What is the age requirements for attending the Basic Academy?

You must reach the age of 21 by the date of graduation.
If I am accepted into the Academy, am I guaranteed a job?

No.  Upon completion of the Academy you will be given a POST (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) certificate of completion for the Regular Basic Course.  This certificate will allow you to apply to law enforcement agencies as an academy graduate. It is your responsibility to apply to law enforcement agencies and pass their employment testing and background process.
What is the cost of the Academy?

The tuition for the Academy is subject to change due to material costs. Currently the tuition for the Academy is projected to be $5,200 plus the cost of recruit uniforms. Recruit uniform costs are approximately $800-$1,500 and vary by vendor.

If you are accepted as a non-affiliate recruit, you must submit a non-refundable deposit of $1,300 prior to the first day of the Academy.  The deposit deadline will be provided to you upon acceptance into the Academy.  The remaining tuition balance is divided into three installments of $1,300, due every two months after the first day of the Academy.
What is the refund policy?

If you quit or are dismissed from the Academy, there are NO REFUNDS for any installments previously paid.

 
What is the passing T score for the POST written exam?

Once you take the POST written exam you will be given a T score which is determined by your score on the PELLETB.  You must have a T score of 42 or above for acceptance into the Academy.
Do I have to buy my own uniforms?

Yes, a list of vendors and uniform specifications will be provided to you during the application process. The uniform costs vary by vendor, but are approximately $800.00-$1,500.00.
What does the physical testing consist of?

You must pass the California POST Battery Physical test, which includes the following timed events:

  • 6 foot solid fence climb
  • 6 foot chain link fence climb
  • Drag a 165 lb. dummy 32 feet
  • 99 yard obstacle course
  • 500 yard run*

* All tests except for the 500 yard run will be done twice.

** Minimum overall test score: 346
Do I have to provide my own equipment?

All students provide their own uniforms. The Academy provides all other required equipment to non-affiliate students for use during the course of training. Academy provided equipment includes: A ballistic vest, duty belt, baton, handcuffs, flashlight, firearm and ammunition.  The equipment provided to non-affiliate students during the Academy is property of the Academy and will be returned upon completion, resignation or dismissal from the academy.
How do I register as a non-affiliate?

Go to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office Regional Training website www.sheriffacademy.com  and select the Basic Academy link.  Select the Basic Police Academy link from the list.  Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the "Register" button.  Select “I am a non-affiliate student” and complete all of the requested information.  Submit your information one time.  After your application is submitted, you will be notified via email of test dates and location information.
What is a non-affiliate?

A non-affiliate is a student, not hired by a law enforcement agency, who wishes to pay his/her own way through the Academy. Upon graduation, you will be a POST (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) Academy graduate
and receive a certificate of completion for the Regular Basic Course.
Do I have to take the physical abilities test if I already passed at another agency?

Yes, to enter into the ACSO' s Academy, everyone must take the physical abilities test, regardless of previous location, tests or scores.
How do I prepare for the Academy?

Physically: start a physical training (PT) program immediately. Your program should minimally include, endurance (running), strength (upper body pull ups, pushups and bench press) and core strength (sit ups) exercises.

Mentally: adopt the study habits of a college student. The Academy is academically challenging. There are 41 separate POST learning domains taught in the Academy. Testing methods include written, multiple choice and demonstrative skills. Examples of POST written test formats can be found at the POST website at www.post.ca.gov

POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) - preparation resources and information about the PELLETB test can be found on the POST website at www.post.ca.gov or https://post.ca.gov/LE-entry-level-test-battery-agency-faqs. Students are encouraged to read the Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery https://post.ca.gov/LE-entry-level-test-battery-agency-faqs.

If you believe your writing skills are deficient, you may consider completing a basic English or writing course at a community college prior to entrance into the academy.
What are the hours of the Academy?

Generally, the hours are dayshift Monday-Friday from 0800 hours to 1630 hours with a half hour for lunch. There are some night courses which will require your shift to change to accommodate evening hours.

This Academy does not provide on campus lodging. A list of local hotels is available on our website.
Is financial assistance available?

Veterans may be eligible for GI benefits through Chabot College. Contact the Veteran’s Office at Chabot College                                          cc-veterans@chabotcollege.edu (510) 458-3594 (www.chabotcollege.edu/veterans).

Non-affiliated recruits may be eligible for financial aid. For further inquiries, please contact Chabot\'s Administration of Justice Department at cc-acsoacademy@chabotcollege.edu.
What are the entrance requirements for a non-affiliate?
  • Must be 21 years of age upon graduation
  • High school graduate or equivalency
  • Valid California driver license
  • Free of felony convictions
  • Successfully complete a background
Do I have to retake the POST written test, if I already passed it from another agency?

We will accept a T-Score of 45 or higher if it was from a test taken within one year.  On the day of the physical and written test bring a copy of your PELLETB test score from the issuing agency.  It must be on the issuing department’s letterhead and be dated within 12 months of your application.
Can I have a job while attending the Academy?

The Academy is both mentally and physically demanding. Due to the high demands of the Academy, students may have to invest hours of their own time in order to be successful.

Students are not prohibited from having outside employment but it is not recommended.
Is a written test required to enter the Academy?

Yes.  You are required to take the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB).  The following links can assist you by providing additional information and help prepare you to take the PELLETB.  POST website at www.post.ca.gov or http://post.ca.gov/entry-level-test-battery.aspx. Students are encouraged to read the Applicant Preparation Guide for the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery.

If you believe your writing skills are deficient, you may consider completing a basic English or writing course at a community college prior to entrance into the Academy.