Training and competence requirements for DTN 106: The use of a drug testing device (DTD) for the identification of controlled drugs (example section 71)
Published 24 July 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/regulation-of-drug-testing-devices/training-and-competence-requirements-for-dtn-106-the-use-of-a-drug-testing-device-dtd-for-the-identification-of-controlled-drugs-example-section-7
71.1 Introduction
71.1.1. These training and competence requirements accompany FSA-DTN 106 (68), the technical specification (69) and FSA- specific requirements (70). Individuals undertaking DTN 106 shall undergo and maintain documented evidence of the training and ongoing competence requirements outlined in this section to be compliant with the Code for this FSA.
71.2. Training requirements
71.2.1. Individuals shall be trained and signed off as competent before undertaking DTN 106.
71.2.2. Any forensic unit employing the use of a DTD under DTN 106 shall have Standard Operating Procedure(s) for each approved DTD and a consistent training programme based on the requirements of the FSA and the FSA-specific requirements.
71.2.3. The SAI and the forensic unit are responsible for ensuring the training programme meets the requirements in the Code and establishing any additional requirements to authorise an individual to undertake this FSA.
71.2.4. The trainer will be responsible for signing off individuals as competent to use DTDs upon successful completion of the training programme.
71.2.5. The training shall include an evaluation and/ or assessment of technical proficiency to evidence the competence of the individual to undertake this FSA.
71.2.6. Evidence of the training shall be maintained including a training record and evidence of competency countersigned by the trainer.
71.2.7. The training programme shall include as a minimum:
a. Understanding of DTN 106, FSA-specific requirements for DTN-106 and applicable Code requirements.
b. Correct use of the DTDs as per manufacturer instructions.
c. Training in each FSA sub-activity as per the FSA-specific requirements.
d. Maintenance of DTD and associated record keeping to evidence quality assurance including recording and reporting of testing, calibration, and maintenance logs
e. Successful identification of common errors and troubleshooting.
71.2.8. Health and safety considerations should be dealt with at organisational level and should be updated to incorporate risks and procedures relevant to the undertaking of this FSA.
71.2.9. It is possible to suspend or revoke the competence of an individual on undertaking DTN 106, until completion of further training or indefinitely.
71.2.10. The training record of each individual deemed competent shall be made available to the Regulator upon request.
71.3. Ongoing Competence Requirements
71.3.1. Individuals deemed competent shall:
a. Be able to demonstrate ongoing competence for example by successfully undertaking a blind test as arranged by a trainer and through comparison of their test result with testing of the same sample under DTN 103.
b. Repeat the initial training based on need as identified by the trainer or forensic unit.
71.3.2. To remain competent an individual shall undertake a minimum of five tests under this FSA per year.
71.3.3. Where there is a significant change to the approved DTD (for example a new model is issued or substantial software upgrade which affects the procedure), or a regulatory change, the trainer shall provide training accordingly.
71.4. Trainer requirements
71.4.1. Before training others to undertake DTN 106, trainers shall be approved by the SAI as capable of undertaking the role of trainer and ideally with demonstrable experience of laboratory drug testing under DTN-103 and be familiar with the DTDs that are being used, including undertaking manufacturer training where possible.