(1) Persons providing POST approved training courses and employed by public safety agencies must be certified by the council.

(2) A "primary instructor" is one who delivers a specific lesson plan pertaining to a discipline. To qualify as a primary instructor, the person shall apply to the council, on a form approved by the council, and shall meet the following requirements:

(a) three years of public safety experience;

(b) education or training in the specific field, subject matter, or academic discipline to be taught;

(c) must have successfully completed a 40 hour minimum instructor development course or equivalent approved by the council;

(d) must have an endorsement from the applicant's agency head to deliver a specific lesson plan pertaining to a discipline; and

(e) must submit the specific lesson plan which includes performance objectives, instructional strategies, and complete course content.

(3) Master instructors must possess the competencies to adequately develop and deliver a broad range of curricula pertaining to a specific discipline. To qualify as a master instructor, the person shall apply to the council, on a form approved by the council, and shall meet the following requirements:

(a) must possess a primary instructor certificate;

(b) must successfully complete a minimum 40 hour curriculum design and development course or equivalent approved by the council;

(c) must have an endorsement from a professional instructor and POST director, or designee attesting to the applicant's competencies; and

(d) must have endorsement from applicant's agency head.

(4) Professional instructors are certified to deliver and instruct a broad range of topic matters to which independent accreditation is not required as a condition of delivery as prescribed by the council. To qualify as a professional instructor, the person shall apply to the council on a form approved by the council, and shall meet the following requirements:

(a) must be employed by a public safety agency as a full-time training and development specialist or equivalent; and

(b) must have endorsement from the POST director or designee and agency administrator.

(5) The council will certify approved instructors to instruct in those specific subjects for which the council has found them qualified. Each certified instructor shall be listed in an official register of the council, and each subject that each instructor is certified to teach shall be noted in said register.

(6) Initial primary and master instructor certificates shall be issued for a period of 24 months. At the end of the initial time period, certificates may be renewed for an additional 24 months, providing the instructor has remained current in the applicable discipline. This may be accomplished through continuing education and by actively instructing the course(s).

(7) After four years of continuous certification, master instructors may be recertified for a four year period.

(8) The council may deny applications for instructor certification for failure to satisfy the required qualifications. The council may recall, suspend, or revoke primary and master certificates at any time for good cause to ensure the quality of the training programs. In addition, any primary and master instructor who has not instructed during a certification period shall be required to reapply for original certification.

(9) Applications for instructor certification and renewal shall be reviewed by the council. Action on the application shall be made at the council's first regularly scheduled meeting following the review of the application.

(10) Whenever the council denies an application, renewal of certification, or recalls, suspends, or revokes an existing certification, the council will notify the applicant or holder within 15 days from the date of the council's action. Persons so notified will have 30 days from the date of receipt of notification to file with the council a written appeal of the denial or recall, suspension, or revocation. An informal hearing of the appeal will be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the council. During the period of the appeal, the certificate shall be suspended, and all findings and decisions will be pursuant to ARM 23.13.712.