Upper Levels of Certification

Jessica Klossen
jessica.klossen@dpsst.oregon.gov
971-372-0000

The upper levels of certifications are intended to reflect an officers level within the public safety community. DPSST issues these certifications based on specific guidelines to ensure they are transferable between all agencies within Oregon. To apply for these certifications, review the requirements listed for each of the levels of certification below against the IRIS officer records system to determine if you are eligible.

Many agencies are now offering a pay incentinve for upper-level certifications through their bargaining agreements. With larger agencies recently adding these incentives, it has caused a tremendous workload for one assigned FTE. DPSST reviews the certifications in order they are received. We currently have several hundred in the que and the average turnaround time is between 60-90 days. DPSST will NOT pre-date the certification date to accommodate a labor contract, that is a matter for the employee and the employing agency. Any questions relating to the backlog, please contact Kathy Fink DPSST Criminal Justice Standards and Certifications Manager at kathy.fink@dpsst.oregon.gov or phone: 503-551-2745.

Officers can obtain intermediate law enforcement certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Intermediate certifications are optional; however, officers wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the Board approved state-wide requirements.

Completing the F7WS

The F7WS is a supplemental worksheet required to be submitted along with the F7 Application for Certification.

The training categories on the F6e Roster and F15 Individual Training Roster are used to track maintenance training requirements, not intermediate certifications.
DPSST does not track the subject areas required to obtain these certifications. Portions of a course could apply to multiple categories and each person applying has the ability to decide which category a training applies to.
Officers with certification in multiple disciplines can only apply for upper levels of certification in their primary discipline.
Agencies could recommend that their officers maintain a personal log of training that would meet the certification requirements much the way an individual maintains a resume.
For each subject area, applicants must indicate:

Date of training (found in IRIS)
The DPSST generated Course ID and Title for the training (found in IRIS)
An explanation, in the officer’s own words, of how the course applies to the chosen subject.

Example: 4 hours of this 40-hour Effective Law Enforcement course was dedicated to understanding how to effectively communicate with victims of a crime.

The number of hours of the course that should be applied towards the subject area.

Example: 4 hours

Education Credit

Education credit calculation: Quarter credit = Education Credit; Semester credit X 1.5 = Education Credit
Training used to obtain college credit cannot be used for both training and education. Meaning if a college/university accepted a 40-hour training towards a degree, that 40 hours cannot be used in both training and education.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Must possess Basic Certification in the requested discipline.
Must hold current First Aid and Adult/Child CPR Certification. (Can be submitted on an F6e Roster)
Must meet the required training hours for each category listed in the table below. The number of hours is based on a combination of work experience and education.
DPSST officer records must reflect the work experience, education and training being used to apply for certification. CJ IRIS is available for agencies and officers to verify accuracy prior to submitting the application and worksheet.

DPSST will not accept:

A copy/paste of the course announcement or description.
The same course hours used in multiple subject areas.

Example: If 4 hours of the 40-hour Effective Law Enforcement Course was used in communication, you can only use the remaining 36 hours in the other subject areas.

First Aid/CPR Training.
Any portion of Basic Training or the Field Training Manual.
Firearms qualifications/re-qualifications.
Agency policies and procedure reviews.
Instructed hours. (A class a person has taught cannot be used towards hours of training received)

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification
F7WS Intermediate/Advanced Worksheet detailing training requirements required based on education and years of experience listed below.
College Transcripts. Must be an official transcript and can be submitted via email at certification.scheduling@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Experience Calculation:

Creditable service time is calculated by discipline specific and starts the day an individual started employment in their certifiable position. All certifiable experience can count as qualifying towards the certification application as long as that experience is in the same discipline the application is being applied for.

Multi-Disciplined Individuals:

Experience as a multi-disciplined individual can only be applied toward the primary discipline and the individual can only advance in their primary discipline.

Education and Experience requirements for Intermediate Certification

With a Bachelors Degree and 3 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

16 hours Communications Training
40 hours Advanced Technical Training
16 hours Leadership Training
8 hours Risk Management Training

With an Associates Degree and 4 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

28 hours Communications Training
60 hours Advanced Technical Training
20 hours Leadership Training
12 hours Risk Management Training

With 45 college credits and 5 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

40 hours Communications Training
80 hours Advanced Technical Training
24 hours Leadership Training
16 hours Risk Management Training

With 0 to 45 college credits and 6 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

52 hours Communications Training
100 hours Advanced Technical Training
28 hours Leadership Training
20 hours Risk Management Training

Advanced law enforcement certification is intended to reflect an officer's level within the public safety community. DPSST issues these certifications based on specific guidelines to ensure they are transferable between all agencies within Oregon. Officers can obtain this certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Advanced certifications are optional; however, persons wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the board approved state-wide requirements.

