Impaired Driving - Training - Washington State Patrol

Training Contacts

Breath Test Program
Email: Ms. Shelley Benante
Phone: 206-720-3018 ext. 24104

Ignition Interlock Program
Email: Shaundalette Holmes
Phone: 206-720-3018 ext. 24106

Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP, SFST, ARIDE)
Email: Ms. Rebecca Cortez
Phone: 206-720-3018 ext. 24126

Breath Test Training

Operator Certification (Basic)

This course is required by the Washington State Toxicologist of all law enforcement officers who wish perform evidential breath testing in DUI or related investigations. Most Washington State law enforcement officers are provided this course in basic academy training. It consists of up to 16 hours of classroom instruction with a written exam and hands-on practical portion. If successfully completed, students will be certified to perform evidential breath testing for a period of three years and a permit card will be issued to the operator.

Operator Recertification (Refresher)

Prerequisite: Valid breath test permit card issued by the Washington State Toxicologist.

This course is required to maintain evidential breath test permitting beyond the three year expiration. It consists of up to four hours of classroom instruction with a written exam and hands-on practical portion. If successfully completed, students will be recertified an additional three years to perform evidential breath testing. This course can be taken repeatedly as long as the operator’s permit card hasn’t expired.

Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) Technician

Prerequisite: Valid breath test permit card issued by the Washington State Toxicologist. Approval of a Breath Test Program supervisor(s) and recommendation by a breath alcohol calibration technician is required prior to enrolling in this course. Agency command recommendation is also required.

This course is required to perform the duties of an PBT technician. It consists of up to four hours of classroom instruction with a written exam and hands-on practical portion. If successfully completed, PBT technicians will be qualified to certify PBT instruments which are authorized for use in Washington State.

Operator Instructor

Prerequisite: Valid breath test permit card issued by the Washington State Toxicologist. Approval of a Breath Test Program supervisor(s) and recommendation by a current operator instructor or breath alcohol calibration technician is required prior to enrolling in this course. Agency command recommendation is also required.

This course is required to be certified as an instructor of evidential breath test operators. It consists of up to 16 hours of classroom instruction with a written exam, hands-on practical portion, and a student teaching portion. If successfully completed, the operator instructor will be certified to teach the 16 hour operator certification training course and the four hour operator recertification training course. The operator instructor will also be required to teach an agreed upon number of hours/courses each year and attend instructor refresher training at the direction of the Breath Test Program Supervisor(s).

In order to meet training demands BTP will train allied agency instructors to teach BAC classes. These allied instructors will be held to the same high standards of the WSP Breath Test Technicians/Instructors. The following requirements must be maintained by each allied instructor to stay certified in the program:

Successfully complete Operator Instructor Course.
Attend Instructor Refresher Training every 3 years in addition to any required BTP instructor classes.
Only use the PowerPoint presentation and other training aides to teach BAC classes that have been approved by either the State Toxicologist or BTP Headquarters.
Keep local agency protocols separate from the BTP.
Teach a minimum of 16 classroom hours annually.
May have classes observed by a BTP Sergeant or WSP BAC technician.
Advertise all BAC classes at least 30 days prior to the class.
Open all BAC classes to any Washington law enforcement officer.
Use BTP roster for classes (found at https://wsp.wa.gov/impaired-driving/training under Breath Test Training tab) and forward to WSP BTP headquarters within 30 days of class completion.
Submit all associated documents to BTP Headquarters

Those who do not meet the minimum requirements may have their certification revoked. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with Breath Test Program management.

Breath Alcohol Calibration Technician

Prerequisite: Valid breath test permit card issued by the Washington State Toxicologist and at least one year experience as an evidential breath test operator. Approval of the Impaired Driving Section Commander is required prior to enrolling in this course.

This course is required to be certified as a breath alcohol calibration technician by the Washington State Toxicologist. This position will perform calibration, testing, maintenance, repairs, instruction and testify as an expert witness on the evidential breath test instruments authorized for use in Washington State.

DRE Training

Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) School

January 20-24, 2025 (week 1)
Location: Lake Stevens, WA
January 27-31, 2025 (week 2)
Location: Lake Stevens, WA

DRE School Field Certifications:

February 9-13, 2025
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Final Knowledge Examination: Friday, February 28, 2025, location to be determined.

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024.
Click here for the course announcement. Click here for the course application.

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Training

ARIDE Training

November 15-16, 2024
Location: Everett, Washington

Ignition Interlock Training

The Ignition Interlock Program (IIP) of the Washington State Patrol provides interlock device training on request relative to a specific group’s needs. Please contact the IIP secretary above to request IIP training or for further inquiries.

Ignition Interlock

This course will introduce students with ignition interlock devices in use throughout the country and focus on Washington State laws, regulations, and device specifications. The roles and responsibilities of the ignition interlock program of the Washington State Patrol will also be covered along with the resources available to those who may encounter ignition interlocks while on patrol, during investigations, as the criminal justice process unfolds, and post-conviction. Topics will also include interlock device features, technology, device data logs, licensing restrictions, and frequently asked questions. This course is up to two hours in length

Interlock Familiarization

This course will familiarize students with ignition interlock devices in Washington State with a direct focus on laws, regulations, and restrictions. A brief overview of the Washington State Patrol ignition interlock program will also be covered along with the resources available to those who may encounter interlocks while on patrol, during investigations, as the criminal justice process unfolds, and post-conviction. This course is up to one hour in length.

For more info please visit Ignition interlock.

Impaired Driving – Training