Free CPD-Accredited Intermediate Certificate Course Gives Managers and HR Professionals the Knowledge to Build, Apply, and Sustain a Compliant Drug-Free Workplace Program
Alison has launched a new CPD-accredited certificate course: Drug-Free Workplace Compliance. This free intermediate-level online programme gives managers, supervisors, HR professionals, and employees the practical grounding to understand drug-free workplace policy, identify signs of substance-related risk, follow correct reporting and testing procedures, protect employee privacy, and build the consistent cultural practices that make a drug-free workplace program genuinely effective rather than just nominally compliant.
The course was reviewed by Helena Masters, a workplace strategist and consultant with cross-sector experience spanning logistics, healthcare, education, and third-party services with state correctional facilities. Helena holds an MS in Instructional Systems Technology, a BS in Supervision, and both SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, bringing deep expertise in instructional design, compliance, and HR leadership. She is recognised for designing the Drug and Alcohol Program for a major Emergency Road Service fleet — built to Department of Transportation regulatory standards — a program that has remained in operation for over thirty years. Her work across regulated industries gives the course its grounding in how drug-free workplace programs function under real operational and legal pressure.
A Compliance Gap With Real Consequences
Substance use in the workplace is not a marginal concern. SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health has consistently found that the majority of adults with substance use disorders are employed, meaning that the workforce at large — across every sector and at every level of seniority — is affected. For organisations operating in safety-sensitive environments, the stakes are acute: impairment at work contributes to a disproportionate share of workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and the legal and financial consequences of inadequate programs fall squarely on employers.
Federal requirements set a baseline in regulated sectors. The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires certain federal contractors and grantees to maintain compliant workplace policies, and the Department of Transportation mandates drug and alcohol testing programs for safety-sensitive workers across transportation, aviation, rail, and pipeline industries. But the compliance challenge extends well beyond federally regulated sectors. In any organisation — regardless of size or industry — the absence of a clearly understood, consistently applied drug-free workplace program creates exposure: managers unsure of what they can observe and document, inconsistent responses to similar situations, testing carried out without proper protocol, and privacy protections overlooked in ways that generate liability.
The people responsible for implementing these programs — HR professionals, frontline supervisors, team leaders — often have limited access to structured training that covers both the regulatory requirements and the practical judgement calls that arise in real workplace situations.
Three Decades of Program Design Behind the Course
Helena Masters brings the perspective of someone who built a program that works — and has kept working for thirty years. Her experience designing and implementing drug-free workplace policy across regulated and non-regulated environments informs the course's emphasis on procedure, documentation, consistency, and the leadership culture that sustains compliance over time.
"True safety and compliance begin at the top," said Helena. "When leaders walk the talk and set the example, they inspire everyone to make safe choices. A visible commitment to a drug-free workplace doesn't just protect people — it creates a positive environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. This course provides the knowledge and practical strategies that empower leaders and teams to model safety, build trust, and achieve lasting results."
Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison, added: "Every employer has a responsibility to the people who work for them, and drug-free workplace compliance is a fundamental part of meeting that responsibility. This course makes the knowledge to do it properly freely available to any organisation — whatever their size, sector, or resources."
This launch strengthens Alison's workplace safety and HR compliance portfolio, reinforcing its mission to make professional-grade training freely accessible to everyone who needs it.
To learn more or enrol in the course, visit: alison.com/course/drug-free-workplace-compliance
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
