Voluntary/Specialty Certifications

Arson Investigator

To qualify for the Arson Investigator Certification, you must:

Be a POST certified peace officer or a certified Firefighter.
Have the recommendation of your department’s chief executive.
Have a minimum of six (6) months experience as an arson investigator.
Complete the required courses.

Required courses:

Basic Arson/Fire Investigation
Advanced Arson/Fire Investigation

To apply for your Arson Investigator Certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you are a Firefighter, go to the POST Data Gateway to create an account.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Advanced Arson/Fire Investigation course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents)
- Firefighter certification (if applicable)
- A notarized memo on department letterhead. Memo must include:
  1. Statement: “I hereby attest & affirm that this application is accurate and this applicant is recommended by me for certification as an Arson Investigator.”
  2. Printed title & name of Agency Representative making request for Arson Investigator certification for this applicant.
  3. Signature of the Agency Representative, dated.
Attest the application in the Gateway (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Bomb Technician or Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician

To qualify for the Bomb Technician Certification or EOD Technician Certification, you must:

Be a POST certified peace officer or a certified Firefighter.
Complete the required course.

Required course:

Hazardous Devices School/Course

To apply for your Bomb Technician Certification/Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you are a Firefighter, go to the POST Data Gateway to create an account.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Hazardous Devices course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Firefighter certification (if applicable)
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Visit the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu page for more information.

Crime Analyst

To qualify for the Crime Analyst Certification, you must:

Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Be a citizen of the United States.
Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
Not have been convicted by any state or by the federal government of any crime the punishment for which could have been imprisonment in the federal or state prison or institution nor have been convicted of sufficient misdemeanors to establish a pattern of disregard for the law, provided that, for the purposes of this paragraph, violations of traffic laws and other offenses involving the operation of motor vehicles when the applicant has received a pardon shall not be considered.
Be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a fingerprint-based search at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to determine the existence of any criminal record.
Possess good moral character as determined by investigation under procedure established by the council and fully cooperate during the course of such investigation.
Be a full-time employee of a state or local law enforcement department within the State of Georgia.
Be in good standing with their departments, and with the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.) if applicable.
Be employed as a criminal intelligence analyst, performing both intelligence analysis and crime analysis; or as a crime analyst whose duties include intelligence analysis; or as a criminal investigator whose duties include performing intelligence analysis for their department on a routine basis.
Successfully complete the core courses as prescribed by Council.

Required courses:

Terrorism Analysis and Investigation Fundamentals
Fundamentals of Crime Analysis
Fundamentals of Criminal Intelligence Analysis
Microsoft Excel for Law Enforcement Applications
Open Source and Social Media Investigations
Operating Policies for Criminal Intelligence Systems
Writing and Presenting Intelligence Products
Crime Analysis Certification Exam

To apply for your Crime Analyst Certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you are a civilian, go to the POST Data Gateway to create an account.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Crime Analysis Certification Exam course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents)
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Crime Scene Technician

To qualify for the Crime Scene Technician Certification, you must:

Have a minimum of one (1) year experience as a crime scene technician.
Complete the required courses.
Complete a forty (40) hour internship with a certified Crime Scene Technician (or ID Technician).

Required courses:

Fingerprint Classification (40 Hours)
Friction Ridge Comparison (24 Hours)
Latent Print Development (24 Hours)
Crime Scene Investigations (40 Hours)
Evidence Presentation (16 Hours)
Basic Photography & Digital Imaging (40 Hours)
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (40 Hours)

To apply for your Crime Scene Technician Certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you are a civilian, go to the POST Data Gateway to create an account.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements, complete all required courses, and complete your forty (40) hour internship.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Crime Scene Investigations course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
- A memo on department letterhead. Memo must include:
  1. GA POST Certified Crime Scene/ID Technician’s
    - Printed full name (First, Middle Initial, Last).
    - GA POST Certified Technician #.
    - Current employing agency.
  2. Statement: “I hereby attest & affirm that the Crime Scene Tech applicant has completed a forty (40) hour internship with me.”
  3. GA POST Certified Technician’s signature, dated.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Criminal Investigator

To qualify for the Criminal Investigator Certification, you must:

Have at least three (3) years experience as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Have one (1) year experience as a full-time Criminal Investigator.
Be currently assigned to Criminal Investigative duties.
Complete the required courses.

