Certifications

There are 5 steps to obtain a basic certification in Idaho:
1. Be employed by an Idaho Law Enforcement Agency
2. Successfully graduate a POST basic academy
3. Complete at least 40 hours of field training with your agency
4. Complete a 6 month probation period that starts at date of hire
5. Your employing agency will submit an application for basic certification.

Please refer to our job postings for open criminal justice positions throughout the state. If there is a specific agency you’re interested in, we encourage you to reach out to them directly, as not all openings make it to that page. Once hired, your agency will work with POST on your behalf through the application process. Your application will be the first step in attending a basic academy, and moving towards completing the above 5 steps. 

Idaho POST does not have a self-sponsor option but, individuals can attend one of the four POST approved college programs to complete the patrol or detention basic academy requirements. This option is paid for by the student, and there is a 3 year time limit to utilize training towards certification.

Applicants have 12 months to become certified. Emergency communications officers have 18 months. Idaho Statute §19-5109(4)

For basic hiring and certification requirements please see IDAPA 11.11.01.050 

First, you’ll need to be hired by a law enforcement agency. They will sponsor you through the challenge and certification process. It is ultimately your hiring agency’s decision to sponsor you through this process as they may choose to send you to an academy even though you have previous training, experience, and/or certification.  

For the challenge process you will need to provide:

• Supporting documents verifying Administrative Rule minimum standards of employment are met.
• Previous POST (or the state’s equivalent) training records listing your complete law enforcement employment history, state issued certifications, & state approved training. This must include separation dates from your former agencies.
• Basic academy training curriculum with course hours instructed to verify equivalency to Idaho’s basic academy. 

If the training and/or experience you’ve completed out of state does not meet Idaho POST requirements, you must attend a POST basic academy to be certified in Idaho.

Once minimum requirements are met and the application is cleared, you must pass a battery of tests including an academy equivalency exam. Upon successful completion of the Challenge Exam, you will need to complete the following:

• A minimum of 40 hours of field training with your agency
• A six-month probation period with your agency (from date of hire)
• Application for certification with POST

Completion of the challenge process through to obtaining certification takes about nine months.

No non-certified person shall act as an officer beyond 12 months of employment without an extension of time granted from the POST Council. Idaho Statute §19-5109(4)

For detailed information on the above process please refer to POST Procedure 12.15 and IDAPA 11.11.01.050 Basic Certification of Law Enforcement Officers.

Our Higher Level Breakdown offers simple information of each discipline’s requirements. Please consult the breakdown to verify qualifications are met before submitting an application. 

If you are an officer looking to lateral to Idaho and already hold higher level certificates in your current state, previous certifications may not cross over; qualifications may differ. Please consult the breakdown to see which Idaho certificates you may qualify for.

To apply, please complete the Application for Certification, and email it to certifications@post.idaho.gov

For Administrative Rule details on higher level certifications please review IDAPA 11.11.01.070 

An applicant who has served in the military as a full-time military law enforcement officer may be awarded partial credit toward law enforcement experience and training. The applicant must have served as a full-time military law enforcement officer during the period of time for which credit is requested. Regular guard duty does not qualify.

POST credit will be awarded using the following equations:
1 year of accepted military law enforcement service = 3 months law enforcement experience credit.

8 hours accepted military law enforcement training = 4 hours law enforcement training credit. 

No applicant shall be awarded more than two (2) years of law enforcement experience.
No applicant shall be awarded more than one thousand (1,000) hours of law enforcement training.

To apply, complete the application for military credit and email it to certifications@post.idaho.gov

To review the military credit process in more detail please refer to IDAPA 11.11.01.071.05

Woof! Woof! Idaho’s finest four-legged partners deserve the best training and recognition. That’s why POST is proud to offer comprehensive canine certification programs for law enforcement officers and their K-9 companions.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about ensuring your canine teammate is equipped with the skills and expertise to make a real difference in the field. In POST Procedure 12.13, you’ll discover:

• The different types of canine certifications available in Idaho
• The training requirements to obtain certifications
• The canine team certification testing criteria
• Canine Team Evaluator information