SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified) Test Guide

Prepare for the SFST certification with free practice tests covering DUI detection, HGN test, walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and sobriety testing.

SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified) Test Guide
⏱️24 HoursCourse Length
📝80%Passing Score
3Core Tests
💵$0-$600Exam Fee
📊HGNPrimary Test
🖥️MixedFormat
🔄2-3yrsValidity
🏢AcademyLocation
📍NationalStandard
🩺NHTSAAuthority
💻WrittenExam Type
🎓POSTCredits

The NHTSA SFST curriculum is the gold standard for impaired driving enforcement in the United States. Passing the SFST instructions and proficiency exams certifies you to administer these tests during traffic stops.

SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified) Test Guide - Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified preparation guide

SFST Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the SFST - Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

SFST Court Testimony

SFST Exam Questions covering Court Testimony. Master SFST Test concepts for certification prep.

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SFST Documentation

Free SFST Practice Test featuring Documentation. Improve your SFST Exam score with mock test prep.

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SFST Evaluation Factors

SFST Mock Exam on Evaluation Factors. SFST Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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SFST HGN Test

SFST Test Prep for HGN Test. Practice SFST Quiz questions and boost your score.

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SFST Legal and Ethical Considerations

SFST Questions and Answers on Legal and Ethical Considerations. Free SFST practice for exam readiness.

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SFST Legal Standards

SFST Mock Test covering Legal Standards. Online SFST Test practice with instant feedback.

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SFST Observation Skills

Free SFST Quiz on Observation Skills. SFST Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

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SFST One Leg Stand

SFST Practice Questions for One Leg Stand. Build confidence for your SFST certification exam.

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SFST Renewal and Professional Development

SFST Test Online for Renewal and Professional Development. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

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SFST Test Administration

SFST Study Material on Test Administration. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

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SFST Training Requirements

Free SFST Test covering Training Requirements. Practice and track your SFST exam readiness.

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SFST Walk and Turn

SFST Exam Questions covering Walk and Turn. Master SFST Test concepts for certification prep.

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SFST Flashcards

Quick review of SFST clues and procedures

👁️How many clues are in HGN?

The HGN SFST test has 6 total clues (3 per eye): Lack of Smooth Pursuit, Max Deviation, and Onset Prior to 45 Degrees.

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🚶What are the WAT Stages?

The Walk and Turn test has two stages: the Instruction Stage (divided attention) and the Walking Stage.

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🦵Clues for One Leg Stand?

There are 4 clues: Sways while balancing, Uses arms to balance, Hops, and Puts foot down (PUSH).

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📊HGN Accuracy Rate?

According to the San Diego Study, the HGN test is 88% accurate at detecting BAC above 0.08%.

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🔦Stimulus Distance?

The stimulus should be held approximately 12-15 inches from the subject's nose and slightly above eye level.

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📜WAT Clues to Fail?

Observing 2 or more clues on the Walk and Turn test indicates a BAC of 0.08% or higher with 79% reliability.

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SFST Exam Study Guide

The NHTSA SFST curriculum is broken down into specific modules. Understanding the mechanics of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Walk and Turn (WAT), and One Leg Stand (OLS) is critical for passing the SFST written test.

What is the SFST exam?
The Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) exam certifies law enforcement officers in the administration of the HGN, WAT, and OLS tests to detect impairment.
What does HGN SFST stand for?
HGN stands for Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, which is the involuntary jerking of the eyes that becomes more pronounced when a person is impaired by alcohol or certain drugs.
Who administers the SFST training?
SFST training is administered by NHTSA-certified instructors at police academies, state patrol agencies, and law enforcement training centers.
Is the SFST test national?
Yes, the NHTSA SFST standards are recognized nationally, although individual states may have specific administrative rules or case law variations.

SFST Test Format

The SFST certification process consists of three main testing components. You must master the administration and scoring of the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand tests as defined by the NHTSA SFST manual.

👁️Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus / Primary Test

The HGN test checks for involuntary eye jerking. It is the most reliable of the three tests.

