Law Enforcement Officer
Certification and In-Service
Certification and In-Service
Certification Process and Mandated
In-Service Requirements
Find information here on what you must do to
complete certification and in-service training
complete certification and in-service training
Certification Overview
1. Partial Training Waiver for Out-of-State Law Enforcement Transfers
Law enforcement officers in good standing and coming to Virginia from other states may qualify for a partial training waiver based on experience.
2. Compulsory Minimum Training
Upon employment, law enforcement officer trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and law enforcement field training.
Performance Outcomes
Upon employment, law enforcement officer trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and law enforcement field training.
Performance Outcomes
3. State Exam
Once a trainee completes the law enforcement minimum training at an academy, the trainee must successfully pass the state certification exam.
See Code of Virginia
Once a trainee completes the law enforcement minimum training at an academy, the trainee must successfully pass the state certification exam.
See Code of Virginia
4. Field Training
Requirements vary depending on and local to the agency where you are receiving training.
Field Training Performance Outcomes
Requirements vary depending on and local to the agency where you are receiving training.
Field Training Performance Outcomes
5. Certification
Once you have met every training standard, completed required field training, and passed the state exam, the agency submits form B-13 to DCJS and the officer is approved once DCJS enters in the Training Management System (TRACER), which automatically generates the certification.
About TRACER
Once you have met every training standard, completed required field training, and passed the state exam, the agency submits form B-13 to DCJS and the officer is approved once DCJS enters in the Training Management System (TRACER), which automatically generates the certification.
About TRACER
In-Service Training
To maintain certification, officers/deputies must remain employed with a Virginia law enforcement agency and continue in-service training throughout their careers.
Agencies requiring an extension in order to meet the mandated in-service requirements must submit a request to DCJS Field Services prior to the expiration date and provide the reason for the extension request.
See administrative Code of Virginia.
Request for Training Extension (Form TE)
Common Questions Regarding Law Enforcement Certification
If I separate from my agency, am I allowed to keep my certification?
No, you must be employed by a Virginia criminal justice agency to be certified.
What is the process for reinstating former Virginia law enforcement officers?
If your agency has hired a former law enforcement officer who was previously certified in Virginia and out of such employment less than 24 months, the former law enforcement officer can be reinstated without completing a basic academy but must be current on in-service training within 120 days of hire.
If the former certified law enforcement officer has been out of such employment for more than 24 months, and you are requesting an exemption from the Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards, the agency must submit an Application for Exemption from the Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (DCJS Form W-2).
Agencies must contact DCJS Field Services for further assistance and submit the DCJS Form W-2.
Request for Training Extension (Form TE)
If the former certified law enforcement officer has been out of such employment for more than 24 months, and you are requesting an exemption from the Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards, the agency must submit an Application for Exemption from the Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (DCJS Form W-2).
Agencies must contact DCJS Field Services for further assistance and submit the DCJS Form W-2.
Request for Training Extension (Form TE)
How does my agency request an exemption for federal and out-of-state law enforcement officers?
If your agency has hired a former law enforcement officer from another state or from the Federal Government and is requesting an exemption from the Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards, your agency must submit an Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards.
Agencies must contact DCJS Field Services for further assistance and submit the DCJS Form W-2.
Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (Form W-2)
Agencies must contact DCJS Field Services for further assistance and submit the DCJS Form W-2.
Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (Form W-2)
How do I request a copy of my training history?
Send an email with your name, date of birth, and contact number to etrain@dcjs.virginia.gov.
Law Enforcement Career Qualifications
The Commonwealth of Virginia is currently recruiting dedicated law enforcement professionals ready to uphold our standards and protect our communities. Whether you are considering a new career in law enforcement or are an experienced officer interested in opportunities in this state, DCJS offers guidance on those qualifications.
Quick Reference
Administrative Code: Rules
Relating to Law Enforcement
Officers
Relating to Law Enforcement
Officers
Learn more about Virginia rules relating to law enforcement officers.
Field Services
Field Services provides statewide services to criminal justice agencies and criminal justice training academies to increase quality and ensure compliance with DCJS training directives.
Decertification
The Statewide Standards of Conduct are under development. Check here for the latest updates.
