GA POST study plan
GA POST · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Basic Certifications & Equivalency of Training (EOT)
Define each basic certification category and state who issues it and who it applies to
List the documentation each basic certification requires and identify the issuing authority for each
Build a comparison table of basic certification types with eligibility, renewal, and reciprocity columns
Explain in writing how basic certification status affects assignment eligibility
Your checkpoint
A one-page comparison table covering every basic certification type with issuer, eligibility, and renewal columns, plus a 150-word summary of how status affects assignment.
Basic Certifications & Equivalency of Training (EOT)
Map the full EOT application sequence from initial request through final determination
Identify each form, fee, and supporting document required at each EOT step
Distinguish EOT from basic certification and from reciprocity in a written comparison
Trace two hypothetical applicant scenarios through the EOT process and flag where each would stall
Your checkpoint
A step-by-step EOT process flowchart with required documents and decision points annotated at each node.
Equivalency of Training (EOT) & Basic Certifications
Define the equivalency standards used to evaluate prior training and experience
Compare how prior military, out-of-state, and civilian training are each assessed for equivalency
Identify common reasons EOT requests are denied and the remedy for each
Draft written answers to practice scenarios requiring an equivalency determination
Your checkpoint
A written equivalency-determination worksheet applied to three practice scenarios, each with a reasoned approve/deny recommendation.
Basic Certifications & Equivalency of Training (EOT)
Rehearse recall of basic certification and EOT facts under timed conditions
Diagnose weak areas from practice results and rank them by point impact
Explain the interaction between certification status, EOT outcomes, and assignment eligibility
Correct every missed practice item with a written rationale
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question practice set on Domains 1 and 2, scored, with a written error log explaining each miss.
Annual Training Requirements
State the annual training hour and subject requirements and who must complete them
Identify the reporting deadlines and the consequences of noncompliance
Describe how training records are documented, submitted, and audited
Calculate annual training compliance for sample officers with partial or late completion
Your checkpoint
A compliance calendar and calculation sheet showing annual training deadlines, required hours, and worked compliance examples for three sample officers.
Annual Training Requirements & Career Development and Voluntary/Specialty Certifications
Distinguish voluntary and specialty certifications from basic and mandatory training
List each specialty certification pathway with its prerequisites and maintenance requirements
Outline a realistic career development ladder from entry through specialty certification
Match sample career goals to the certifications that advance them
Your checkpoint
A career development roadmap mapping five career stages to the certifications and annual training each stage requires.
Career Development and Voluntary/Specialty Certifications & Annual Training Requirements
Compare renewal cycles and continuing-education requirements across specialty certifications
Explain how voluntary certification affects promotion, assignment, and pay where applicable
Rehearse recall of annual training and specialty certification facts under timed conditions
Correct every missed practice item with a written rationale
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question practice set on Domains 3 and 4, scored, with a written error log explaining each miss.
Basic Certifications & Equivalency of Training (EOT) & Annual Training Requirements & Career Development and Voluntary/Specialty Certifications
Complete two full-length timed practice exams covering all four domains
Rank remaining weak areas by point impact and review only the top three
Recite key definitions, deadlines, and process steps from memory without notes
Finalize a one-page quick-reference sheet for exam-day review
Your checkpoint
Two scored full-length practice exams with a final one-page quick-reference sheet of definitions, deadlines, and process steps.
Milestones
Week 2: Can walk through the complete EOT process from memory, naming each required document and decision point without notes.
Week 4: Scores at least 75% on the timed Domain 1 and 2 practice set and can explain every missed item in writing.
Week 6: Can state annual training hour requirements, deadlines, and specialty certification prerequisites from memory.
Week 8: Scores at least 80% on both full-length practice exams with no domain below 70%.