WHAT IS AN EQUIVALENCY OF TRAINING (EOT)?
An EOT/Equivalency of Training is a process that allows an officer to be exempt from having to complete the full basic recruit academy.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR AN EOT?
You may be eligible to apply for an EOT from the full basic recruit training requirements if you were certified in another state or as a Federal (including military) Law Enforcement, Corrections, or Probation Officer. You may also be eligible if you were previously certified in Florida but your certification is now inactive.
You must meet the following requirements if you’re an Out-of-State or a Federal (including military) Law Enforcement, Corrections or Probation Officer:
- You worked at least one year, full-time as a sworn officer in the discipline you are seeking exemption.
- You received training in that discipline which is comparable to Florida’s full basic recruit curriculum and/or
- Must still be eligible for certification in your original state or as a federal officer. Revoked certifications are automatically disqualifying.
For a prior certified Florida officer who is inactive, there can be no more than an 8-year break in employment as an officer. The break in employment is measured from the separation date of the most recent qualifying employment to the time a complete application requesting an exemption from training is submitted to a Criminal Justice Selection Center or criminal justice employing agency.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR AND COMPLETING AN EOT?
In order for a law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer in another state, or a Federal Officer (to include Military) to obtain certification as an officer in Florida without first attending a full basic recruit academy in Florida, they must:
- contact a selection center from this listing to apply for your CJSTC Form 76. Upon contacting a selection center, successfully complete an EOT Assessment showing that they attended sufficient basic training and were employed full time as an officer for at least 1 year in a job that ended no more than 8 years ago, and
- complete an Equivalency of Training course where you will demonstrate proficiency in certain high-liability physical skills (defensive tactics, firearms, medical first responder, and for law enforcement officers only – driving) at a Florida Criminal Justice Training Academy; and
- pass the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).
I HAVE MY CJSTC FORM 76, WHERE CAN I FIND AN EQUIVALENCY OF TRAINING COURSE?
Once you have obtained your CJSTC Form 76, contact a member of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Human Resources Unit at HR@Sheriff-Okaloosa.org and they will assist you in locating an EOT course offering. EOT courses are offered at various CJSTC Training Centers. In Okaloosa County, CJSTC Training Center 21 is located at Northwest Florida State College. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with NWFSC to offer EOT classes quarterly during the year.
I HAVE COMPLETED MY EOT, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT?
Register to take the State Officer Certification Examination. You can register for the State Exam with Pearson VUE and then select an approved testing center, e.g. Northwest Florida State College. The cost is $100 per exam. The date you take the examination must be after the completion date of your EOT course. You have up to 3 attempts to pass the examination provided all attempts are within the 1-year time limit. If you are unable to complete the requirements within the 1 year time limit, you may apply for an additional exemption from training, however, you only have a total of 3 attempts to successfully complete the examination regardless of how many exemptions from training you are granted. After 3 attempts, you would have to complete a full basic recruit training academy.
I AM A PRIOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES MEMBER, AM I ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA?
You may be eligible for an exemption from the full basic training requirements if you were a member of the special operations forces and meet the following requirements:
- You worked at least five years as a member of the special operations forces, and
- You have no more than a four-year break-in-service since your separation from the special operations forces.
The break in employment or service in the special operations forces is measured from the separation date of the most recent employment/service to the time a complete application requesting an exemption from training is submitted to a Criminal Justice Selection Center, Commission-certified training school, or criminal justice employing agency.
SOF members meeting the criteria above are eligible for a condensed Basic Recruit Law Enforcement Academy. SOF members can demonstrate proficiency in first aid, firearms, and defensive tactics and are exempt from physical fitness and critical incidents. The condensed SOF Basic Recruit Law Enforcement Academy is 490 hours.
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