Completing the F7WS

The F7WS is a supplemental worksheet required to be submitted

The training categories on the F6e Roster and F15 Individual Training Roster are used to track maintenance training requirements, not intermediate or advanced certifications.
DPSST does not track the subject areas required to obtain these certifications. Portions of a course could apply to multiple categories and each person applying has the ability to decide which category a training applies.
Officers with certification in multiple disciplines can only apply for upper levels of certification in their primary discipline.
Agencies could recommend their officers maintain a personal log of training that would meet the certification requirements much the way an individual maintains a resume.
For each subject area, applicants must indicate:

Date of training. (found in IRIS)
The DPSST generated Course ID and Title for the training. (found in IRIS)
An explanation, in the officer’s own words, of how the course applies to the chosen subject.

Example: 4 hours of this 40-hour Effective Law Enforcement course was dedicated to understanding how to effectively communicate with victims of a crime.

The number of hours of the course that should be applied towards the subject area.

Example: 4 hours

Education Credit

Education credit calculation: Quarter credit = Education Credit; Semester credit X 1.5 = Education Credit
Training used to obtain college credit cannot be used for both training and education. Meaning if a college/university accepted a 40-hour training towards a degree, that 40 hours cannot be used in both training and education.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Must possess Basic certification in requested discipline.
Must hold current First Aid and Adult/Child CPR Certification. (Can be submitted on an F6e Roster)
Must meet the required training hours for each category listed in the Education and Experience Requirements Section below. The number of hours is based on a combination of work experience and education.
DPSST officer records must reflect the work experience, education and training being used to apply for certification. CJ IRIS is available for agencies and the officers to verify accuracy prior to submitting the application and worksheet.

DPSST will not accept:

A copy/paste of the course announcement or description.
The same course hours used in multiple subject areas.

Example: If 4 hours of the 40-hour Effective Law Enforcement Course was used in communication, you can only use the remaining 36 hours in the other subject areas.

Training used for intermediate certification cannot be used.
First Aid/CPR Training.
Any portion of basic training or the Field Training Manual.
Firearms qualifications/re-qualifications.
Agency Policies and procedure reviews.
Instructed hours. (A class a person has taught cannot be used towards hours of training received)

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification
F7WS Intermediate/Advanced Worksheet detailing training requirements required based on education and years of experience listed below
College Transcripts. Must be an official transcript and can be submitted via email to certification.scheduling@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Experience Calculation:

Multi-Disciplined Individuals:

Experience as a multi-disciplined individual can only be applied toward the primary discipline and the individual can only advance in their primary discipline.

Education and Experience requirements for Advanced Certification

With a Masters Degree and 6 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

16 hours Communications Training
40 hours Advanced Technical Training
16 hours Leadership Training
8 hours Risk Management Training

With a Bachelor's Degree and 7 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

28 hours Communications Training
60 hours Advanced Technical Training
20 hours Leadership Training
12 hours Risk Management Training

With an Associate's Degree and 9 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

40 hours Communications Training
80 hours Advanced Technical Training
24 hours Leadership Training
16 hours Risk Management Training

With 45 college credits and 11 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

52 hours Communications Training
100 hours Advanced Technical Training
28 hours Leadership Training
20 hours Risk Management Training

With 0 to 45 college credits and 13 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

64 hours Communications Training
120 hours Advanced Technical Training
32 hours Leadership Training
24 hours Risk Management Training

Dispatchers can obtain intermediate Telecommunicator certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Intermediate certifications are optional; however, dispatchers wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the Board approved state-wide requirements.

Education Credits

Education credit calculation: Quarter credit = Education Credit; Semester credit X 1.5 = Education Credit
Training used to obtain college credit cannot be used for both training and education. Meaning if a college/university accepted a 40 hour training towards a degree, that 40 hours cannot be used in both training and education.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Must possess Basic Certification in requested discipline. (IRIS Certification Tab)
Must hold current First Aid Adult/Child CPR Certification. (Can be submitted on an F6e Roster)
Training hours used based on certification charts below. (IRIS Training Tab)

Training hours from Basic Training or the Field Training Manual cannot be used to obtain certification.

Work experience in the requested discipline and education as reflected in the chart below. (IRIS Employment and Education Tabs)

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification
Portfolio: A recommendation letter from the department head, or a currently certified designee, and a portfolio must be submitted summarizing the total points being used from the Portfolio Points Table below along with all attached supporting documentation. Intermediate applicants must have a total of 3 portfolio points in two separate categories listed in the portfolio points table below.

