If you’re considering applying for a job at Costco, you’re probably wondering what their drug policy is. So I set out and found answers to all your important questions thanks to some very helpful Costco employees and even an assistant manager. I hope this information helps you out and maybe you’ll land a job at Costco which is a great place to work by all accounts.

As part of the interview process at Costco you’ll be asked to take a drug test and you’ll have to sign a written consent form to authorize the test.

If you refuse a drug test you’ll be removed from the hiring pool.

I had a current employee tell me that they’ll typically have you take a drug test after the 2nd interview as part of the final applicant hiring process.

TIP: BE PREPARED FOR SAME DAY TEST

Costco will ask you to visit an off-site drug testing lab immediately after leaving the interview to avoid any foul play. By knowing this ahead of time, it should lower your stress level as you know what’s coming…at least it would for me. Thanks to employee Charlie for giving me this information.

See Also: 9 Sweet Costco Employee Benefits, Perks, and Discounts

All Employees Are Subject to a Drug Test

Unlike some big-box stores, who only requires drug test for those operating fork lifts, all Costco employees are required to take a drug test.

This includes overnight stockers, cashiers, lot attendants, and food court employees.

NOT ALL COSTCO “WORKERS” REQUIRE A DRUG TEST

Some Costco workers, like optometrists and pharmacists, are considered independent contractors and thus are NOT subject to a Costco drug test. But if you’re a pharmacy technician you’ll be required to take test which makes sense as your around potentially dangerous drugs.

See Also: Know the Costco Dress Code Before You Apply for a Job

Costco Will Test For Alcohol When Necessary

If Costco asks you to get tested for alcohol you’ll first do a “screening test”.

If you’re blood alcohol level is less than .02 you will pass the test.

If you’re over .02 you’ll then have to do a confirmation test.

If you test over .04 during the confirmation test, you’re considered a positive result.

If you test between .02 and .0399 you’re considered a negative test BUT will be asked to leave for the remainder of your work shift and will have to use personal or vacation time to cover your absence.

The Type of Test Depends on The Substance

If you’re getting tested for alcohol you’ll be asked to pee in a cup.

Otherwise, Costco uses a mouth swab drug test which tests for marijuana, meth, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine.

Costco Will Also Test For Marijuana

Unlike Amazon, Costco definitely tests for marijuana, regardless of the state you currently live in.

Costco’s reasoning is that marijuana can impair your job performance and in some cases create an unsafe work environment within the warehouse.

Also, it doesn’t matter of you have a medical marijuana card, they will still test you and not hire you if your test comes back positive.

To be safe, the consensus seems to be to not use marijuana for at least 72 hours prior to your test.

While Rare, They Will Do Random Drug Tests

Costco reserves the right to have an employee perform a drug test at any time.

This is typically only done when management has reason to believe an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

See Also: Does Walmart Drug Test? Great Info for New Hires

If You Refuse a Drug Test You Won’t Be Hired

If you refuse a drug test you will NOT be hired by Costco and will have to wait 1 year to apply again.

The same goes for random drug tests, you will probably get fired if you refuse to do a drug test after you’re employed with Costco.

Costco Performs Background Checks Too

In order to get past the final applicant stage at Costco you must consent to a full background check.

Fortunately, according to a manager that I talked with, Costco pays all fess associated with a background check but you must provide your social security card, birth certificate, or valid driver’s license.

Costco checks for any criminal history, driving record, and social security verification to see if you are who you say you are.

HOW FAR BACK DO THEY LOOK?

Most background checks go back the past 7 years of your life to see if you’ve committed any crimes or have have any major driving violations. Keep in mind that this is not an instant “no hire” if you have a record. I was told that Costco looks at what you’ve done recently with your life and is very happy to give you a 2nd chance at being successful.

Ask the Reader: What was the Costco drug testing process like when you got hired? Let me know what I may have missed.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)