Equivalency of Training Academy

Our Equivalency of Training Academy is for out-of-state officers, federal officers, military personnel and previously certified Florida officers with a break of service of more than four years. (See Florida Statutes 943.131(2) and Florida Administrative Code 11B-35.009(4)(5).) This EOT Academy exempts you from having to complete the full basic recruit academy and qualifies you to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).

If you are granted an exemption from basic recruit training through the Police Applicant Screening Service, you will need to complete the required proficiency and achieve a passing score on the SOCE within one year of receiving your exemption. If you don't meet the requirements, you will need to complete an approved basic recruit training program, which can last 16 to 22 weeks. You may be eligible for an exemption from the full basic training requirements if you were an officer in another state or with the federal government and meet the following requirements:

• You worked at least one year, full time as a sworn officer in the discipline you are seeking exemption
• You received training in that discipline comparable to Florida's full basic recruit curriculum and/or
• You were previously certified as an officer in Florida

Your break of service break can be no more than eight years to qualify. A break in employment is measured from the separation date of the most recent qualifying employment to the time a complete application requesting an exemption from training is submitted.

If you are an out-of-state, federal, military, or previously certified Florida officer, you can train to become a certified law enforcement or corrections officer in the state of Florida in our Equivalency of Training Academy.

Steps to Become an officer

Review how to become a certified officer through:

• Equivalency of Training
• Florida Officer Reactivation process

How to apply to EOT Academy

1. Contact the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS). This agency determines if you qualify for an exemption from a full training academy and provides the FDLE with the Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.
2. Contact the EOT Academy Office and you will be sent a registration packet.
3. Complete and return the following:
   • CJSTC 76 Form
   • Registration packet
   • Copy of current driver's license
4. When your application is accepted, a confirmation packet will be sent to you. The packet will include:
   • Lodging information
   • Required class materials

Contact Paul Althoff for any questions 727-341-4492.