MedicalScientificAccurateInvoluntary
  • Topics: Smooth Pursuit, Max Deviation, Onset at 45°
  • Questions: 6 Clues (3 per eye)
🚶Walk and Turn (WAT)Divided Attention

A divided attention test requiring the subject to listen to instructions while maintaining a stance.

PhysicalMentalAccurate
  • Topics: Instruction Stage, Walking Stage
  • Questions: 8 Total Clues
🦵One Leg Stand (OLS)Balance

Tests balance and counting ability. The subject must hold one foot up for 30 seconds.

BalanceCountingAccurateTimed
  • Topics: Balance, Time Estimation
  • Questions: 4 Total Clues
📝Written Examination / Knowledge

The final written test covers validation studies, administrative procedures, and case law.

MultipleChoiceTrue/FalseTheoryLegal
  • Topics: Manual contents, procedures
  • Questions: 20-50 Questions
👮Proficiency Exam / Practical

Instructor-led evaluation where you must demonstrate all three tests without error.

Hands-onDemoPassFailVerbal
  • Topics: Administration, Instructions
  • Questions: 3 Full Tests
🍻Wet Lab (Optional)Live Training

Testing live subjects who have consumed alcohol in a controlled environment.

  • Topics: Real impairment detection
  • Questions: 2 Practical Apps

The most critical part of the SFST test is giving the instructions exactly as written in the NHTSA SFST manual. Deviating from the script can invalidate the test results in court.

SFST Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correctPASS

SFST Salary Information

💰

$65,000

Median Annual Salary

👮Entry Level
$45,000
$3,750/mo0-2 Years
🚔Certified Officer
$65,000
$5,416/mo2-5 Years
🔦SFST Instructor
$78,000
$6,500/mo5+ Years
💊DRE Expert
$85,000
$7,083/mo6+ Years
🏆Command Staff
$95,000+
$7,916+/mo10+ Years

SFST Registration Process

The path to becoming SFST certified usually begins at a police academy or through a specialized SFST training course offered by your agency. The 24-hour NHTSA curriculum is the standard requirement.

🎓
Step 1

Academy

Register for the 24-hour NHTSA SFST Practitioner Course through your agency.
📚
Step 2

Course

Learn the theory, legal standards, and validation studies for HGN, WAT, and OLS.
📝
Step 3

Exam

Practice administering tests on volunteers (sometimes in a wet lab setting).
🏅
Step 4

Certified

Demonstrate correct administration of all three tests to an instructor.

SFST Certification Costs

For most law enforcement officers, the SFST training cost is covered by their agency. However, private security or legal professionals may pay out of pocket for SFST courses.

🎓$0Police Academy Usually included in tuition
📚$300-$600Private Course For non-sworn personnel
📝$0Exam Fee Included in training
🔄$150Refresher Every 2 years
🔦$20Pen Light Required equipment
📘$0Manual Digital download provided

Almost all sworn officers receive SFST certification for free as part of their employment training. Agencies also typically cover the cost of the SFST refresher course.

SFST (Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified) Test Guide - Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified exam preparation

SFST Testing Contacts

For official information on NHTSA SFST training and certification, contact these organizations.

👮

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Admin

Website: nhtsa.gov

Services: Standards, Manuals

Contact: 1-888-327-4236

🏫

IACP Intl Assoc of Chiefs of

Police

Website: theiacp.org

Services: DRE/SFST Certification

Contact: 1-800-843-4227

SFST Test Day Checklist

Ready to Pass Your SFST Exam?

Join thousands of officers who have used our free SFST practice test questions to master the NHTSA standards and ace their certification.

SFST Renewal Requirements

🔄

Refresher Every

2 Years

📝

Course Length

4-8 Hours

Regular SFST refresher training is crucial not just for certification, but for maintaining credibility during cross-examination in court.

SFST Questions and Answers

About the Author

Captain Jennifer WalshBS Aerospace Engineering, FAA A&P, ATP

Commercial Pilot & FAA Certification Specialist

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Captain Jennifer Walsh graduated with honors in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds FAA Airframe & Powerplant and Airline Transport Pilot certificates. With 11 years of commercial aviation experience and 6 years as a ground school instructor, she guides aviation mechanics and student pilots through FAA written exams and practical tests.