Law Enforcement Academy

Academy Information

The Law Enforcement Academy at Eastern Florida State College partners with the Brevard Police Testing & Selection Center (BPTC) to select students for Academy classes. The BPTC performs all screening and testing verification because Academy applicants must first take the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT), a requirement of the State of Florida to enter any law enforcement academy, or qualify for a CJBAT exemption, such as students who qualify for EFSC's Special Operations Forces Academy option. During screening, applicants must also pass the Physical Abilities Test (review the PAT information in the box on this page).

Upon successfully meeting the CJBAT requirement, the applicant will complete a biographical information package and interview with BPTC staff. The applicant is then fingerprinted and the prints are sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a criminal records check. The biographical information and interview will be used to conduct a background investigation that will determine if the applicant is qualified under Florida law and administrative code to enter the Academy. The screening process costs $450 so because of the investment of time and money, you should request an appointment with a BPTC investigator before you pay for screening if you think there is anything in your background that would prevent you from becoming a law enforcement officer.

Once the BPTC prepares a class roster of qualified applicants, the Public Safety Institute's program coordinators will follow up with prospective students and provide complete information on the next steps to enter the Academy. Visit the admissions qualifications page for an overview of the Academy application process. EFSC offers the Law Enforcement Academy full-time during daytime hours, Monday through Thursday, at select times throughout the year, with the Academy lasting approximately 22 weeks. Evening, part-time and auxiliary officer Academy classes are created as the need warrants and last about eight months.

The Law Enforcement Basic Training for Special Operations Forces Recruits program is a highly structured and disciplined program with specific standards, procedures, and regulations. This option in EFSC's Law Enforcement Academy is available to students who have Special Operations Forces military training and meet eligibility requirements, such as providing a copy of their DD214 to the BPTC during the screening process. Students who qualify can be part of an EFSC Academy cohort, but with reduced coursework requirements in accordance with the Special Operations Forces curriculum. See the program advisor if you think you qualify and want to apply under this cohort option and view the catalog curriculum for full requirements.

BPTC offers year-round testing, but classes are finalized eight weeks prior to start. The selection process requires about four months from CJBAT to approval. Applicants should plan accordingly to take the CJBAT and promptly submit all required paperwork for the background information.