Basic Training

There are two basic recruit classes per year, beginning in either January or July, according to the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) curriculum of 25 weeks. Cadet classes run Monday through Friday 7:00 am - 4:00  pm, with limited nights and weekend training scheduled. Full attendance is mandatory and all absences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Basic Recruit Coordinator.

Police recruit applicants must meet all requirements, as mandated by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) and the Allegheny County Police Academy. Recruits who satisfy the minimum application requirements are not guaranteed acceptance into the program.

Applicant Requirements

• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency and produce an official transcript
• Pass a basic physical exam, including a drug test urinalysis, performed by a doctor, certified nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant
• Successfully complete a physical abilities test, in the 30th percentile, based on age and gender
• Have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license, as verified by PENNDOT
• Be probation-free, and have no criminal convictions for misdemeanor 2 or higher offenses, as verified by PA State Police check and a FBI criminal history check
• Pass a Minnesota Multi-phasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), conducted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and complete the Nelson-Denny Reading Exam
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of $50.00, in the form of a certified check made payable to 'Treasurer of Allegheny County' (application fee is a portion of the required tuition)

View the Full Requirements List(PDF, 105KB)

Pennsylvania Police Officer Certification Requirements

On or Before the First Day of Class

Prior to the start of classes, recruits must pay tuition in full, in the form of a cashier's check, as well as purchase sufficient uniforms, ties, shoes, PT gear, padlock, etc., as specified by the Academy.

To ensure that recruits arrive in uniform on the first day of class, it is strongly recommended to place a clothing order soon after a Police Academy interview.

Approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the first day of class, recruits will be scheduled for a physical ability test and interview, at the Academy.

Recruits must bring the $50.00 application fee (in the form of a certified check), and will be required to complete any necessary paperwork. 

Physical Agility Test Standards(PDF, 246KB)

Police Academy Physical Fitness Examination

To qualify for graduation, recruits must successfully pass 27 exams, covering 5 modules of training. Modules include physical fitness proficiency, while maintaining a minimum academic score of 80%.

MPOETC requires dismissal of cadets who fail to maintain an 80% grade average within each module of training.

Included as part of the paid tuition for the Allegheny County Police Academy:

• Required books, notebook(s), and paper
• Use of a Glock model 22 semi-automatic pistol and adequate rounds of ammunition
• Use of police vehicles for patrol procedures and defensive driving classes
• Over 900 hours of exemplary Act 120 training, presented by dedicated staff and many volunteer instructors

Recruits will receive and sign their acknowledgement for a handbook of rules and regulations, which are to be adhered to throughout the duration of education at the Academy. 

Applicants are also responsible for the following:

• $ 30.00 to PENNDOT for driver's license verification
• $ 10.00 to the PA State Police for a criminal history check
• Doctor fee for physical exam
• Psychologist fee for MMPI
• Any fee to obtain high school transcript
• Cost of a padlock for a facility locker

Cadets are required to purchase, wear, and maintain a specific uniform (minimum 2 sets of shirts and trousers).

There will be regular, as well as unannounced, inspections of cadets by the academy staff.