If I want to enroll in the peace officer basic training academy,
do I need to register for and attend an information
meeting?
All students interested in peace officer basic training must
register and attend an online information meeting.
Why do I need to register for and attend an information meeting?
Students must complete certain requirements to enroll in the
peace officer basic training academy. Information meetings are held
to go over the requirements in detail.
Examples of requirements include (but are not limited to):
- A fingerprint background check by the state of Ohio, a check
by the State of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification &
Investigation (BCI&I) and the FBI to determine any criminal
record such as felonies or any domestic violence convictions
which would disqualify the student from the training.
- A completed pre-test screening of the physical conditioning
requirements, including a signed waiver acknowledging the
consequences of not passing the final physical conditioning test
before the written final exam.
Where can I find a list of classes (plan of study) for the
program I want to study?
The courses students need to take to complete a certificate or
degree are listed in a plan of study.
Are there any age requirements to take classes in the Peace
Officer Basic Training program?
Students must be 18 to enroll in Peace Officer Basic Training.
If I am already a peace officer does that qualify me for
college credit?
Students who are currently Ohio Certified Peace Officers may be
eligible to apply credit to the peace officer basic training
academy, and must provide documentation of current peace
officer status.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
The peace officer basic training academy includes hands-on
learning and face-to-face classes.
What are the physical requirements to enter the Peace Officer
Basic Training program?
Students should review the Basic Training Physical Fitness Assessment Chart based upon their age
and sex. The 15th percentile is the minimum entry standard to
enter the Peace Officer Basic Training program or academy at
COTC; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to exceed those
standards. The 50th percentile is the standard to successfully
exit the academy.
What is the correct form for push-ups and sit-ups for the
academy?
Push-up form:
Sit-up form:
What type of financial assistance is available to help me pay for
tuition for the peace officer basic training academy?
There peace officer basic training academy is eligible for
the short-term certificate grant available to students with
demonstrated financial need as well as students who are
currently in or exiting foster care. Each student may receive a
one-time grant of up to $2,000 to assist with tuition and fees
(does not include the cost of books and supplies). To be
considered, students must submit and satisfy the requirements on
the Short-term
Certificate Grant Application or the Short-term Certificate Foster Youth
Grant Application.
Connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at
740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.
What expenses are there in addition to tuition?
Students in the law enforcement technology program — and the
peace officer basic Training academy — are required to purchase
and wear a uniform.
How do I get started at COTC?
Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow
the COTC Steps to Enroll to
get started.
The purpose of the peace officer
basic training program at Central Ohio Technical College is to
prepare qualified individuals for entry-level positions
as peace officers through knowledge-based learning,
demonstrated skills proficiencies, experiential learning through
structural simulation, and practical experience in an ethical and
professional manner consistent with federal, state and
local laws enabling them to meet the Ohio Peace
Officer Training Commission requirements and
allowing successful graduates of the program to take the
state certification exam.
