Basic Police Academy Application Process
Students must complete all the actions in the application process listed below to be considered for acceptance into the Basic Police Academy.
Before getting started, please review the Application Guidelines.
All applicants must start the process by completing and submitting the entire Basic Police Academy application online.
Do not use a college or university email address. A personal email address will be used by OPOTC throughout your law enforcement career.
Basic Police Academy students must also be current Tri-C students.
Those who are new to Tri-C must apply as a degree programs or certificate student. Major code is S606.
Those who have previously attended but have not attended classes within the last three semesters must reapply as a degree programs or certificate student. Major code is S606.
Acceptance into the College does not constitute acceptance into the Basic Police Academy.
If you are currently taking academic classes, do not change your major until classes have ended and your grade has been submitted. If you change your major before completing classes, it may affect financial aid or scholarships.
Each applicant must take standardized math and English assessment tests. Assessments cannot be taken until a Tri-C admissions application is submitted. This process is different from registration. See Testing Center locations and hours.
You can pay for the Basic Police Academy using financial aid, including a Pell Grant, student loans, scholarships or via a payment plan. Payment plans can be set up after acceptance and before the academy starts. If you plan to apply for scholarships, you must submit the required FAFSA.
Choose one of the following payment methods prior to the start of the academy:
- Self-pay: Payment plans will be set up after orientation.
- Financial aid and scholarships: Complete a FAFSA online or call 216-987-6000 to obtain a financial aid packet. *Tri-C school code: 003040; program code: S606 (degree) or S608 (Certificate of Proficiency)
- Veteran benefits
Choose “Yes” for Title IV as this will allow any financial aid funds (Pell Grants, student loans or scholarships) to pay out the credit and noncredit fees for the Basic Police Academy. The cost of the academy consists of 24 credits and a noncredit fee.
In order to qualify and continue with the Police Academy application process, applicants must pass all three Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) events in one session and score at or above the 15th percentile based on Cooper Age and Gender Standards.
Fee: $25 due at registration
Retakes: Available for an additional fee
Upon successful completion of the PFA, the coordinator will email you within 3 business days with next steps.
Please note: The Police Physical Agility Test that is completed for those applying to law enforcement agencies does not meet the PFA requirement for the academy.