Public Safety Academies Admissions

Steps to apply through SPC to the Corrections Academy

• Complete the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) background check (to begin the process, students need 30 college credits with a 2.0 from a regionally accredited school or military service)
• Submit PASS completion letter to academy
• Pass the Florida Basic Abilities Test (BAT)
• Complete the registration packet about two months prior to the start date of the academy
• Complete physical exam and required forms
• Schedule a pre-academy appointment with the Public Safety Department Coordinator Joe Saponare at 727-344-8078.
• Complete the required physical assessment
• If offered academy admission, apply to St. Petersburg College if you have not already done so
• And submit official transcripts to the college

See details on upcoming corrections academies and tuition.

You can also apply directly through the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office:

Apply Now

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.

See details on upcoming EOT academies and tuition.

SOCE (State Officer Certification Examination)

Successfully completing the EOT courses qualifies you to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), required to become an officer. You are given three opportunities to pass. If you do not pass after three attempts, you 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 200 questions for both Law Enforcement and Corrections. The exam is given once a month at several locations throughout the state. SPC's EOT program does not cover all areas of the curriculum tested on the SOCE. Therefore, you will need to study the curriculum on your own to prepare for the SOCE.

Train to become a certified police officer in our Law Enforcement Academy, an FDLE-approved training center. These courses count toward sub-plans of our A.S. degree in Criminal Justice Technology, which transfers to our bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration.

See details on upcoming law enforcement academies and tuition.

How to apply to the Law Enforcement Academy

1. Meet the Entry Requirements
   You must have completed at least 30 college credits or a full tour of active military service, with an honorable discharge.
2. Complete a Background Check
   Complete the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) background check for $250.
3. PASS Verification Letter email
   After completing the PASS process you will receive a PASS completion letter by email. A copy of the letter must be given to the academy coordinator prior to completion of the academy.
4. Registration Packet
   You will receive a registration packet by email about two months prior to the start date of the academy. The packet includes all information about uniforms, which cost approximately $275.
5. Pre-registration steps
   1. Get a physical exam and have a physician complete FDLE CJSTC 75 form provided in the packet.
   2. Schedule a pre-academy appointment with the academy coordinator.
   3. Bring the completed packet to the interview.
   4. Register and pass the required $25 physical assessment.

Coordinator
Joseph Saponare, 727-344-8078

Contact
Jamie Ryan
Phone: 727-341-4516
Email:  jamiemarieryan@spcollege.edu

SEPSI Academies
SPC Allstate Center
3200 34th Street South, Room 114
St. Petersburg FL 33711

Get ready for a rewarding firefighting career at our cutting-edge Firefighting Academy.

Before attending SPC's Fire Academy, you will need to complete Medical First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic training.

How to apply to the Firefighting Academy

1. Take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) Administered by SPC Fire Academy
   You need to register in advance for this test. Contact the program office at 727-302-6873 for test dates and registration information. You must pass the PAT to proceed to step 3.
   Need some help preparing for the PAT? Register for a Physical Abilities Prep Class.
2. Apply to SPC
   Complete SPC's online admission application.
   Request your high school and college transcripts.
   Students who are enrolled in the fire academy program must complete an entry-level basic skills examination within the first six (6) weeks after admission into the program. Successful completion of level 10 in one of the two examinations below is required.
   • Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE), Complete Battery or Survey Form, Forms 9 and 10, 2003;
   • Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.);
     
     **Candidates accepted into the program must complete this requirement by the sixth week of the fire standards program or they will be withdrawn from the program regardless of their program grade point average. Due to the intense coursework during the fire academy, it is highly recommended that students accomplish the basic level skills requirement before the start of the program.**
     
     Exceptions to the above basic skills requirements:
     • The Student entered a Florida public or charter high school in the 2003-2004 school year, and any year thereafter, and graduated beginning 2007, and any year thereafter, with a Florida standard high school diploma;
     • The Student is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services;
     • The Student has an associate degree or higher;
     • The Student has official "valid" placement test scores that meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and math courses;
     • The Student has successfully completed college preparatory or developmental education course requirements in English, reading and math;
     • The Student provides proof of successful completion of college-level English and math courses from a regionally accredited college or university;
     • The student has passed a state, national, or industry certification or licensure examination;
     • The student is enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Florida Department of Education.
3. Apply for SPC Fire Academy
   Complete the application packet for Firefighter Academy, available after you pass the PAT.
   Submission of the completed application packet will be explained after completing the
   PAT.
4. Verify your level of EMS Certification
   You must provide either:
   Proof that you are a current Emergency Medical Responder, Florida EMT or Paramedic OR
   If you are attending an EMT Program at SPC, you must verify that  you have completed at least 75% of the EMT Program and that there are no scheduling conflicts with your classes at the Firefighting Academy.
5. Register
   If you are accepted into the program, you will complete a registration form at the required
   orientation. You will then be registered and will be contacted regarding tuition payment.

See details about upcoming Firefighting Academies and tuition.