Officers must complete both classroom education and practical field exercises to become certified in SFST. This ensures they are fully trained in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the testing process.
The NHTSA is the primary body responsible for accrediting SFST certification programs. Their guidelines ensure that officers receive standardized training.
A typical SFST training course lasts around 3 days, providing officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to properly administer and evaluate sobriety tests.
SFST training places a strong emphasis on understanding how alcohol impairs motor skills, as this is critical for evaluating individuals during the testing process.
To be certified, officers must demonstrate proficiency in the three SFSTs: the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk-and-Turn (WAT), and One-Leg Stand (OLS). This ensures they can properly assess impairment.
