(1) POST will issue administrative certificates in the following disciplines:

(a) peace officer;

(b) detention/corrections officer;

(c) probation and parole officer; and

(d) public safety communications officer.

(2) In addition to ARM 23.13.204 and 23.13.205, the applicant for an award of the administrative certificate:

(a) must possess the discipline-specific advanced and command certificate; and

(b) must have served satisfactorily at the administrative or management level of the employing agency currently and for a period of one year prior to the date of application.

(3) The administrative or management level is a senior level administrative position for which commensurate pay is authorized; occupied by an individual who, in the upward chain of command, is either responsible for administering the agency or has broad administrative authority, or is subject to assignment of such responsibilities; and most commonly is a chief, assistant chief, sheriff, undersheriff, warden, or deputy warden of the agency.

(4) Officers who believe they are eligible for an administrative certificate must submit a completed application, with agency administrator approval, to the director. Applications are available from POST staff or on the POST web site.

(a) The director will then review the application and approve or deny the certification, unless the director determines, as a matter of discretion, that the council's review is necessary due to extenuating circumstances.

(b) Upon approval by the director the certificate becomes valid unless the council takes further action.