California Penal Code (PC) Section 832(e) requires individuals who previously completed a California PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course to "requalify" prior to exercising peace officer powers if they:

1. Have not been employed as a California peace officer within three years of the course completion date, or
2. Have a three-year or longer break in service as a California peace officer.

Exemptions From Requalification

An employer may grant a requalification exemption for an individual who establishes eligibility with the employer by:

• Returning to a law enforcement management position at the second level of supervision or higher, or
• Successfully requalifying for a POST Basic Course within the last three years, or
• Maintaining proficiency through teaching the PC 832 Course, or
• Continuous employment as a peace officer in another state or at the federal level during the break in service, or
• Previously meeting the PC 832 training requirement, being appointed as a peace officer under subdivision (c) of Penal Code Section 830.1, and being continuously employed as a custodial officer, as defined in PC 831 or 831.5, by the agency making the peace officer appointment since completing PC 832 training.

The employing agency shall retain, as a permanent record, all supporting documentation.

Two Options for Requalificaton

An individual may requalify their training by:

1. Repeating and successfully completing the PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course, or
2. Applying for and passing the requalification examination(s) at specified test centers in California.

The proficiency standard is the same for both options. The required examinations are described below.

• Arrest Written Test: Includes multiple-choice questions on laws of arrest and related topics.
• Arrest Methods Skills Test: Includes demonstration of defensive foot movements, takedown tactics, control holds, and handcuffing.
• Firearms Skills Test: Includes shooting a course of fire, weapon familiarization, safe weapon handling and cleaning, and good marksmanship principles.

Course Presenters

Information on PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course presenters can be found in POST's Catalog of Certified Courses. PC 832 Course presenters that are also Requalification Test Centers are listed below.

PC 832 Requalification Test Centers

Requalification Application

To apply for the requalification examinations, the applicant must select a test center, and prepare and mail the items listed below to the test center.

• Examination Request: The applicant must submit a written request specifying which examination(s) they are applying for and include their:
• Full name
• Mailing address
• Daytime phone number
• Social security number (to verify prior PC 832 training)
  
  
• Proof of Prior PC 832 Course Completion: The applicant must provide a copy of their PC 832 course completion certificate or other verifiable documentation showing prior successful completion of a PC 832 course. This documentation must include the applicant's name, course presenter's name, and the date of course completion.
  
  
• Criminal History Clearance: An applicant for the firearms course or examination who is not sponsored by a local or other law enforcement agency, or is not a peace officer employed by a state or local agency, department, or district, shall be required to submit a written criminal history clearance from the Department of Justice to the testing center prior to being admitted to the Firearms examination. POST Bulletin 98-28 provides further information about obtaining a clearance.
  
  
• Examination Fee(s): Contact the PC 832 Requalification test centers for examination fee requirements. (Fees may vary by presenter.)

Eligibility For Examination

After prior PC 832 training has been verified, the test center will contact the applicant within 30 days to arrange an examination date. The applicant must complete the examination(s) within 90 days of the exam eligibility date.

Retest Options

If the individual fails the examination, one retest is allowed within 90 days of the initial exam. (Fees may be charged for retesting.) If the individual fails the retest, a POST-certified PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course must be successfully completed prior to exercising peace officer powers.

Examination Results

The test center will provide the examination results to the applicant within ten working days of the examination date.

Additional Information

Questions about this program may be directed to the Basic Training Bureau at 916.227.4254 or bcw@post.ca.gov.