Does CVS Drug Test? (All You Need To Know)

Many leading retail chains in the U.S. have a policy to drug test potential employees before granting employment to make sure their customers receive the highest level of service in-store.

So if you’re applying for a role at CVS and expect to be hired in the near future, you may be wondering – does CVS drug test candidates? Here is what I’ve discovered through my research!

Does CVS Drug Test?

CVS does drug tests its employees, particularly those applying for pharmaceutical or managerial positions, prior to employment or promotion via urine-sample tests. CVS checks for legal/illegal substances since it operates in a strictly alcohol-free and drug-free environment. Failing a drug test can lead to termination.

If you want to learn more about the drug policy at CVS, which employees have to undergo drug tests, and what happens if you fail a drug test, keep on reading!

What Is The Drug Policy At CVS?

According to its employee handbook, CVS strives to keep its working environments alcohol and drug-free to keep workers and customers safe.

The unauthorized use, possession, sale, or exchange of drugs by employees on-premises or when representing CVS is prohibited and will likely result in the termination of the employee(s) involved.

Does CVS Drug Test New Employees?

Potential candidates who apply to CVS for a job may be asked to take a drug test as a condition of their employment.

This may be requested either during the interview for the CVS job or shortly afterward to ensure that employees will comply with the drug and alcohol-free policy CVS operates.

Does CVS Drug Test All Employees?

Although different CVS stores have different policies on conducting drug tests for positions such as cashiers, it is mandatory across all CVS stores for positions in management or the pharmacy.

Note that you will be informed during your CVS interview about whether or not you will be required to take a drug test for your position.

Does CVS Drug Test For Promotions?

You may be required to undergo a drug test if you are applying for a more advanced position at CVS via a promotion.

For example, this may be required if you are hoping to be promoted from a cashier to the position of manager at CVS.

According to former CVS workers, you may be denied the promotion if you fail this mandatory drug test but will be able to retain your current position, depending on the reasons for failing the test.

You will be eligible to reapply for the promotion at CVS after a period of 6 months.

What Type Of Drug Test Does CVS Do?

What Type Of Drug Test Do CVS Do?

CVS primarily accepts drug tests based on urine samples (to avoid tampering), requiring workers or potential employees to visit an affiliate clinic to undertake the drug test.

In most cases, you will need to supply a urine sample for a drug test within 24 hours of being offered a new job at CVS.

What Substances Does CVS Drug Test For?

CVS will conduct a drug test for a range of illicit and illegal substances, such as methamphetamines and cocaine.

Due to its zero-drugs and alcohol policy, CVS will also test for legalized substances such as alcohol and marijuana (in some states), as these are prohibited for in-store employees at CVS.

What Happens If I Fail A CVS Drug Test?

CVS considers failing a drug test a fireable offense due to its zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol.

So if you are a new hire at CVS and failed your drug test, you will not be able to retain your job offer, even though you may contest the results of the drug test.

Additionally, you can reapply to work at CVS again after six months but will have to undergo the drug test once again and clear it to receive employment.

Do I Need To Take A Drug Test At CVS For Legalized Substances?

Since CVS operates a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, you will be required to take a drug test even in states where drugs such as marijuana are legalized.

In case a legal substance such as marijuana shows up in your drug test, you may be subjected to a disciplinary inquiry at CVS that may result in termination.

Does CVS Sell Drug Tests?

CVS sells a range of drug and alcohol tests in-store and on its website, stocking a variety of brands such as DrugConfirm and BACtrack. The prices for these drug tests range from $12.99 to $89.99.

Note that to prevent tampering or fraudulent results, CVS conducts its drug tests on employees using a third-party testing center rather than using tests sold in-store.

To learn more about the drug testing policies of other retail chains, you should read up our articles on whether Kroger drug tests, whether Walmart drug tests, and if Aldi drug tests.

Conclusion

CVS requires drug tests for certain positions and promotions such as pharmaceutical roles and managerial roles in the company. New employees may be asked to undertake a drug or alcohol test when starting to ensure they comply with the zero-drugs and alcohol policy at CVS.

If you fail your drug test at CVS, you will likely be fired from the position for breaching the company policy. Although you can reapply in 6 months, you will likely be required to undertake a drug test again to assess your suitability to work at CVS.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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