Colorado Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST)

A career in law enforcement can be exciting and rewarding. However, becoming a Colorado peace officer requires high ethical standards, personal discipline, and extensive training. To be eligible for appointment as a peace officer, an applicant must first be certified by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. By law Basic certification requires successful completion of a POST-approved Basic academy, successful completion of the POST certification examination, and a background check.  

Basic POST Certification Examination
Upon passing the basic academy, POST Certification exam, and background check, an applicant for Basic certification under Board Rule 10- Basic Peace Officer Certification will receive a certificate allowing them to seek employment as a Colorado peace officer.

In order to be eligible for the POST examination, the Board requires every applicant to have:

  • A G.E.D, high school diploma, or an equivalency certificate
  • Current first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates or equivalents
  • A state-issued Driver's License or Identification card  
  • Successful completion, within the two years prior to application, of an approved Colorado Basic training course

Hiring Requirements
After receiving POST certification, an individual must meet additional requirements before being appointed as a peace officer with the Sterling Police Department.  

Certification Revocations
Anyone who is POST certified and is convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors will be decertified. The POST Board will begin revocation proceedings, even if a deferment has been accepted.  After successful completion of the deferment and dismissal of the charge, your certification remains revoked. The officer may petition the POST Board to reinstate their certification. If the board agrees to reinstate it, their certification will be reinstated. The POST Board may put stipulations on your reinstatement, such as:  

  • Attendance at a full basic academy

  • Renewal of certification through the test out process

  • Attendance at a refresher academy. 

Visit the POST Website for more information

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