Quick Summary: Yes, staffing agencies may require drug testing, but it depends on the employer’s requirements, the industry, and the specific job. Fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation are more likely to involve drug screening, while office or administrative roles may not.

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Do Staffing Agencies Drug Test?

The short answer: yes—but not always. Whether or not a staffing agency requires drug testing depends on three key factors:

• The type of job – Safety-sensitive roles like forklift operation or clinical care often require mandatory screening.
• The industry – Fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation are more likely to mandate testing than office or administrative work.
• The employer’s policies – Staffing agencies typically follow the screening guidelines set by their clients.

In most cases, staffing agencies don’t decide on drug testing themselves—they implement what the hiring company requires. If a client mandates pre-employment screening, the agency will coordinate the process as part of their hiring workflow.

Related: Why Use a Staffing Agency? The Real Advantages and Considerations

What the Law Says About Pre-Employment Drug Tests

While many employers utilize pre-employment drug testing to ensure workplace safety and productivity, it’s essential to recognize that such practices are governed by a combination of federal and state laws.​

Federal Regulations:

• Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988: This Act requires certain federal contractors and all federal grantees to maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition of receiving federal funds. While it mandates the establishment of drug-free policies, it does not specifically require drug testing.
• Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations: For safety-sensitive positions in industries such as transportation, the DOT mandates drug and alcohol testing. This includes pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing to ensure public safety.

State Laws:

State regulations on drug testing can vary significantly:​

• California: Employers are permitted to require pre-employment drug tests after extending a conditional job offer. However, random drug testing is generally prohibited, except in specific safety-sensitive situations. Additionally, with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, California law prohibits discrimination against applicants and employees for their off-duty, off-site cannabis use. Employers can still conduct pre-employment testing but must use valid tests that detect only the psychoactive compounds in cannabis.​
• Other States: Regulations differ across states. For instance, some states allow drug testing provided certain procedural requirements are met, such as obtaining written consent from the applicant.​

Marijuana Legalization:

The increasing legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use adds complexity to drug testing policies. Despite state-level legalization, marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Employers, especially those in federally regulated industries or with federal contracts, may still enforce drug-free workplace policies that include testing for marijuana use.

Types of Drug Tests Commonly Used

If a staffing agency does require drug testing, here are the most common types:

• Urine test – The most widely used, typically for pre-employment screening.
• Saliva/oral swab – Sometimes used for rapid results.
• Hair follicle test – Less common, but may be used for high-security or government-related roles.

Timing can vary:

• Pre-employment: Before your assignment starts.
• Random testing: Typically required by the employer in safety-sensitive industries.
• Post-incident: After a workplace accident or safety violation.

Industries Where Drug Testing Is More Common

While not every job requires a drug screen, some industries are more likely to test than others:

• Manufacturing & Warehousing
• Transportation & CDL drivers
• Healthcare
• Construction
• Government Contractors

Clerical, creative, or office-based roles may have less frequent testing unless the employer has a blanket policy.

What Job Seekers Should Expect

If you’re applying through a staffing agency, here’s what you should know:

• You’ll be notified early in the process if a drug test is required.
• Refusing to test typically disqualifies you from that specific job.
• Failing a test may affect your eligibility for other roles with the agency.
• Results are confidential and usually shared only with necessary parties involved in the hiring decision.

Tip: If you’re unsure, just ask the recruiter. They’re usually upfront about what’s required for each position.

Related: Top 5 Essential Questions to Ask HR During an Interview

What Employers Should Know

As an employer, here’s how working with a staffing agency helps simplify drug screening:

• Agencies can standardize the screening process for all candidates.
• The cost and coordination of drug tests are often built into your staffing agreement.
• You get peace of mind that compliance and safety protocols are being followed.
• Agencies help you stay legally compliant, especially in regulated industries.

You can also decide whether testing is required, what kind, and when—giving you full control over your hiring standards.

Related: 8 Critical Questions to Ask a Recruiting Agency

The Truth Behind the Process

So what actually happens behind the scenes?

1. Employer places a job order with specific requirements (e.g., drug test, background check, etc.).
2. The staffing agency screens candidates, informing them early about any tests needed.
3. Candidates complete testing, often at an authorized lab or clinic.
4. Results are processed confidentially and shared only with relevant parties.
5. Placement proceeds based on the outcome and candidate fit.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all process—and that’s a good thing. It allows staffing agencies to tailor their approach to each role and employer.

Final Thoughts

So, do staffing agencies drug test? Yes—but it depends on the job, the industry, and the employer’s preferences.

For job seekers, it’s best to ask early and be prepared.

For employers, drug testing through your staffing partner can help you maintain safety and compliance—without added headaches.

Have questions about how drug testing fits into the staffing process? Let’s talk. At Amtec, we help both companies and candidates navigate the hiring process with clarity and confidence.