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: Ryan.JamieMarie@spcollege.edu

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