Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Basic Police Officer Training

    MPOETC establishes minimum curriculum and training standards for municipal police officers. The curriculum is used by certified municipal police academies throughout the Commonwealth to train prospective police officer cadets. Follow the links below for more information about training schedules, academies, and curriculum.

    Basic training program

    Transfers and waivers

    Law enforcement officers transferring to Pennsylvania or with previous federal or military training can apply for a training waiver. An assessment test determines what areas of training may be waived.

    In-state transfers

    Title 53, Chapter 21, Subchapter D (Act 120) does not provide for training waivers for law enforcement officers from Pennsylvania who did not complete the Act 120 basic training program. Individuals with law enforcement training and experience from Pennsylvania who have not completed the Act 120 basic training program are currently required to attend the full-length basic training program regardless of their previous training and experience.

    Out-of-state and federal/military waivers

    Certified police training academies