Required courses:

Criminal Investigations Fundamental (40 Hours)
Child Victims Investigations Fundamentals (24 Hours)
Concealed Carry Handgun Course (24 Hours)
Criminal Investigative Analysis (36 Hours)
Criminal Procedure (40 Hours)
LE Response to Domestic Violence (40 Hours)
Effective Public Safety Report Writing (4 Hours)
Evidence Presentation (16 Hours)
Financial Investigations Fundamentals (24 Hours)
Homicide Investigations (40 Hours)
High Risk Warrant Service & Arrest Tactics (40 Hours)
Interviews and Interrogations (24 Hours)
Introduction to Cybercrime Investigations (40 Hours)
Professional Ethics Training (16 Hours)
Search & Seizure for Law Enforcement (40 Hours)
Search Warrants & Affidavits: Advanced (24 Hours)
Sexual Assault Investigations (40 Hours)
Criminal Investigator Cert Exam – GPSTC (4 Hours)

To apply for your Criminal Investigator Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Criminal Investigator Cert Exam (GPSTC) course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Departmental Training Officer

To qualify for the Departmental Training Officer Certification, you must:

Be a POST certified general instructor (Instructor Level II).
Be a POST certified Field Training Officer or have three (3) years of law enforcement experience.
Complete the required course.

Required course:

Departmental Training Officer

To apply for your Departmental Training Officer Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Departmental Training Officer course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Handler of Animal Trained to Detect Explosives

To qualify for the Handler of Animal Trained to Detect Explosives Certification, you must:

Be a POST certified peace officer or a certified Firefighter.
Complete the required course.
Complete the training log for the animal.

Required course:

Handler of Animal Trained to Detect Explosives School

To apply for your Handler of Animal Trained to Detect Explosives Certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you are a Firefighter, go to the POST Data Gateway to create an account.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Hazardous Devices course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Firefighter certification (if applicable)
- Animal training log or certificates indicating specific chemicals the animal can detect.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Instructor Level I - Basic/In-service Instructor

To qualify for certification as a Level I Instructor, you must:

Demonstrate your competency to teach. Competency shall be evaluated in terms of the following three abilities:
1. Possession of requisite skills and knowledge.
  - Have a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent.
  - Have direct experience.
2. Demonstration of effective presentation skills and knowledge in a classroom situation.
3. Organization of requisite skills and knowledge.
  - Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level I Instructor Training course or its recognized equivalent.
  - Academy director authorization for certification upon successful completion of Level I course of instruction.

Required course:

Level I Instructor Training

To apply for your Level I Instructor certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you do not have a POST account, go to the POST Data Gateway to create one.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Level I Instructor Training course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Presentation evaluation sheet.
Attest the application (Candidate, Agency, and Academy Director).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Special Note:

Individuals possessing General Instructor, Specialized Instructor (Driver Training, Firearms, Speed Detection, Defensive Tactics, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, and Master Resiliency) Certifications, as well as Senior and Master Instructor levels as of January 1, 2023 will be “grandfathered in,” maintaining their ability to teach in their previously certified areas.

Instructor Level II - Advanced Instructor (Formerly General Instructor)

To qualify for certification as a Level II Instructor, you must:

Demonstrate your competency to teach. Competency shall be evaluated in terms of the following three abilities:
1. Possession of requisite skills and knowledge.
  - Have a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent.
  - Have direct experience.
2. Demonstration of effective presentation skills and knowledge in a classroom situation.
3. Organization of requisite skills and knowledge.
  - Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level II Instructor Training course or its recognized equivalent.
  - Academy director authorization for certification upon successful completion of Level II course of instruction.

