SFST Training Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum passing score typically required on the written examination at the end of SFST practitioner training?
- 70%
- 75% (Correct answer)
- 80%
- 90%
Correct answer: 75%
NHTSA guidelines generally require a minimum written exam score of 75% to pass the SFST practitioner course.
Question 2: Which component of SFST training requires officers to demonstrate the tests on a live subject while being evaluated by an instructor?
- Written examination
- Practical skills evaluation (Correct answer)
- Oral board review
- Video analysis session
Correct answer: Practical skills evaluation
The practical skills evaluation requires officers to administer each SFST on a live subject under instructor observation.
Question 3: In SFST training, what does the term 'standardized' mean with respect to test administration?
- The tests are only administered at police stations
- All officers administer and score tests the same way (Correct answer)
- Tests are graded on a curve
- Only state troopers may administer the tests
Correct answer: All officers administer and score tests the same way
'Standardized' means every trained officer administers, scores, and interprets the tests using identical procedures to ensure validity.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the role of the ARIDE program in relation to SFST training?
- It replaces the SFST practitioner course entirely
- It bridges the gap between SFST and full Drug Recognition Expert training (Correct answer)
- It focuses only on alcohol impairment, not drugs
- It is a federal certification for federal agents only
Correct answer: It bridges the gap between SFST and full Drug Recognition Expert training
ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement) is designed to bridge SFST knowledge and the full Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program.
Question 5: How must an SFST instructor document a student's failure of the practical skills evaluation during training?
- Verbal notification to the student is sufficient
- Written remediation record noting deficiencies (Correct answer)
- A media release form is required
- No documentation is needed if the student retakes immediately
Correct answer: Written remediation record noting deficiencies
A written remediation record noting the specific deficiencies must be completed when a student fails the practical evaluation.
Question 6: What is the typical recertification or refresher training interval recommended for SFST-certified officers?
- Every 6 months
- Every year
- Every 2 years (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every 2 years
Most jurisdictions and NHTSA guidance recommend SFST refresher training every two years to maintain certification.
Question 7: Which of the following is a key learning objective in the SFST practitioner course related to courtroom testimony?
- How to negotiate plea agreements
- How to describe SFST administration and results accurately under oath (Correct answer)
- How to obtain search warrants for blood draws
- How to cross-examine defense experts
Correct answer: How to describe SFST administration and results accurately under oath
Officers learn how to accurately and professionally testify about SFST administration and results when called as witnesses.
SFST Training Requirements 3
What is the minimum passing score typically required on the written examination at the end of SFST practitioner training?