SFST
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Course
Background:
In the 1970s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began sponsoring research studies into the development of standardized tests for law enforcement officers to use to evaluate levels of impairment in drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs or driving while intoxicated (DWI). A number of tests were studied, and some of them were validated by the studies as being accurate indicators of impairment.
The Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) course, also known as the DUI or DWI Detection course, is a comprehensive course that is designed to increase the student's ability to detect impairment in drivers. The fundamental purpose of this training course is to foster DWI deterrence, i.e., to dissuade people from driving while impaired by increasing the odds that they will be arrested and convicted. SFST training focuses on the three-phases of the DUI/DWI detection investigation, and especially on the battery of three tests that were validated by NHTSA in their studies. Students in this class learn how to recognize and document the presence or lack of clues from each test that indicate impairment in suspected DUI subjects. Successful completion of this class has resulted in attendees' improved ability to remove impaired drivers from California's roadways.
Course Description
This course is a 16 hour classroom course which includes instruction on:
- NHTSA Studies
- General Deterrence
- Physiology
- Vehicle Code Review
- Detection as a Three-Phase Process
- Processing the Arrested Subject
- Courtroom Testimony
- SFST Instruction & Proficiency Testing
- Report Writing
Pre-requisites
In order to be considered for training in the SFST program, a person must be employed under direct contact of a criminal justice agency or institution involved in providing training services to law enforcement agencies.
Registration
Upcoming classes may be found in the Schedule of Classes page under SFST. In order to register for this course, students are required to electronically submit a Training Request form to the course coordinator. An email with a name and POST ID number will not suffice to reserve a roster spot.
Fees & Costs
There is no registration fee to attend this course. If a facility use fee is charged by the hosting agency, it will be noted in the expanded course description. This course is funded through the California Office of Traffic Safety DRE Grant. Travel reimbursement is not available for this course.
Hosting
If your agency is interested in hosting this course at your training facility, please contact the SFST State Coordinator, Officer Bryce Morgan at (916) 843-6336 or Bryce.Morgan@chp.ca.gov.
Upcoming SFST Classes
12/16 – 12/18/2025 – Lynwood
Start Time: 12/16/2025 7:00 AM
End Time: 12/18/2025 4:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Nester Garcia via e-mail nagarcia@lasd.org. For more information, please call (818) 878-5557 or (818) 669-5643.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-049
Event Location: 11703 S. Alameda Street, Lynwood, CA 90262 – Century Sheriff Station.
12/29 – 12/30/2025 - Wasco
Start Time: 12/29/2025 8:00 AM
End Time: 12/30/2025 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Alberto Felix via e-mail Afelix@cathedralcity.gov. For more information, please call (760) 770-0343 or (760) 989-2486.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: No
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-0XX
Event Location: 748 F Street, Wasco, CA 93280 – Wasco Police Department.
1/5 – 1/7/2026 – Auburn ***THIS CLASS IS CLOSED***
Start Time: 01/05/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 01/07/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Jeremy Pierman via e-mail Jpierman@chp.ca.gov. For more information, please call (916) 843-4377 or (916) 616-6757.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-051
Event Location: 2929 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603 – Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
1/6 – 1/7/2026 – Oroville ***THIS CLASS IS CLOSED***
Start Time: 01/06/2026 8:30 AM
End Time: 01/07/2026 5:30 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Dylan Ayache via e-mail dylan.ayache@parks.ca.gov. For more information, please call (916) 591-6831 or (661) 644-8691.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: No
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-056
Event Location: 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965 – AHPS Building #113
1/6 - 1/7/2026 – Simi Valley
Start Time: 01/06/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 01/07/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form via e-mail to KBorovay@simivalley.org For more information, please call (805) 583-6942.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: No
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-048
Event Location: 3901 Alamo St., Simi Valley, CA. 93063 – Simi Valley PD #EOC Classroom.
1/8 – 1/9/2026 – Oroville ***THIS CLASS IS CLOSED***
Start Time: 01/08/2026 8:30 AM
End Time: 01/09/2026 5:30 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Dylan Ayache via e-mail dylan.ayache@parks.ca.gov. For more information, please call (916) 591-6831 or (661) 644-8691.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: No
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-057
Event Location: 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965 – AHPS Building #113
1/12 – 1/14/2026 – Orange County Sheriff ***THIS CLASS IS FULL***
Start Time: 01/12/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 01/14/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Elliott Rubright via e-mail Erubright@ocsheriff.gov. For more information, please call (714) 912-3388.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-26-047
Event Location: 1900 W Katella Avenue, Orange, CA 92867 – Sandra Hutchens Law Enforcement Training Center.
