Certification Status Types
Certifications expiring on or after July 1, 2025 will align with the first day of an officer’s birth month and the recertification period will be at least three years. For example, an officer with a November birthday whose certification expires on August 1, 2025 would have their certification extended to November 1, 2028 upon renewal.
In reaching a determination on the officer’s recertification status, the Division of Certification reviews the officer’s application and the accompanying documentation received from the officer’s employing agency. The Division of Certification may grant an officer full recertification, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4(f)(1). Also, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, § 3(a), the Division of Certification has the authority to deny an officer full recertification, which can include limiting, conditioning, restricting, revoking or suspending the officer’s certification. An officer will receive a notice from the Division of Certification detailing the officer’s recertification status.
Officer fails to complete in-service training requirements within 90 days of the deadline imposed by the Commission; or an officer with a duty to report information to the Commission fails to do so. See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 9, Paragraph 5 b and c. Individuals cannot perform police duties and functions until the administrative suspension is lifted by the Commission.
Officers classified as “Certified” have met all the requirements for full recertification pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4(f)(1); 555 CMR 7.06, without any limitation, condition, restriction, or suspension imposed by the Commission. See 555 CMR 7.01. For these officers, their certification is valid for at least three years. M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4(f)(3). There is no further action needed for officers in this category. Officers must remain in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 6E and all regulations promulgated by the Commission.
A sworn municipal police officer appointed by the Chief of Police who has completed the School Resource Officer (SRO) training and fulfilled other requirements for SRO certification in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 6E, Section 3 and 555 CMR 10.00. The SRO is specifically tasked with providing law enforcement, promoting school safety and security services, and maintaining a positive school climate for all students, families, and staff within elementary and secondary public schools.
The School Resource officer has met some certification requirements and must satisfy all requirements within a specified time frame.
Conditionally Certified: Officers classified as “Conditionally Certified” have complied with only some recertification requirements. M.G.L. c. 6E, § 3(a). In order to maintain certification, an officer must satisfy each of the “conditions of certification” listed on their notice within the time period indicated. Once the Commission has determined that all listed conditions have been met, the officer’s status will change from “Conditionally Certified” to “Certified.” Officers must remain in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 6E and all regulations promulgated by the Commission. Failure to meet the listed conditions within the designated timeframe, or any approved extension, may result in a change of the officer’s certification status. This change could restrict their eligibility for appointment or continued employment as a law enforcement officer within Massachusetts. See 555 CMR 7.04.
In addition, officers on excused medical, military or administrative leave who have not completed recertification requirements will be classified as “Conditionally Certified” with the restriction that they cannot perform police duties and functions.
Upon returning to full duty, the officer or their employing agency must notify the Commission by emailing: [email protected] and notify the MPTC. Please include the officer’s full name, Acadis ID number, and date of return.
An individual who has been decertified by the Commission. A decertified officer cannot work for a law enforcement agency in any capacity and their name is added to the National Decertification Index (NDI). See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 10.
A certification status of expired includes officers who have not gone through the recertification process as of July 1, 2025 (at which time their statutory certification expired), and officers who were certified more than three years ago, whose certification was not renewed.
Officers classified as “Not Certified” have failed to meet one or more requirements for recertification under M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4(f)(1) and 555 CMR 7.06. As a result, the Commission cannot renew their certification. These individuals are not eligible for employment as law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Unlike decertified individuals, officers who are not certified may still seek certification.
An officer arrested, charged or indicted for a felony will have their certification suspended immediately. The Commission may, after a preliminary inquiry, suspend the certification of any officer who is arrested, charged or indicted for a misdemeanor, if the crime is determined to affect the fitness of the officer to serve. Also, the Commission may suspend the certification of an officer if it finds suspension is in the best interest of the health, safety or welfare of the public. Note that officers whose certification has been suspended by POST are listed on our monthly suspension list. If an officer’s certification is suspended, the officer may not conduct police duties and functions. See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 9.
An officer not currently employed by a law enforcement agency.
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