Equivalency of Training (EOT)
For: Out-of-State Officers, Federal Officers, and Inactive Florida Officers
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 a 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 FL 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:
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You worked at least one year, full-time as a sworn officer in the discipline you are seeking exemption;
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You received training in that discipline which is comparable to Florida's full basic recruit curriculum and/or;
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Must still be eligible for certification in your original state or as a federal officer. Revoked certifications are automatically disqualifying..
For prior Florida certified officer, 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?
INFORMATION OF THE EOT PROCESS FOR AN INACTIVE (FORMER) FLORIDA OFFICER:
In order for a law enforcement, correctional or correctional probation officers in Florida, or a former Florida Officer with more than four years break in service, to obtain certification as an officer in Florida without first attending a full basic recruit academy in Florida, they must (1) Successfully Complete an EOT Assessment showing sufficient basic training and sworn employment not ending more than 8 years ago, and; (2) Demonstrate proficiency in certain high-liability physical skills (defensive tactics, firearms, medical first responder, and for law enforcement officers only – emergency vehicle operations) at a Florida Criminal Justice Training Academy; and (3) Pass the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).
If you are an inactive Florida Officer and want to initiate an EOT, review/complete the hyperlinked documents listed below. These documents will guide you through the EOT process.
If you are granted an exemption from basic recruit training through the Police Applicant Screening Service, you will need to complete the required proficiency course and achieve a passing score on the SOCE within one year of receiving your exemption.
Information on the EOT Process for Out-of-State or Federal Officer (To Include Military):
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: (1) 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; (2) 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 (3) Pass the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE).
If you are an Out-of-State Officer or Federal Officer (to include Military) and want to initiate an EOT, review/complete the hyperlinked documents listed below. These documents will guide you through the EOT process.
If you are granted an exemption from basic recruit training through the Police Applicant Screening Service, you will need to complete the required proficiency course and achieve a passing score on the SOCE within one year of receiving your exemption.
For Question or Assistant in Completing the EOT Process, Contact the Criminal Justice Selection Center at:
Stephanie Driskill – Coordinator, Criminal Justice Selection Center
Phone: 850.769.1551 ext. 5608
Fax: 850.767.8072
Email: sdriskill@gulfcoast.edu
Gulf Coast State College Offers the EOT Proficiency Courses:
When are the Proficiency Courses Offered?
The Division of Public Safety offers forty (40) week day and weekend courses. The weekday courses consist of four ten hour days. The weekend courses are offered over two weekends. The times vary for each course.
The Division of Public Safety offers the proficiency courses at various times throughout the year. A copy of the schedule will be provided with your completed EOT Application. For more information, contact:
Greg May
Phone: 850.769.1551 Ext 15605
Fax: 850.913.3288
Email: gmay@gulfcoast.edu
Note: After completion of proficiency course it will be 3-5 business days before you will be eligible to take the SOCE.
State officer Certification Exam offered at Gulf Coast State College:
The SOCE is only available through Pearson VUE testing. Gulf Coast State College’s testing center is approved test site that offers the SOCE, but you must register and pay through the Pearson Vue site. Test dates, cost, and availability information is provided by Pearson VUE and is only accessible once you’ve completed the EOT process and your records have been updated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Note: The registration and payment deadline for each test shall be at least eight days prior to the testing date.