "###   - Explanation: This section guides employers and owner-operators through the process of setting up a Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) account through the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Most employers and owner-operators must establish a C/TPA to manage drug and alcohol testing,…"
url: "https://help.dotdriverfiles.com/docs/establishing-a-drug-alcohol-consortium-account/"
updated: "2024-10-03"
category: "Compliance & Safety"
---

# Establishing a Drug & Alcohol Consortium Account

###  

- Explanation: This section guides employers and owner-operators through the process of setting up a Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) account through the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Most employers and owner-operators must establish a C/TPA to manage drug and alcohol testing, as the Clearinghouse maintains records of all related violations and screenings for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) in the USA.
- Steps to Establish a C/TPA Account:
  1. Obtain a [USDOT number](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/getting-started), which is required to register with the [FMCSA Clearinghouse](https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/).
  2. Apply for and receive approval from the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  3. Log in to the [FMCSA Clearinghouse](https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Employer) and navigate to the Admin Dashboard.
  4. Designate a C/TPA for your company. Employers should contact the C/TPA before sending a designation request. (Read about setting up C/TPA account [HERE](https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Clearinghouse-Designate-CTPA))
  5. The C/TPA must accept the designation in the Clearinghouse before accessing it on your behalf.
  6. Ensure the C/TPA is registered and complies with all FMCSA regulations.
  7. Provide the C/TPA with access to driver information, including valid licenses and testing requirements.
  8. The C/TPA will coordinate with authorized testing facilities to manage and administer all required tests.
  9. The C/TPA will send test results directly to the employer and report them to the FMCSA Clearinghouse.
  10. For Safety Audits, the motor carrier must provide documentation showing that pre-employment tests are administered, a random testing procedure is in place, and that the motor carrier is registered in the Clearinghouse.
- *Keywords**: (C/TPA setup, FMCSA Clearinghouse registration, DOT testing program, USDOT number, designate C/TPA, Clearinghouse compliance, drug and alcohol testing consortium, employer dashboard, random testing program, safety audit documentation)*