Required Certificates for Peace Officers

Proof of Eligibility

A Certification that confirms an individual is eligible to be a peace officer in the State of California. All peace officers who do not currently possess or are not eligible for a Basic Certificate are required to obtain a Proof of Eligibility (POE) within 10 days of appointment.  The Proof of eligibility is required for specified peace officers employed by both POST-participating and non-POST-participating agencies. An Attestation of Peace Officer Eligibility POST 2-356 (pdf) is required to be submitted with any new peace officer appointment via POST Pass Account. All regulatory requirements for certificates issued to peace officers are specified in Commission Regulation 1202.

Basic Certificate

Any full-time peace officer employed by a POST-participating agency who successfully completes the appropriate basic course requirement for their classification, possess a valid Proof of Eligibility and successfully completes their agency’s probationary period is eligible for the Basic Certificate. All regulatory requirements for certificates issued to peace officers are specified in Commission Regulation 1202.

*Exception: Any peace officer employed by a non-POST participating agency whose classification requires a Basic Certificate pursuant to Penal Code Section 832.4.

Penal Codes subject to obtain a Proof of Eligibility (POE) and/or Basic Certificate, if eligible:

  • PC 830.1
  • PC 830.1 (c) Jail Deputies
  • PC 830.2, except those described in subdivision (d) (CDCR)
  • PC 830.3
  • PC 830.32
  • PC 830.33

**Note:  Any peace officer employed by a POST-participating agency who does not receive their authority through one of the above listed penal codes is subject to the new requirements.


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