When do pre-employment drug tests happen?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

Pre-employment drug tests happen before you're hired for a job. Interestingly, each state has different rules on conducting drug tests for employment. In some states, you need to be given a job offer contingent upon a passing drug test before you're required to take one.

In other states, the potential employer can drug screen every applicant and only offer the job to those who pass. If you're concerned about what to expect in your state, it's best to do a little research to see what the laws are.

Most pre-employment drug tests do not happen immediately when you're called in for an interview. They typically are scheduled for outside appointments at approved facilities or clinics. If a drug test is going to be performed onsite or at the interview, that's usually information provided beforehand and may even appear in the job posting.