Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.
Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.
More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.
Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.
Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.
Applications for the fall daytime academy will be accepted from Monday, March 30, through Thursday, June 18.
Effective March 2, 2026, the evening/Saturday academy will no longer be offered in the fall semester. It will return in spring 2027. The application process for spring 2027 academies will open in late August 2026.
The Tri-C® Peace Officer Basic Training (POBT) Academy, also known as the Police Academy, is the first step on your path to a rewarding career as a police officer. Earn college credit while preparing to become a police officer in the state of Ohio.
Day Academy (24-week) offered Fall and Spring semesters.
Runs Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Occasional weekend and extended hour classes.
Evening Academy (36-week) offered during Spring semester only.
Runs Monday - Thursday from 6 - 10 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Occasional Sunday classes
Offered only at Tri-C’s Western Campus
More than 740 contact hours
Lectures, hands-on training, scenario-based and group participation
Prepares you for the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) exam
State-of-the-art law enforcement training facility includes onsite range, drive pad and training village
Financial Aid available to eligible students
Veterans Affairs Benefits accepted
24 credit hours can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice with concentration in Basic Police Academy
The following OPOTC standards are in place and apply to all graduates of the Police Academy, regardless of age:
You have one year after passing the OPOTC State Certification Exam (SCE) to be hired. Depending on the hiring department, additional training may or may not be required.
If hired after one year, you must complete any new OPOTC requirements.
If you are not commissioned within two years after completing the academy and any OPOTC updates, you must repeat the full OPOTC Basic Police Academy.
U.S. citizen
High school diploma or GED
18 years or older at time of acceptance (21 years recommended)*
Valid Ohio driver’s license with full driving privileges
In good health as documented by physical exam signed by a licensed physician
Successfully pass a nine-panel drug screen and background check
Mandatory attendance for the duration of the academy per OPOTC regulation; missed classes must be made up within 14 days at the commander’s discretion. Additional fees apply for making up missed classes.
Cannot have more than one OVI conviction within the past three years.
No criminal history**
* Most departments do not hire or swear in officers under 21. The College also requires anyone transporting firearms to be at least 21.
** Any felony conviction, including any arrests or convictions expunged or sealed by the court will prohibit you from entering the academy. Certain misdemeanor convictions including but not limited to domestic violence and drug possession will prohibit you from entering the academy. Any crime reduction or plea agreement/bargain in which the original charge was domestic violence will prohibit you from entering the academy. A full list of disqualifiers can be found in the Ohio Administration Code section 109:2-1-03.
Cuyahoga County residents: $6,235
Out-of-county residents: $6,848.42
Tuition and fees subject to change without notice.
Tuition includes:
Cost of 24 academic credit hours (based on residency) plus, academy noncredit fee
OPOTC (Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission) classroom materials and handouts
Standard American Heart Association or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification
Academy uniform and physical conditioning uniform
Use of duty gear and firearms.
Cost for one (1) attempt to pass State Certification Exam (second attempt, if needed is $95)
Technology fee for full-time students (two semesters): $140
Pre-entrance drug screen (paid directly to screen agency): $40
Pre-entrance physical exam (paid directly to medical provider): Cost varies
Required uniform pants: Approximately $35 per pair
Ammunition for handgun and shotgun: Approximately $345
Cost of make-up: $60/hour
**The Physical Agility Exam does not meet the Physical Fitness Assessment requirement.
Forms must be completed during a certain time frame per the State. Forms completed prior to that time frame will not be accepted by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission per their regulations.
Seats are filled in a first come, first serve process.
Passing the Tri-C Police Academy Physical Fitness Assessment can be challenging. To get you ready for the test, we offer up to 12 sessions of physical training.
Fall 2026 Day Academy Starts: Aug. 24, 2026 Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with occasional weekends This academy is about six and a half months.
The evening/Saturday academy will no longer be offered in the fall semester.
Spring 2027 Day Academy Starts: Jan. 20, 2027 Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with occasional weekends This academy is about six and a half months.
Spring 2027 Evening/Saturday Academy* Starts: Jan. 20, 2027 Monday-Thursday | 6 - 10 p.m. Saturdays | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with occasional Sundays This academy is about eight and a half months.
* Minimum number of students required to run. If minimum is not met, students have the option to move to the day academy.
Seats are filled on a first come, first serve process.
Police academy schedules are subject to change by the commander and/or the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission for unforeseen or uncontrollable events. Cadets will always be notified of changes.
