Basic Course Waiver
Out-of-state applicants may meet California's Regular Basic Course (academy) training requirement by completing the Basic Course Waiver process. The Regular Basic Course is the training requirement for POST-program city police officers, sheriff's deputies, marshals, district attorney investigators, campus police officers, park police, Level I reserve peace officers and a few miscellaneous peace officer positions identified in the California Penal Code.
There are two types of Basic Course Waivers.
- Regular Basic Course Waiver
- Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course Waiver
An applicant must successfully complete the entire Basic Course Waiver (BCW) process to obtain a waiver. Agency sponsorship is not required to participate in the BCW process, and acceptance of a waiver for meeting the Regular Basic Course training standard is at the discretion of the employing agency.
Questions regarding the BCW process, application, or the Specialized Investigators' Basic Course Waiver (SIBCW) process may be directed to the Basic Course Waiver unit at (916) 227-3915 or bcw@post.ca.gov. Please note, the minimum qualifications to apply for a BCW increased on January 1, 2026. Applicants may review the qualification changes here.
Regular Basic Course Waiver Process
The BCW is a four step process that evaluates prior law enforcement training and tests knowledge and skill level. These steps must be completed in the order shown. There are fees for Steps 1 and 3.
Step 1: Application/Self-Assessment
To start the Basic Course Waiver process, please complete the Regular Basic Course Waiver Application (2-267) (pdf). The application/self-assessment must include verification of successful completion of each of the following:
- At least a 400-hour general law enforcement basic course,
- At least 664 hours of general law enforcement training (including basic course),
- The legislatively mandated training subjects included in the Regular Basic Course
- At least two years of continuous general law enforcement experience with one agency
- Please note: At this time, deputies with corrections experience only and federal police officers in Police Series 0083 do not qualify
- No more than a six year break from the applicant's last peace officer employment to the date of the application
- Attestation that the applicant is leaving/has left their previous law enforcement employer(s) in good standing.
- Non-refundable $250.00 fee is payable by electronic payment. To pay by electronic payment, you must create a POST PASS account.
Step 2: POST Training Evaluation
The applicant's self-assessment and supporting documents are evaluated to determine if the general law enforcement training and experience requirements have been met as outlined in Step 1.
Step 3: Basic Course Waiver (BCW) Assessment Process
The BCW assessment is accomplished by successful completion of a POST-certified Requalification Course. All BCW applicants must attend the course unless they meet the test-only criteria listed in Commission Regulation 1005(a)(1)(C)(2).
A list of available Requalification Courses can be found in the POST Course Catalog.
Step 4: Waiver Issuance
The waiver letter granted by POST waives the required completion of a California POST-certified Regular Basic Course and is valid for three years.