1/20 - 1/22/2026 – Redwood City
Start Time: 01/20/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 01/22/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Katlin Olesky via e-mail kolesky@smcgov.org. For more information, please call (650) 573-2545.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-061
Event Location: 1300 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 – Maple Street Correctional Center Multi Use Room.
2/2 – 2/4/2026 – Fullerton
Start Time: 02/02/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 02/04/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Patricia Arevalo-Odom via e-mail parevalo@fullertonpd.org. For more information, please call (714) 738-6749.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-062
Event Location: 237 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832 – Fullerton Police Department Mural Room.
2/9 – 2/11/2026 – San Bruno
Start Time: 02/09/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 02/11/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Scott Smithmatungol or via email ssmithmatungol@sanbruno.ca.gov. For more information, please call (650) 616-7128 or (650) 515-2296.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-055
Event Location: 1050 Bayhill Drive, San Bruno, CA 94066 – Courtyard by Marriott.
2/11 – 2/12/2026 – Fresno
Start Time: 02/11/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 02/12/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Matt Halvorson via e-mail mhalvorson@chp.ca.gov. For more information, please call (559) 705-2200 or (559) 392-1274.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: No
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-063
Event Location: 1380 E Fortune Avenue, Fresno, CA 93725.
2/23-2/24/2026 – Eureka
Start Time: 02/23/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 02/24/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Jeremy Pierman via e-mail Jpierman@chp.ca.gov. For more information, please call (916) 843-4377 or (916) 616-6757.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: No
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-059
Event Location: 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501 – Wharfinger Building.
3/9 – 3/11/2026 – Orange PD
Start Time: 03/09/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 03/11/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Amy Carr via e-mail acarr@orangepd.org. For more information, please call (714) 744-7341.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-050
Event Location: 1107 N. Batavia St. Orange, CA 92867 – Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
3/16 – 3/18/2026 – Santa Monica
Start Time: 03/16/2026 7:00 AM
End Time: 03/18/2026 4:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Lantz Lewis via e-mail Lantz.Lewis@SantaMonica.gov. For more information, please call (310) 458-8993 or (818) 641-7397.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-064
Event Location: 330 Olympic Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90401 – Santa Monica Institute.
3/17 – 3/19/2026 – Redwood City
Start Time: 03/17/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 03/19/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Katlin Olesky via e-mail kolesky@smcgov.org. For more information, please call (650) 573-2545.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-066
Event Location: 1300 Maple Street. Redwood City, CA 94063 – Maple Street Correctional Center Multi Use Room.
3/30 – 4/1/2026 – Laguna Niguel
Start Time: 03/30/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 04/01/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Elliott Rubright via e-mail Erubright@ocsheriff.gov. For more information, please call (714) 912-3388.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-053
Event Location: 30111 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 – Laguna Niguel City Hall.
5/12 – 5/14//2026 – Redwood City
Start Time: 5/12/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 05/14/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Katlin Olesky via e-mail kolesky@smcgov.org. For more information, please call (650) 573-2545.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-25-065
Event Location: 1300 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 – Maple Street Correctional Center Multi Use Room.
8/4 – 8/6/2026 – Irvine
Start Time: 08/04/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 08/06/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Sgt. Hal Larum via e-mail hlarum@cityofirvine.org. For more information, please call (949) 300-3492.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-26-001
Event Location: 39 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine, CA 92603 – Quail Hill Community Center.
8/24 – 8/26/2026 – Aliso Viejo
Start Time: 08/24/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 08/26/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Elliott Rubright via e-mail Erubright@ocsheriff.gov. For more information, please call (714) 912-3388.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-26-002
Event Location: 100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 – Aliso Viejo Ranch.
10/26 – 10/28/2026 – Redwood City
Start Time: 10/26/2026 8:00 AM
End Time: 10/28/2026 5:00 PM
Class Description: To register for this class please submit a CHP 522, Training Request form to Katlin Olesky via e-mail kolesky@smc.gov. For more information, please call (650) 573-2545.
Training Request Form (CHP 522 Link)
Fee: No
Wet Lab: Yes
Pre-Requisites: None
POST CCN: 1270-20290-26-003
Event Location: 1300 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 – Maple Street Correctional center Multi Use Room.