The short answer
Most cases take 4 to 12 weeks from initial evaluation to return-to-duty test. The single biggest variable is what your SAP recommends after the initial evaluation.
Timeline by stage
- Scheduling the initial evaluation: Typically 2–3 business days from the moment you call.
- Initial evaluation appointment: 60–90 minutes, single session.
- Education program (lighter recommendation): 2–4 weeks of self-paced or scheduled education sessions.
- Outpatient treatment (moderate recommendation): 8–12 weeks, depending on the program.
- Intensive outpatient or residential (heavier recommendation): 12+ weeks.
- Follow-up evaluation: Single session, typically scheduled the same week you finish your program.
- Return-to-duty test: Coordinated by your employer, usually within days of being cleared.
What slows things down
- Waiting weeks to call a SAP after your test result.
- Not enrolling in the recommended program promptly.
- Substituting a different program for the one your SAP recommended (that doesn't satisfy DOT).
- Delays from your employer in scheduling the return-to-duty test.