Yes, Costco drug tests for all company positions, but whether a drug test is performed also depends on the job location.
The Costco Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace Policy states: “Costco specifically prohibits employees from engaging in the following conduct while working, while on Company premises, while conducting Company business at any location, or while utilizing Company vehicles, machinery or equipment:
- The use, possession, purchase, sale, solicitation, manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or transfer of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.
- The unauthorized possession of open containers of alcohol or use of alcohol at any point during the workday, including meal periods.
- Being under the influence of unauthorized substances.
- The use of inhalants.
In addition, Costco specifically prohibits:
- Refusal to cooperate in a drug or alcohol test required by this policy.
- Reporting for duty or remaining on duty with the presence or adverse effects of any unauthorized substance in an employee’s system…
To ensure compliance with the policy, Costco will conduct drug and alcohol testing for unauthorized substances in the following situations:
- Pre-Employment Testing:
All final applicants being considered for a position must pass a drug test before they receive an unconditional offer of employment and/or begin working for the Company. This includes all rehires for full-time, part-time or Seasonal employment.
- Reasonable Suspicion Testing:
If a Manager, based on reasonable conclusions drawn from specific facts, reasonably suspects an employee is using or is under the influence of an unauthorized substance while the employee is working, on Company premises, or utilizing a Company vehicle, machinery, or equipment, or conducting Company business at any location, then the Company may require the employee to undergo a drug and/or alcohol test.
- Post-Accident Testing:
When the Company reasonably believes an employee caused or contributed to a work-related accident that results in damage to Costco vehicles, machinery, equipment or property, or results in an injury to a person who requires off-site medical treatment, the employee will be required to submit to a drug and alcohol test as soon as practicable following the accident. An employee who is required to submit to a post-accident drug and alcohol test will be removed from the performance of safety-sensitive functions pending the final result(s) of the test. Employees must notify their Manager as soon as possible after any accident, even if it does not result in serious damage to Company vehicles, machinery, equipment or property, or an injury to a person.
- Return to Duty and Follow-Up Testing:
An employee who has signed a Contract for Continued Employment (CCE) and has undergone a substance abuse evaluation, whether or not through the Care Network, will not be permitted to return to duty without passing any appropriate drug and/or alcohol tests and is subject to follow-up drug and/or alcohol testing at times and frequencies determined by Costco for up to two (2) years.”
This information was obtained after hours of research from various websites with answers from current and former Costco employees and the Costco Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace Policy.
What Type of Drug Test Does Costco Use?
Our research indicates that Costco uses urine and mouth swab drug tests.
Urine drug tests, including the instant varieties, can range from four-panel to sixteen-panel. The number of panels means the number of substances that are tested for. The specific substances that are tested can vary depending on the type of test used. Five-panel is the most commonly used.
Five-panel urine drug tests test for:
- Marijuana/Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine
Mouth swab drug tests can detect a variety of different substances, including:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids
- Phencyclidine
These drug tests are paid for by Costco, and can occur on-site or at an independent laboratory.
When Does Costco Drug Test?
Our research indicates that Costco drug tests pre-employment and also if there is suspicion of substance use or in the event of a workplace accident.
Costco Drug Testing Process
How Long Do Costco Drug Test Results Take?
Many current and former Costco employees have reported that drug testing is performed at orientation and that the results are read immediately. Costco may also send prospective and current employees to an independent laboratory to take the drug test, which can take several days to result depending on the complexity of the test.
What Happens if you Fail a Drug Test at Costco?
Costco will terminate employees who fail a drug test. Those who fail a pre-employment drug test will not be hired. However, current and former employees report that six months after a failed drug test, you are eligible to reapply.
Does Costco Call You if You Fail a Drug Test?
Yes. Costco will inform you of the drug test results, either immediately for an on-site drug test, or in a few days for a drug test conducted in an independent laboratory.
Employee Drug Testing Policies for Costco
Does Costco Drug Test Seasonal Employees?
Many current and former seasonal Costco employees report that drug testing was conducted.
Does Costco Drug Test Warehouse Employees?
Many current and former Costco warehouse employees report that drug testing was conducted.
Does Costco Drug Test Employees?
Our research indicates that drug testing varies by location. For example, associates at certain locations do not get a drug test upon hire, yet drug testing is performed on associates at other locations. Drivers receive drug testing at orientation and randomly. Driver positions are subject to Department of Transportation requirements, which require drug testing pre-employment, post-accident, randomly, when there is reasonable suspicion, and when returning to duty. Drug testing is also required if there is suspicion of drug use and for on-the-job accidents.
Does Costco Drug Test For a Promotion?
We could not find specific information to answer this question, but typically, companies will drug test for a promotion.
Does Costco Drug Test if You Get Injured on the Job?
Yes, Costco requires drug tests after on-the-job accidents. This is consistent with most companies who drug test after accidents in the workplace that result in damage to properties or injury within the workplace. This is for liability reasons as a positive drug test would void any potential worker’s compensation claims.
Marijuana Drug Testing at Costco
Does Costco Drug Test For Weed?
Yes. THC panel is included in urine tests and mouth swab tests, both the instant ones and those conducted at an independent laboratory. Regardless of the test you recieve, THC will be one of the indicators.
Does Costco Accept a Medical Marijuana Card?
According to the Costco Drug and Alcohol-free Workplace Policy, marijuana is not accepted. This includes medical marijuana and in states where recreational marijuana is legal. “The use of marijuana, even if permitted by state law, will not be considered a legitimate medical explanation by Costco, and its MRO, for a positive drug test result for marijuana.”