Equivalency of Training Academy

The Equivalency of Training Academy (EOT) offers out-of-state, federal, military officers and previously certified Florida officers a training opportunity that qualifies them to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) and exempts them from the full academy.

An individual who is granted an exemption from basic recruit training must successfully complete the required proficiency demonstration and achieve a passing score on the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE) within one year of receiving the exemption, according to Section 943.131(2), F.S. If the individual does not meet the requirements, the individual must complete a commission-approved basic recruit training program.

The Equivalency of Training (EOT) program is competency based, very concentrated, and consists of 111 hours in Law Enforcement training and 87 hours in Corrections training. The course is not intended for basic instruction, but as an opportunity for the experienced criminal justice veteran to demonstrate proficiency in the required high liability skills. Those high liability areas include:

• First Responder (24 hours)
• Firearms (22 hours)
• Defensive Tactics (22 hours)
• Emergency Vehicle Operations (24 hours - for Law Enforcement only)

Other topics include Administration (4 hours), Legal (10 hours), and State Exam Review (5 hours). The total hours of instruction may vary depending on the student. The St. Petersburg College Equivalency of Training Academy is two weeks long and is offered at least five times a year.

Successful completion of the EOT course qualifies you to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE). Individuals are required to pass the SOCE and are permitted three opportunities to pass. Individuals who do not pass after three attempts must complete the applicable Basic Recruit Training Program and reapply to take the State Officer Certification Examination.

The SOCE is derived from the Law Enforcement or Corrections Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Basic Recruit Curriculum. The comprehensive multiple choice test consists of 250 questions for Law Enforcement and 300 questions for Corrections. The exam is given once a month at several locations throughout the state.

SPC's EOT course will not cover all areas of the curriculum. Therefore, students must study the curriculum on their own to prepare for the SOCE. The college does provide every EOT student access to our online State Exam Review, which is optional and highly recommended. The review is included in the cost the EOT tuition.

The college also offers the same online State Exam Review for individuals completing the EOT at another training center at a cost of $106.79.

Qualified applicants must have completed training in specific required subjects and must have been employed full-time for at least one full year (not counting time spent in an academy) as a law enforcement or correctional officer in another state, a federal agency or the military. Qualifying employment must not have ended more than 8 years prior to completing the EOT evaluation process.

By law, criminal justice selection centers or hiring agencies are responsible for reviewing out-of-state or federal/military officer's employment and training to initially determine eligibility for exemption. These centers are responsible for correction, verification and authentication of documentation of your training and experience. Once evaluation is successfully completed, a selection center completes and submits an Equivalency Of Training (EOT) out-of-state/ federal/ military officer CJSTC-76 form to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for approval. NOTE: Previously certified Florida officers must also complete this process.

The Police Applicant Screen Service (PASS) is one of Florida's criminal justice selection centers and is housed at St. Petersburg College's Allstate Center. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your evaluation and submit your application to PASS at least 12 weeks in advance of the date you intend to apply to attend an SPC Equivalency of Training Academy.

You also may visit the FDLE web site at www.fdle.state.fl.us where you will find requirements for Equivalency of Training and links to Florida Statutes.

CAUTION: You must demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas and pass the state certification exam in the same discipline within 365 days of receipt of the approved EOT form CJSTC-76.

When your evaluation is completed and FDLE determines that you will qualify for a basic academy exemption, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will send you the CJSTC-76 form.

1. Call the St. Petersburg College EOT Academy Office (727) 341-4597 or 4510, for advisement.

2. The SPC EOT Academy Office will send you a registration packet which will include a Schedule and Locations. You must complete and return the following:

• Completed Registration Form
  
• Completed and signed residency statement (on bottom of Registration Form)
  
• Copy of current driver's license
  
• CJSTC-76 letter of training evaluation or Florida recertification eligibility
  
• Check made payable to SPC or credit card authorization (Visa or MasterCard)

3. When your application is accepted, a Confirmation Packet will be sent to you. The packet will include:

• Lodging information
• Required class materials
• FDLE application packet for the State Certification

4. Information about the the State Exam can be found here.

In order to be employed as an officer in the State of Florida, you must:

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a high school graduate or its equivalent
• Not have been convicted of any felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement (Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of any of the Armed Forces of the United States.)
• Never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States
• Have been fingerprinted by the employing agency
• Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician
• Have good moral character
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Complete basic recruit training (or Equivalency of Training)
• Pass the Florida State Officer Examination (SOCE)
• Comply with continuing training or education requirements

In addition to the above, many agencies have specific standards related to driving history, prior drug use, conduct while an officer, etc. All these areas will be covered in a thorough background investigation that is NOT a part of this EOT Evaluation. If you have questions about such standards or your ability to meet them, please contact the agency where you intend to seek employment. If you wish to see an example of such written standards, please visit the PASS website and read the Applicant Information Package for the law enforcement application-screening program.