Required course:

Level II Instructor Training

To apply for your Level II Instructor certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you do not have a POST account, go to the POST Data Gateway to create one.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Level II Instructor Training course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Presentation evaluation sheet.
Attest the application (Candidate, Agency, and Academy Director).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Special Note:

Instructor Level IID - Designated Instructor (Formerly Specialized Instructor)

To qualify for certification as a Level IID Instructor, you must:

Demonstrate your competency to teach the Designated subject matter. Designated subject matters include:
- Defensive Tactics
- Driver Training
- Emergency Medical
- Firearms
- Hazardous Materials
- Master Resiliency
- Speed Detection
- Use of Force
Competency shall be evaluated in terms of the following:
1. Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level II Instructor Training course.
2. Successful completion of Council approved training in the Designated subject matter.

Required course:

Level II Instructor Training
Designated subject matter instructor level course

To apply for your Level IID Instructor certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Designated subject matter instructor level course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Presentation evaluation sheet.
Attest the application (Candidate, Agency, and Academy Director).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Special Note:

Instructor Level III - Senior Instructor

To qualify for certification as a Level III Instructor, you must:

Demonstrate your competency to teach. Competency shall be evaluated in terms of the following three abilities:
1. Possession of requisite skills and knowledge.
  - Have a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent.
  - Have direct experience.
2. Organization of requisite skills and knowledge in a written form suitable for teaching.
  - Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level III Instructor course.
  - Academy director authorization for certification.
3. Demonstration of effective presentation skills and knowledge in a classroom situation.
  - Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level III Instructor Training course.
  - Successful completion of both written and performance examinations approved by Council in which curriculum development, presentation skills, and knowledge are tested.

Required course:

Level III Instructor Training

To apply for your Level III Instructor certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you do not have a POST account, go to the POST Data Gateway to create one.
- Complete the account setup.
- Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Level III Instructor Training course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Presentation evaluation sheet.
Attest the application (Candidate, Agency, and Academy Director).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Special Note:

Individuals in the process of completion of Senior and Master Level Instructor Certification as of January 1, 2023 shall have two (2) years to complete said certification(s). Any person in the process of obtaining Senior and Master Level Instructor Certifications that fails to complete the requirements by January 1, 2025 shall forfeit their credit hours and be required to begin seeking Level III and Level IV Instructor Certification under these revised rules.

Additionally, individuals possessing General Instructor, Specialized Instructor (Driver Training, Firearms, Speed Detection, Defensive Tactics, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, and Master Resiliency) Certifications, as well as Senior and Master Instructor levels as of January 1, 2023 will be “grandfathered in,” maintaining their ability to teach in their previously certified areas.

Instructor Level IV - Master Instructor

To qualify for certification as a Level IV Instructor, you must:

Possess or be able to possess the Level III (Senior) Instructor Certification.
Demonstrate your competency to teach. Competency shall be evaluated in terms of the following three abilities:
1. Possession of requisite skills and knowledge.
  - Have a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent.
  - Have direct experience.
2. Organization of requisite skills and knowledge in a written form suitable for teaching.
  - Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level IV Instructor course.
  - Academy director authorization for certification..
3. Demonstration of contemporary training course development skills and knowledge in a classroom situation.
  - Successful completion of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Level IV Instructor course.
  - Successful completion of both written and performance examinations approved by the Council in which teaching presentation skills and knowledge are tested.

Required course:

Level IV Instructor Training

To apply for your Level IV Instructor certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Level IV Instructor Training course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Presentation evaluation sheet.
Attest the application (Candidate, Agency, and Academy Director).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Special Note:

Instructor (Guest)

Due to their professions or skill levels, some non-POST certified individuals may be requested to instruct. These individuals will be designated as guest instructors and shall be recognized by Council as such.

Guest Instructor recognition shall be granted only by the written request of the academy director or a professional criminal justice association recognized by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
No certified officer shall be recognized as a guest instructor unless they have been awarded a “terminal degree” in the area of expertise that they are requesting to instruct.
- A “terminal degree” is defined as the highest degree available in any given academic discipline.
- Common examples of terminal degrees are Juris Doctorate (JD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and Doctor of Medicine (MD).
- POST shall have the sole determination in deeming an individual’s terminal degree as sufficient to instruct in any given subject regardless of whether they hold a peace officer certification in the State of Georgia.

