POST has been asked various questions regarding various professional certificates issued by POST. The following sections are intended to answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs).

1. Where can I obtain a POST certificate application form?

You can download the application (pdf) from the POST website or, if you are employed as a peace officer, you can obtain copies of the blank application form from your department training manager.

2. Can POST put a “rush” on applications?

No, but POST will make a determination on a case-by-case basis to give priority to an application if there is a compliance issue or promotional exam on the line.

3. What is needed for the Basic Certificate?

To request a Basic Certificate, mail the completely filled out and signed POST 2-116 (pdf) to POST. To be eligible for the Basic Certificate, the applicant must:

• Have completed the Regular Basic Course
• Have completed the department's probationary period
• Currently be employed as a full-time peace officer by an agency in the POST program. However, an applicant who is designated as a peace officer pursuant to California Penal Code § 832.4 may also apply for a POST Basic certificate

4. Can POST backdate a certificate?

No, POST does not backdate certificate applications.

5. What is the application process turn around time?

The turn around time for non-Basic Certificate applications is approximately 2 months.

6. Are website transcripts acceptable?

No, they are not acceptable. A photocopy of the applicant's official transcript or a copy of the college degree is acceptable.

7. If I qualify for more than one certificate, can I put both certificate names in Block 1 of the application?

Yes.

8. Do I have to re-date the application when I return it for corrections?

Yes, when POST has returned your application to your department or agency, you must re-date the application before you resubmit it to POST.

9. Can you send me a list of the accredited colleges?

No. You can research such a list on the following two websites: www.wascweb.org and www.detc.org. Also, see the book Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education (published by the American Council on Education).

10. Can we use the same two years experience for both the Supervisory and the Management Certificate?

No, a total of four years of service is required to earn both the Supervisory and the Management Certificate. See the POST Administrative Manual, Regulations 9070 (i) and 9070 (j) (pdf), for the exact requirements.

11. Can I get a PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course certificate?

No, the course presenter issues the certificate of course completion for this course.

12. Can you tell me about the POST Basic Course Waiver Process?

Information about the POST Basic Course Waiver Process is available online. You can also direct your questions to the Basic Training Bureau by telephone at 916.227.4254 or by email at bcw@post.ca.gov.

13. Can you tell me about the Requalification Course?

Information about the POST Requalification Course is available online. You can also direct your questions to the Basic Training Bureau by telephone at 916.227.4254 or by email at bcw@post.ca.gov .

14. Can I get a copy of my certificate?

Yes. POST can reissue a certificate that has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. To obtain a certificate copy, complete the Request for Reissuance of POST Certificate POST 2-250 (doc) and mail it to POST.

15. How can I obtain information about other program certificates and POST-certified course completion certificates?

Program-specific information for the Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI), Command College and the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation (ICI) is available online.

Course presenters issue certificates for completing POST-certified courses. POST does not issue these certificates.