Certification by Waiver (CBW)

The NMLEA offers reciprocity training leading to possible NM certification for some out-of-state law enforcement officers that are transferring to recognized New Mexico Law enforcement agencies for employment as full-time police officers. The Certification by Waiver program is authorized by §29-7-10, NMSA 1978 and administered by rules established by the NMLEA Board, outlined in §10.29.6 NMAC.

Certification by Waiver Training

Every applicant for Certification by Waiver of previous training must meet all qualifications and requirements as established in New Mexico statutes and New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board administrative rules.

Applicant experience and training must be equivalent to the current minimum standards of training curriculum in effect at the time of application, which is currently 675 hours, unless such deficiencies are covered in the Certification by Waiver Program.

The Director may consider the applicant’s certified law enforcement experience and give credit of 40 hours per year for each year of service, up to but not to exceed ten (10) years, for a total of 400 hours and, the applicant will receive credit for advanced training, up to but not to exceed 400 hours.

Per §10.29.6.6J NMAC, 80 hours of academy accredited training is required for successful completion of the Certification by Waiver training program and include the following:

• Ethics and sexual harassment – 8 hours;
• Search and seizure – 16 hours;
• New Mexico legal block – 16 hours
• Dealing with the mentally ill – 8 hours;
• Use of force and training simulator – 16 hours;
• Domestic violence and human trafficking – 8 hours;
• Reality based training scenarios – 4 hours;
• Administrative time – 1 hour;
• Law enforcement officers’ certification exam – 3 hours;

Certification by Waiver Application Process

Applications for attendance are due no later than 30-days after hire per §10.29.9.10B(1) NMAC. Approved applicants will be assigned to the next scheduled class.

Completed applications must be received 14 business days prior to the advertised start date of a given class, BPOT PST, CBW.

Certification by Waiver Class Schedule

Law Enforcement Officer Certification Exam (LEOCE) Challenge

A waiver process to become a certified peace officer in the State of New Mexico exists for those individuals whom the Board has previously certified but whose certification has become inactive or for those individuals who have functioned as a peace officer in another state or with the federal government whose training and experience substantially conform to the basic course curriculum of New Mexico. For those wanting to challenge the exam, per 10.29.6.8 NMAC, the requirements are as follows:

Once an applicant has successfully met the requirements, the applicant shall complete one of the following paths to successfully meet the certification requirements:

(1) The applicant’s agency will provide documentation attesting to the applicant’s successful completion of 80 hours of accredited training. Upon review and approval of submitted documentation of training, the applicant will then be eligible to challenge, and must successfully pass with a minimum score of seventy (70%) percent, the law enforcement officer’s certification examination (LEOCE).

In addition, your CBW part I and Part II packets must be complete and approved prior to challenging the exam.

(2) If the applicant is unable to complete any of 80 hours of accredited training, or did not successfully pass the LEOCE, the applicant will be required to attend the eighty (80) hour certification by waiver training program and successfully pass, with a minimum score of seventy percent, the LEOCE.

Applicants will have two opportunities to successfully pass the LEOCE. If an applicant is unable to pass the LEOCE after two attempts he or she will be required to attend and pass the basic police officer training program.

Challenge Examination Dates

The challenge exam is given by appointment only. Please verify eligibility and confirm a test date with the Training Bureau at 505-827-9252. Those who do not have confirmation will not be allowed to take the exam.

Renewal of Certification After Absence

Any previously certified New Mexico peace officer MUST attend the Certification by Waiver program if they have been out of commissioned law enforcement for more than two (2) years without six (6) consecutive months of service.

Any applicant who HAS NOT been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer for a period of more than eight (8) years MUST attend the basic police officer training program to become certified.

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