To apply for Guest Instructor recognition:

Go to the POST Data Gateway.
1. Create an account for yourself.
2. Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements.
Complete the PDF application.
Email the application and all supporting documents to the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) with the subject line “Guest Instructor Application”.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

James Callaway Gang Investigator

To qualify for the James Callaway Gang Investigator Certification, you must:

Have served at least three (3) years as a full-time, employed Peace Officer.
Be currently employed as a full-time Georgia Peace Officer or the equivalent.
Have investigated and prosecuted criminal gang activity.
- A Georgia Gang Investigator is defined as “Any certified Peace Officer of the state of Georgia or any political subdivision thereof whose primary job function is investigating criminal street gangs as defined under O.C.G.A. § 6-15-3(3), which engage in various forms of criminal gang activity as defined under O.C.G.A. § 6-15-3(1), to discover the truth, collect evidence, interview witnesses, and testify in court.”
- Determination will be based on job function and not position title.
Complete the prerequisite courses.
Complete the core courses on or after July 15, 2019.
Complete one hundred twenty (120) hours of elective courses.
Complete the Gang Investigator Certification Oral Board.

Prerequisite courses:

Criminal Procedure
Courtroom Testimony & Evidence Presentation
Interviews and Interrogations
Search & Seizure for Law Enforcement
Criminal Investigations Fundamental

Core courses (complete on or after July 15, 2019):

Gang Awareness
Introduction to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Gang Recognition and Identification Course
Advance Gang Recognition and Identification Course
Gang Investigation and Prosecution Course

Elective courses (complete a minimum of 120 hours):

Georgia Gang Investigators Association “Basic Investigator” course
Georgia Gang Investigators Association “Intermediate Investigator” course
Georgia Gang Investigators Association “Human Trafficking Investigator” course
Prosecuting Attorney’s Council “Gang Cases from the Crime Scene to the Courtroom”
Homicide Investigations
Drug Enforcement Investigations Course
Child Victims Investigations Fundamentals
Family Violence Investigations
Financial Investigations Fundamentals
Sexual Assault Investigations
Advanced Report Writing
Basic Photography & Digital Imaging

Competency requirement:

Gang Investigator Certification Oral Board
- The Board will be performed by one (1) student at a time.
- Each student will report to a predetermined classroom at a predetermined time.
- The Oral Board members will be comprised of a minimum of two (2) staff members, allowing for a 2:1 instructor/student ratio.
- Each student will have four (4) hours for completion of the exam, to allow for critique and review.
- Each student will answer a series of fifteen (15) questions.
  - Instructors will use the Gang Investigator Oral Board Question and Answer Guide and the Gang Investigator Oral Board Form for questioning students and evaluating their answers.
  - The student will answer each question and be graded according to their answers.
  - The student must score 80% or higher to successfully pass the Oral Board.

To apply for your James Callaway Gang Investigator Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements, complete all required courses, and complete the Oral Board.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Gang Investigator Certification Oral Board.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Latent Print Examiner

To qualify for the Latent Print Examiner Certification, you must:

Be employed by a recognized law enforcement agency.
Be currently assigned to Latent Print Examiner duties.
Complete the required courses.
Complete and pass a third-party latent proficiency exam from an ISO/IEC 17043 accredited provider.
Recertify every two years by completing and passing a third-party latent proficiency exam from an ISO/IEC 17043 accredited provider.

