Course Details

Course TitlePOST Peace Officer Psychological Screening Manual Book-Based Exam
Date Varies
ProviderCommission on POST
Phone916-894-9523
Emailcpets@post.ca.gov
Website https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/psychological-screening-manual/SubscriptionExamOrder.pdf
Location 
Credit Hours8
Instructor(s) 
Method of InstructionIndependent Learning
Approving AgencyCPA
Course Syllabus

Course Description

This self-study course will require the individual to read and be familiar with the POST Peace Officer Psychological Screening Manual. The Manual provides guidance on all phases and aspects of the psychological evaluation process from the selection and training of screening psychologists, to procedures for reaching a suitability determination and beyond. 

Exam Items: 50
Passpoint: 80% (min 40 correct)
Approx Exam Time: There is no limit on the amount of time given for the exam, however, once logged in you must complete it in one sitting. Average exam time has been approximately 2.5 hours.
Cost: $75

Before ordering, verify that you are on the POST Psychological Evaluators List. If not, you will need to create a profile, before you will be given access to the exam. 

To order the exam: 
Click on the "website" link above to download a .pdf of the subscription request form 
Complete the form
Mail the form and a $75 check or money order to POST. No electronic payment methods available at this time.
Order requests will be processed within 5 business days of receipt of payment
You will be sent an email with instructions on how to access the exam

POST is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists. POST maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Course Objectives

  • Describe the statutory and regulatory requirements that dictate the procedures and criteria used in the pre-employment screening of peace officers
  • Discuss the competencies and responsibilities of peace officer screening psychologists
  • Use the POST Psychological Screening Dimensions as criteria for evaluating the psychological suitability of candidates
  • Follow the procedure for conducting pre-employment psychological evaluations that is consistent with federal and state requirements and professional guidelines
  • Evaluate written personality and psychological assessments for validity, reliability and other important psychometric properties, as well as overall usefulness for provided job-relevant information
  • Discuss the acquisition and use of personal history in the psychological evaluation
  • Discuss the acquisition and use of candidate information during the clinical interview
  • Discuss an effective way to integrate test data, personal history information, treatment records and interview data to arrive at a decision of peace officer candidate psychological suitability