Expert: Chris Wagoner - 2/15/2011

Question
My husband is currently POST Certified in GA and in 2 years we plan to move to FL. Can he transfer his certification by taking a test or would he have to go through the academy there if he became a city officer in Fort Myers? I am at work and bored to death so I thought I would ask. ;) Thanks!

Answer
Hey Ashley!

I am at work also, but busier than a  never mind.... ;)

In order for him to transfer and only have to take the test he has to meet the EOT standards (Equivlency of Training). Here are the requirements for that:

Officer Requirements - Equivalency of Training (EOT)


The Equivalency of Training (EOT) process is for Out-of-State, Federal Officers, and/or previously certified Florida officers with a four year or more break-in-service pursuant to section 943.131(2), Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 11B-35.009(4)(5).

The EOT allows an office to be exempt from having to complete the full basic recruit academy.

You may be eligible for an exemption from the full basic training requirements if you were an officer in another state or with the federal government and meet the following requirements:

          (1) You worked at least one year, full-time as a sworn officer in the discipline you are seeking exemption;

          (2) You received training in that discipline which is comparable to Florida's full basic curriculum and/or;

          (3) You were previously certified in Florida.

There can be no more than an 8 year break in employment as an officer. The break in employment for out of state or federal officers is measured from the separation date of the most recent qualifying employment to the time a complete application requesting an exemption from training is submitted to a Criminal Justice Selection Center or criminal justice employing agency. The break for previously certified Florida officers is measured from the separation date of their most recent sworn employment in Florida to their date of employment in a new sworn position. Pursuant to Chapter 943.1395(3), F.S., a previously certified Florida officer must be reemployed in a sworn position within 8 years of their most recent separation or they have to meet the minimum qualifications outlined in Chapter 943.13, F.S. including the requirement to complete a full basic recruit training academy.

Once you are approved for an equivalency of training, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas and pass the state certification exam in the same discipline within 1 year of receipt of the approved Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.

If you do not complete the training and pass the State Officer Certification Examination within the 1 year time limit, you will have to complete a full basic recruit training course.

By law, criminal justice employing agencies or selection centers are responsible for reviewing out-of-state or federal officer's employment and training to initially determine eligibility for exemption. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement does not determine a person's eligibility.

Upon collection, verification and authentication of documentation which establishes that you meet the training and experience requirements, a criminal justice employing agency or an assessment center must submit a completed Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76 to the FDLE for approval. (The applicant does not complete the CJSTC-76 form)

Documentation of one year's experience as an out-of-state or federal officer may consist of authentic copies of one or more of the following:


• payroll records
• employment records
• verification of employment letters/affidavits

Documentation of prior training may consist of authentic copies of one or more of the following:

• training records from prior employers
• training records from academies
• transcripts
• curricula summaries
• certificates of completion
• verification of training /letters affidavits

Once the request is processed, if approved for the exemption from training, you should enroll in the appropriate pre-exam training at a Commission-certified training center in order to demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas and then take and pass the state certification exam.

The Steps For an Out-of-State, Federal or Previously Sworn Florida Officer To Become Certified in Florida

1. Contact a Criminal Justice Selection Center or criminal justice employing agency and complete their application process to determine eligibility to be exempt from completing a basic recruit training course.

2. Once you are approved and receive your Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76 from the selection center or agency, contact a Commission-certified Criminal Justice Training Center to enroll in the training course to complete your demonstration of proficiency in the high-liability skills areas. The training center personnel will issue you a voucher to allow you to take the State Officer Certification Examination.

3. Register to take the State Officer Certification Examination.  The date you take the examination must be after the completion date of your training class. You have up to 3 attempts to pass the examination provided all attempts are within the 1 year time limit.

4. Obtain employment in a sworn position with a criminal justice agency who will conduct your background investigation and complete the process for certification.

If you need more information go to www.policecareers.org and click on the Equivlency of training link.

Hope that helps..