Sample Recommendation/Portfolio Cover Letter

College Transcripts. Must be an official transcript and can be submitted via email at certification.scheduling@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Experience Calculation:

Multi-Disciplined Individuals:

Experience as a multi-disciplined individual can only be applied toward the primary discipline and the individual can only advance in their primary discipline.

Training and Experience Requirements for Intermediate Certification

With 45 or more credits and 5 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

160 training hours (excludes Basic Training and Field Training Manuals)
3 portfolio points from two separate categories.

With 0 to 45 credits and 6 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

200 training hours (excludes Basic Training and Field Training Manuals)
3 portfolio points from two separate categories.

Advanced Telecommunicator certification is intended to reflect a Dispathcer's level within the public safety community. DPSST issues these certifications based on specific guidelines to ensure they are transferable between all agencies within Oregon. Dispatchers can obtain this certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Advanced certifications are optional; however, Dispatchers wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the board approved state-wide requirements.

Education Credits

Education credit calculation: Quarter credit = Education Credit; Semester credit X 1.5 = Education Credit
Training used to obtain college credit cannot be used for both training and education. Meaning if a college/university accepted a 40 hour training towards a degree, that 40 hours cannot be used in both training and education.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Must possess Basic certification in requested discipline. (IRIS Certification Tab)
Must hold current First Aid Adult/Child CPR Certification. (Can be submitted on an F6 training roster) (IRIS Requirements Tracking Tab)
Training hours used based on certification charts below. (IRIS Training Tab)

Training hours used in Basic Training or the Field Training Manual cannot be used to obtain certification.

Work experience in the requested discipline and education as reflected in the chart below. (IRIS Employment and Education Tabs)

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification
Portfolio: A recommendation letter from the department head, or a currently certified designee, and a portfolio must be submitted summarizing the total points being used from the Portfolio Points Table below along with all attached supporting documentation. Advanced applicants must have a total of 6 portfolio points in three separate categories listed in the portfolio points table below.

Sample Recommendation/Portfolio Cover Letter

College Transcripts. Must be an official Transcript and can be submitted via email to certification.scheduling@dpsst.oregon.gov.

Experience Calculation:

Multi-Disciplined Individuals:

Experience as a multi-disciplined individual can only be applied toward the primary discipline and the individual can only advance in their primary discipline.

Training and Experience Requirements for Advanced Certification

With a Bachelor's Degree and 7 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

120 training hours (excludes basic and field training manuals)
6 portfolio points from three separate categories.

With an Associate's Degree and 8 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

160 training hours (excludes basic and field training manuals)
6 portfolio points from three separate categories.

With 45 credits and 9 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

200 training hours (excludes basic and field training manuals)
6 portfolio points from three separate categories.

With 0 to 45 credits and 10 years of experience in a certified position in the discipline for which you are applying, you will need to report the following training:

240 training hours (excludes basic and field training manuals)
6 portfolio points from three separate categories.

Telecommunicators use a points system applied to pre-determined categories to create a portfolio that must be submitted along with the F7 Application for Certification.

The portfolio must include:

Cover letter detailing the category, description and points assigned:

Intermediate certifications must include points from 2 categories
Advanced certifications must include points from 3 categories

Supporting documentation (awards, CAD reports, Media events, training records, etc.)

Telecommunications Intermediate and Advanced Portfolio Points Chart
Category	Item	Points
Leadership	Policy Writing/Revision	1 point
Leadership	APCO/NENA Membership (Active within past 2 years	1/2 point
Leadership	APCO/NENA Leadership(Hold officer, Committee Chair, National Committee, etc. within past 5 years)	1 point
Leadership	Agency Leadership Role (agency defined)	1 point
Leadership	Professional Development (agency defined)	1 point
Calls for service*	Multi-jurisdictional (cross-dispatch) events	1/4 point
Calls for Service*	Mass casualty events	1/4 point
Calls for Service*	Major media events	1/4 point
Calls for Service*	Incident dispatch team member	1/4 point
Calls for Service*	Unusual or exemplary call for service (agency defined)	1/4 point
Awards	Agency/local award recipient	1/2 point
Awards	State award recipient	1 point
Awards	National award recipient	1 point
Training	1 year communications training officer (within past 5 years)	1/2 point
Training	2+ years Communications Training Officer (within past 5 years)	1 point
Training	Industry, DPSST or Agency Instructor	1 point
Training	Attend minimum 8 hour industry related training course	1 point
Longevity	Every year as a Department Head	1 point
Longevity	Every two years as a mid-level manager	1 point
Longevity	Every three years as a first line supervisor	1 point
Longevity	Every four years as a lead worker	1 point

Officers can obtain Supervisory Certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Supervisory certifications are optional certifications. Officers/Dispatchers wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the Board approved state-wide requirements.

