Professional Certificates Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Answers

The following information provides answers to the most frequently asked questions related to POST certificates:

  1. How do I apply for a Basic Certificate?
    Apply online When applying for a Basic Certificate the following is required:
    1. Satisfy requirements specified in Commission Regulation 1202(b)(1);
    2. Possess a valid Proof of Eligibility;
    3. Current employment as a full-time peace officer by an agency in the POST program; and
    4. Completion of the agency's probationary period of not less than 12 months.
    5. Completion of PC 832.4 (For additional information regarding your specific peace officer status, please see Penal Code 832.4).
    NOTE: Transcripts and/or diplomas are not necessary to determine eligibility for the Basic Certificate.
  2. Where can I apply for a POST certificate ?
    Agencies and individuals can apply online through their POST PASS account.
  3. Why am I unable to apply for certificates through my POST PASS account ? 
    Your agency may have disabled the option for individual users to initiate certificate applications. Please contact your agency's EDI Coordinator for assistance.
  4. What is the application process turnaround time?
    Basic Certificates are processed with priority reviewed within 7-10 business days. All certificate applications are processed within 45 business days from the date of receipt.
  5. Will POST "expedite" an application upon request?
    Upon verification, POST will give priority to applicants with compliance issues and/or for those with a promotional exam pending.
  6. A position I am applying for requires a POST Basic Certificate. How do I obtain one?  

    Individuals who successfully complete a POST-certified Basic Course receive a certificate of completion from the training institution at the end of the course. This certificate is different from the POST Basic Certificate, which is a professional certificate issued by POST.

    Some law enforcement agencies require applicants to already possess a POST Basic Certificate. In most cases, this means the agency is seeking candidates who have previously been employed by a qualifying agency, successfully completed probation, and met the requirements for the POST Basic Certificate.

    Other agencies only require proof that an applicant has successfully completed a POST-certified Basic Course. In those cases, the Basic Course certificate of completion issued by the training institution is sufficient.

    If a job announcement does not clearly specify which certificate is required, applicants should contact the hiring agency for clarification before applying.

  7. If I qualify for more than one certificate, can I apply for more than one certificate using one certificate application?
    Yes, individuals may apply for multiple certificates when using the Certificate Application.
  8. What does the message " Basic course requirement no satisfied" mean when I apply for a certificate? 

    If you completed the Basic Academy through the Modular Format (Modules III, II, and I), the application system may not automatically recognize your academy completion.

    If this message appears, you should continue with your application. POST staff will verify that you successfully completed the required Basic Course modules as part of the application review process.

  9. Will POST provide a list of accredited colleges for POST Profeesional Certificates ?
    POST does not provide a list of accredited colleges. Most colleges and universities will list the accrediting body on the back of an original transcript(s). If the accrediting body is not found on the original transcript(s), contact the college or university that was attended to obtain the needed information.
  10. Will POST accept a foreign degree? 
    When issued by a foreign college or university, the degree or units shall be evaluated for equivalency by a credential evaluation service holding membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  11. Will POST issue a PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course Certificate?
    POST does not provide certificates of completion. Course presenters issue certificates of completion for all POST certified courses.
  12. Can I get a copy of my POST Professional Certificate(s)?
    To receive a copy of a POST Professional Certificate, you may download a PDF version online Step-by-step instructions are in the Certificate Download How-To Guide (pdf). Please note that POST no longer issues printed certificates, except for the Executive Certificate.. 
  13. I work for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), can I apply for certificates? 
    Correctional officers working for CDCR are not members of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. Correctional officers are under CPOST (Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training) and attend a custodial basic academy through CDCR therefore not eligible for the certificates we award. Since correctional officers are under custodial duties, it does not meet the other requirements of our certificates therefore we could not award you certificates under our program.