Required courses:

Intermediate Friction Ridge Analysis I (40 hours)
Intermediate Friction Ridge Analysis II (40 hours)
Palm Print Comparisons (40 hours)
Advanced Friction Ridge Analysis (40 hours)
Latent Print Expert Testimony (40 hours)
Latent Print Examiner Certification Test (GPSTC)

To apply for your Crime Scene Technician Certification:

If you are a POST certified peace officer, skip to step 2. If you are a civilian, go to the POST Data Gateway to create an account.
1. Complete the account setup.
2. Contact the Help Desk (helpdesk@gapost.org) for any assistance.
Ensure you meet all requirements, complete all required courses, and upload your third-party test results to the Latent Print Examiner Certification Test course through GPSTC.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Latent Print Examiner Certification Test course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

To recertify:

Email your new third-party latent proficiency exam results to helpdesk@gapost.org, with the subject line, “Latent Print Examiner Recertification.”

Narcotics Investigator

To qualify for the Narcotics Investigator Certification, you must:

Have one (1) year experience as a full-time Narcotics Investigator.
Be currently assigned to a Criminal Investigative Division and assigned to investigate narcotics crimes or work for a Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force.
Complete the required courses.

Required courses:

Clandestine Lab Safety and Awareness (16 Hours)
Concealed Carry Handgun Course (24 Hours)
Drug Identification Course (40 Hours)
Drug Undercover Operations (40 Hours)
Effective Public Safety Report Writing (4 Hours)
Evidence Presentation (16 Hours)
High Risk Warrant Service & Arrest Tactics (40 Hours)
Interviews and Interrogations (24 Hours)
Introduction to Drug Enforcement (80 Hours) or Drug Enforcement Investigation – AXM31G (80 Hours)
Marijuana Certified Examiners Course (20 Hours)
Professional Ethics Training (16 Hours)
Search & Seizure for Law Enforcement (40 Hours)
Search Warrants & Affidavits: Advanced (24 Hours)
Technical Surveillance (24 Hours)
Criminal Procedure (40 Hours)
Narcotics Investigator Certification Exam (GPSTC) (4 Hours)

To apply for your Narcotics Investigator Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Narcotics Investigator Cert Exam (GPSTC) course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

To qualify for the School Resource Officer (SRO) Certification, you must:

Be a POST certified Peace Officer.
Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Be employed as an SRO or have a job offer pending as an SRO.
Complete the required course.

Required courses:

School Resource Officer

To apply for your School Resource Officer (SRO) Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your School Resource Officer course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload any supporting documents.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Officer

To qualify for the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Certification, you must:

Have at least three (3) years experience as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Be currently assigned to the departmental tactical unit.
Complete the required courses.
Demonstrate required abilities to a POST certified agency instructor.

Required courses:

Officer Survival (40 hours)
Semi Pistol 2 (32 hours)
Shotgun Skills (24 hours)
Tactical Submachine Gun (24 hours)
Patrol Rifle (40 hours)
Judgmental Use of Deadly Force (24 hours)
Defensive Tactics (40 Hours)
Health and Wellness (22 hours)
Stress Management (16 hours)
High Risk Warrant and Arrest Tactics (40 hours)
Special Weapons and Tactics (55 hours)

Required abilities:

Pass the firearms qualification course established by the agency/unit.
Breach a door effectively.
Use proper room clearing techniques.
Use proper team movement techniques.
Demonstrate an understanding of agency policies related to SWAT operations and use of force.
Demonstrate correct judgment in simulated use of force scenarios.
Use correct live fire – low light firearms techniques.
Show proficiency in clearing a gas mask in a live gas environment.
Demonstrate proficient live fire handgun skills while using a shield.
Complete and pass the department physical agility test.

To apply for your Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your basic Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course Completion Checklist and marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
- Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Skills & Assignment Verification form (Misc. Documents).
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Speed Detection Operator

To qualify for the Speed Detection Operator Certification, you must:

