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 2 and 3.
Questions regarding the SIBCW process may be directed to the BCW Unit at (916) 227-3915 or bcw@post.ca.gov.
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 one year of continuous full-time out-of-state or federal investigative experience, or one year of general law enforcement experience 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)
- The non-refundable $250.00 fee is payable by electronic payment, certified check, or money order made payable to CA Commission on POST, Attn: SIBCW. 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.
Note: Government Code 1029 disqualifies any person previously employed in law enforcement in any state or United States territory or by the federal government, whose name is listed in the national decertification index, or any other database designated by the federal government, or who engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked in this state.
For information on changes to Government Code 1029 and Senate Bill 2, visit Decertification or SB 2 FAQs.