As part of an ongoing process, current regulations and procedures related to test security in the basic courses are reviewed to determine if revisions are necessary. This process is facilitated by staff with input from the Basic Course Test Task Force (task force) which is comprised of academy directors and program coordinators. The outcomes of these workshops include recommendations for updating and enhancing the security of POST-supplied test materials in the basic courses. The recommendations are reviewed by the Consortium Advisory Council (CAC) and the Basic Course Consortium.

POST has experienced two large compromises of POST-developed test material in its history. The first occurred in 2003 which led to the development of the POST Basic Courses Test Administration and Security Guidelines (guidelines) and required presenters to develop a policy for securing test material. The second compromise occurred in 2010 which led to a complete overhaul of the guidelines, now titled the POST Basic Courses Test Management and Security Protocols (protocols), creation of the test task force, and replacement of all tests acquired through the current testing system. As a result, regulations and procedures are assessed regularly for ways to strengthen test security requirements in an effort to mitigate any future compromise.

The proposed changes to Commission Regulations and Training Procedures (see Attachments A and B) are the result of regularly scheduled reviews. The following regulations and procedures are affected:

1005. Minimum Standards for Training 

1007. Reserve Officer Minimum Training Standards

1008. Basic Course Waiver and Requalification Requirement

1052. Requirements for Course Certification

D-1 Basic Training

D-10 Requalification Course

Basic Courses Test Management and Security Protocols 2014 (incorporated by reference)

Since 2010 the task force has met continually to review the protocols and propose change when a need is identified. A legend of recommended changes has been provided for ease of the review process (see Attachment C).

The following changes are of significant note:

• Requires all written test proctors to complete POST-provided proctor training.
• Eliminates instructor access to specific test item content.
• Clarifies the retesting process
• Outlines a minimum standard process for the Administrative Test Review

The recommended changes were reviewed and approved by the Basic Course Consortium comprised of academy directors, coordinators and modular format coordinators.