Complete the required course.
Complete the required probationary period.
- The probationary period will be a minimum of three (3) calendar weeks of duration. Three to six weeks are required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- During this period you must operate a speed detection device a minimum of sixteen (16) clock hours spread out over the minimum three (3) week period. The device operating time must be exclusive of other duties. (Not just carrying the device around with you all day and not using it.) To ensure you are spreading it out over the minimum twenty-one (21) days, list your start date and count to your twenty-second (22nd) day from that date to do your last day of operation. Beginning and end dates must be twenty-one (21) days or more apart.
  IMPORTANT NOTE: Not spreading the operation of the device over twenty-one (21) days is the most common error in submission of these applications.
Apply for the certification within eighteen (18) months of completing the basic speed detection course.
- If your application is not submitted within eighteen (18) months of completion of the basic speed detection course, you will be required to take the course again prior to applying for this certification.
Not make traffic stops as a result of using the speed detection device unless you are accompanied by a certified speed detection device operator for the device in use.
Maintain a “Speed Detection Device Log.” If additional pages are required, you can make copies of a blank log page.
- At the end of the probationary period, one copy of your log will be submitted with the Speed Detection Application for Certification. You should keep one copy for your personal file.
Demonstrate proficiency in use of the Speed Detection Device.
- Upon completion of the time period (minimum or beyond) you will demonstrate your proficiency to an operator or instructor certified by POST to operate that particular Speed Detection Device.
- The person testing (field tester) your proficiency will spend a minimum of one hour with you while you demonstrate the proper operating procedure of the device.
- The field tester will follow directions on the Field Assessment Form supplied with the Application or in the basic mandate training class. These forms will be filled out by the tester, signed, and then submitted with your application for certification.

Required courses:

Speed Detection Operator
OR
RADAR Operator
OR
LIDAR Operator

To apply for your Speed Detection Operator Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Complete POST Form C-6.
- A complete application for certification shall consist of:
  1. Applicant Information: To be completed by you, the applicant.
  2. Agency Head Verification: To be completed by your agency’s head. (Chief, Sheriff, Etc.)
  3. Traffic Speed Detection Log: A copy of your log must be attached.
  4. Student’s field assessment forms: Forms must be completed and signed by the field tester and attached to the application for speed detection device certification.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Speed Detection Operator (SDO, RADAR, or LIDAR) course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Pages 1-4 of the POST Form C-6 Application.
- Speed Detection Log.
- Speed Detection Device Training course completion certificate, if an academy director has not signed off on Section IV of the C-6 Application.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialist

To qualify for the Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialist Certification, you must:

Have at least three (3) years experience as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Have one (1) year experience conducting traffic accident investigations.
Complete the required courses.

Required courses:

On-Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Level 1
On-Scene Traffic Accident Investigation Level 2
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Level 1
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Level 2
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Level 3
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Level 4
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Level 5
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialist Skill Performance

To apply for your Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialist Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete all required courses.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Click on Fact Sheet at the top.
Print the Fact Sheet and mark all required courses with a check mark.
Scan the marked Fact Sheet to your computer for later upload.
Return to your Demographics and scroll down to your Traffic Accident Reconstruction Specialist Skill Performance course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload all supporting documents.
- Course certificates or marked Fact Sheet (Misc. Documents).
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Training Officer (Communications)

To qualify for the Training Officer (Communications) Certification, you must:

Have a minimum of three (3) years experience as a communications officer, with a minimum of two (2) years with your current agency.
Complete the required course.

Required courses:

Communications Training Officer

To apply for your Training Officer (Communications) Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Communications Training Officer course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload any supporting documents.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Training Officer (Field)

To qualify for the Training Officer (Field) Certification, you must:

Have a minimum of three (3) years experience in law enforcement, with a minimum of two (2) years with your current agency.
Complete the required course.

Required courses:

Field Training Officer

To apply for your Training Officer (Field) Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Field Training Officer course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload any supporting documents.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.

Training Officer (Jail)

To qualify for the Training Officer (Jail) Certification, you must:

Have a minimum of three (3) years experience as a jail officer, with a minimum of two (2) years with your current agency.
Complete the required course.

Required courses:

Jail Training Officer

To apply for your Training Officer (Jail) Certification:

Ensure you meet all requirements and complete the required course.
Log into the POST Data Gateway.
Click on Demographics.
Scroll down to your Jail Training Officer course.
Click the Application button.
Complete the application ensuring you upload any supporting documents.
Attest the application (Candidate and Agency).
Save and submit your application.
Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

If you receive notification that your application needs corrections, follow the How Do I Correct My Application instructions.