Note: DPSST does not have any requirements for individuals to obtain Supervisory Certification. However, supervisory training is required for individuals moving into a supervisory role as indicated in their Agency Rank Structure. You can register for an academy class or submit an F21 Supervisory Training Equivalency form to comply with the training requirement.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Rank must be listed in the Agency Rank Structure Report as qualifying to receive Supervisory Certification.
Must possess Basic Certification in the requested discipline. (IRIS Certification Tab)
Must have completed DPSST supervision training or submitted an F21 equivalency within the last 5 years. (IRIS Training Tab)
Must be currently employed in a First level supervisor position and have 2 years experience over the last 5 years. (Acting or limited supervisory responsibility does not qualify) (IRIS Employment Tab)
Have current First Aid and Adult/Child CPR Certification. (IRIS Requirements Tracking Tab)

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification

Officers/Dispatchers can obtain Management Certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Management certifications are optional certifications, except a Chief of Police, who must obtain Management Certification within 2 years of appointment. Officers/Dispatchers wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the Board approved state-wide requirements.

NOTE: DPSST does not have any requirements for individuals to obtain Management Certification. However, management training is required for individuals moving into a management role as indicated in their Agency Rank Structure. You can register for an academy class or submit an F22 Management Training Equivalency form to comply with the training requirement.

Education Credits

Education credit calculation: Quarter credit = Education Credit; Semester credit X 1.5 = Education Credit
Training used to obtain college credit cannot be used for both training and education. Meaning if a college/university accepted a 40 hour training towards a degree, that 40 hours cannot be used in both training and education.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Rank must be listed in the Agency Rank Structure Report as qualifying to receive management certification.
Must possess Supervisory Certification in the requested discipline. (IRIS Certification Tab)
Must have completed DPSST management training or submitted an F22 equivalency within the last 5 years. (IRIS Training Tab)
Must have at least 90 college education credits. (IRIS Education Tab)
Must be currently employed in a Middle Management, Assistant Department Head, or Department Head position, and have 2 years of experience in an eligible position within the last 5 years. (Limited or acting management does not qualify) (IRIS Employment Tab)
Have current First Aid and Adult/Child CPR Certification. (IRIS Requirements Tracking Tab)

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification

Officers/Dispatchers can obtain Executive Certification by meeting the requirements for certification detailed below. Executive certifications are optional certifications. Officers/Dispatchers wishing to hold this certification must demonstrate they possess the Board approved state-wide requirements.

Education Credits

Education credit calculation: Quarter credit = Education Credit; Semester credit X 1.5 = Education Credit
Training used to obtain college credit cannot be used for both training and education. Meaning if a college/university accepted a 40-hour training towards a degree, that 40 hours cannot be used in both training and education.

The following requirements must be reflected in DPSST records, accessible via CJ IRIS, prior to application submission:

Rank must be listed in Agency Rank Structure Report as qualifying to receive executive certification.
Must possess Management Certification in the requested discipline. (IRIS Certification Tab)
Must have at least 90 college education credits. (IRIS Education Tab)
100 hours of DPSST-approved executive level training within the last 5 years. (IRIS Training Tab)

Supervisory or Management training used to obtain the supervisory and management certification does not count as qualifying.

Must be currently employed in a Middle Management position as an Assistant Department Head or Department Head as defined by the Agency Rank Structure, and have 2 years of experience in an eligible position within the last 5 years. (Limited or acting management does not qualify) (IRIS Employment Tab)
Have current First Aid and Adult/Child CPR Certification. (IRIS Requirements Tracking Tab)

Below are examples of executive level training, other trainings may also qualify. Be sure to identify the 100 hours on a separate sheet of paper when applying for Executive Certification.

FBI National

OEDI

International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute (IPSLEI)

Northwest Leadership Seminar

Executive Development Seminar

Civil Liability / Risk Management

Documents Required:

F7 Application for Certification
Memo on agency letterhead detailing Course Name, number and hours reflecting the 100 hours of executive training.

A printout of IRIS with the courses identified is acceptable.

Certifications lapse after 90 days of no longer being in the discipline (unless on Leave of Absence).
Lapsed certification means an officer is still certified; however, they must complete certain requirements to become reactivated.
Timelines for reactivating a lapsed certification is based on employment dates for the specific discipline.

Reactivated certifications will have a “Reactivate” Status.

As this is a reactivation of a certification, a new physical certificate will not be printed.

Upper Levels of Certification