Can I Use an At-Home COVID-19 Test for Proof of a Negative Test?

Some approved at-home COVID-19 tests can be used as proof of a negative test to attend school, work, or public events. These tests require you to make a telehealth appointment with a proctor who will ensure you take the test correctly and provide you with official documentation of your results.

At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Travel, School, and Work

In order to travel, return to work, go to school, or attend public events, you may have to show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Instead of waiting in line for hours at a testing site, you now have the option to use an at-home COVID-19 test.

However, it is important to note that not every at-home test will be sufficient. According to the CDC, you can use a self-test that meets the following criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OR the relevant national authority where the test is administered.
• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that have a telehealth service may require a prescription.
• The telehealth provider must confirm your identity, observe the sample collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of CDC’s Order
• Airlines and other aircraft operators must be able to review and verify your identity and the test result details. You must also be able to present the documentation of test results to U.S. officials at the port of entry and local/state health departments if requested.