GA POST
Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council (Georgia POST) Certification
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreCommon mistakes
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ExploreAbout this exam
Georgia POST is the Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council, the state body whose stated mission is "to provide the citizens of Georgia with qualified, professionally trained, ethical, and competent peace officers and criminal justice professionals." This page is an independent study guide for candidates navigating Georgia POST certification; it is not operated by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the Council. The material is organized around the four areas the Council's own site presents under POST Certifications: Basic Certifications, Equivalency of Training (EOT), Annual Training Requirements, and Career Development with Voluntary/Specialty Certifications, including the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Certification page. Expect questions on how basic certification is established, how out-of-state or prior-training applicants pursue equivalency, what ongoing annual training obligations look like, and how specialty or voluntary credentials fit into a career path. Preparation should center on the Council's published rules, forms, manuals, and fee schedule rather than third-party summaries, since those documents control. Use the POST Data Gateway, Applications & Forms, Fee Schedule, Manuals & Training Resources, and the FAQ and "How do I…?" sections as your primary references, and route procedural questions to the Council helpdesk at (770) 732-5604 or [email protected]. Confirm every requirement against the current Council Rules before relying on it, because regulations are periodically amended and public notice of proposed amendments is posted on the site.
What you'll study
About GA POST preparation
Is this page run by Georgia POST?
No. This is independent study material for people researching Georgia POST certification. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards & Training Council. Always verify requirements against the Council's own rules, applications, forms, and fee schedule, and contact the Council helpdesk directly for decisions about your own certification.
Where do I actually apply or check my status?
The Council's site links a POST Data Gateway, an Online Payment Portal, POST Online Training, and an Applications & Forms page. Those are the official channels for applications, payments, and training records. Start there rather than mailing paper blindly, and use the helpdesk at (770) 732-5604 or [email protected] if a link or form does not match your situation.
What are the four certification areas I should study first?
The Council organizes POST Certifications into Basic Certifications, Equivalency of Training (EOT), Annual Training Requirements, and Career Development with Voluntary/Specialty Certifications. Learn them in that order: basic certification defines the baseline, EOT explains alternate routes in, annual training explains staying certified, and career development covers advanced and specialty credentials.
How does Equivalency of Training work?
EOT is the Council's published pathway for applicants whose prior training or experience may substitute for parts of the standard basic route. The specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and any additional training are set by Council Rule and the EOT application materials, so read those documents in full and confirm your individual case with the Council before paying fees.
What annual training does Georgia POST require?
The Council maintains a dedicated Annual Training Requirements page under POST Certifications. It is the controlling summary of what certified personnel must complete each year. Because requirements and deadlines can be revised, read that page together with the current Council Rules and any POST Updates announcements, and keep documentation of completed training in case your records are questioned.
What is the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu certification listed on the site?
The Council lists Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Certification as its own item under POST Certifications and repeats it in the homepage shortcuts. Treat it as a specific specialty credential with its own requirements rather than a general training mandate. Read the BJJ page and its linked forms for eligibility, instructor, and documentation details before enrolling in any course.
How hard is the material, and what trips candidates up?
Difficulty comes from procedural detail, not obscure theory. Common failure modes are relying on outdated summaries, missing documentation deadlines, assuming another state's training transfers automatically, and ignoring posted amendments to Council Rules. Build a checklist from the official forms, verify each item against the current rule text, and confirm anything ambiguous with the helpdesk before submitting.
How often do the rules change, and how will I know?
The Council posts announcements, including a public notice of intent to amend or repeal certain Georgia POST regulations and dated POST Updates, plus scheduled committee meetings such as the Probable Cause Committee and Certification Committee meetings listed for October 2026. Check the Announcements and Meetings sections periodically and re-read the relevant rule before any application or renewal.
How do I contact the Council?
Reach the helpdesk at (770) 732-5604 or [email protected]. The mailing address is Georgia POST Council, P.O. Box 349, Clarkdale, GA 30111; the fax number is (770) 732-5952. The site also lists directions, POST staff contacts, and ADA Title I and Title II grievance information if you need an accommodation or want to file a complaint.