Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course Waiver Process
Out-of-state or federal criminal investigator applicants may meet California's Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course training requirement by completing the Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course Waiver process. The Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course (SIBC) is the training requirement for welfare fraud investigators/inspectors, and designated state and county criminal investigators identified in the Penal Code. Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not all federal officers or FLETC-trained applicants will be accepted for the waiver process.
The Specialized Investigators' Basic Course Waiver (SIBCW) process is a four-step process that evaluates prior law enforcement training, education, and experience, and tests skill level. These steps must be completed in the order shown. There are fees for Steps 1 and 3.
Questions regarding the SIBCW process may be directed to the BCW Unit at (916) 227-3915 or bcw@post.ca.gov. Please note, the minimum qualifications to apply for a SIBCW are increasing on January 1, 2026. Applicants may review the qualification changes here.
Step 1: Application/Self-Assessment
To start the SIBC waiver process, please complete the Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course Waiver Application (3-353) (pdf). The application/self-assessment must include verification of successful completion of each of the following:
- A basic investigative course similar in content to the SIBC, or a federal agency general or investigative basic course (acceptable basic courses are determined by POST staff)
- At least 591 hours of investigative or general law enforcement training (including basic course)
- The legislatively mandated training subjects included in the SIBC, as identified in the self-assessment worksheet (see page 9 of the application)
- At least two year of continuous full-time out-of-state or federal investigative experience with one agency, or two years of general law enforcement experience with one agency after the completion of basic training (acceptable investigative experience must be comparable to California's investigative law enforcement agencies; acceptance is determined by POST staff)
- No more than a six year break from the applicant's last peace officer employment before the date of the application
- Attestation that the applicant is leaving/has left their previous law enforcement employer(s) in good standing
- The 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 by CA POST to determine if the investigative or general law enforcement training and experience requirements have been met as outlined in Step 1.
Step 3: Basic Course Waiver (BCW) Assessment Process
The SIBCW assessment is accomplished by successful completion of a POST-certified Requalification Course. All SIBCW 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 Specialized Investigators’ Basic Course and is valid for three years.