Police Academy - Basic Peace Officer Certificate

Police Academy Application Details

Minimum General Requirements

Entry into the Police Academy is governed by the Texas Commission On Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and South Texas College Police Academy program standards. Following admission to South Texas College, the minimum requirements for acceptance into the Police Academy are outlined below:

• Must be 21 years old
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have an honorable discharge from the military (if applicable)
• Must never have been convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor or above
• Not been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years
• Must have a GED or high school diploma
• Must submit to a urine analysis
• Must complete a Polygraph exam
• Must complete a physical fitness exam
• Must complete comprehensive medical and psychological screenings
• An application for the police academy also needs to be filled out in addition to the application to South Texas College in order to be considered for the program.

Screening

The screening process requires a physical agility test, polygraph examination, psychological screening, medical and drug screening, fingerprint submission for criminal history check and background investigation. There are costs associated with the screenings: polygraph examination $300, psychological screening $300, medical screening $167, and fingerprint submission $38.25. Financial aid does not cover the costs of the screening or examinations.

Processes

You must submit an application to the academy. Upon submission, you will be given the time and location of the physical agility test. Arrive early so that you can check in. Bring your government issued identification card or South Texas College ID card so that we may verify your identity. Once you pass the physical agility test, you will receive information on where to take the polygraph examination, the medical and psychological screenings, and fingerprint submissions.

Academy Application Form

Pre-Acceptance Polygraph Booklet

 Additional Disqualifiers Police Academy Information

Physical Agility Test

The physical agility test consists of rowing 2000 meters on a Concept 2 rowing machine with the resistance set to 5. The time that the applicant will need to complete the test will be determined by using the fitness calculator below:

Calculate Your Fitness Target

Agility Exam Dates:

All agility test will be conducted by appointment after you have submitted the Police Academy application. There is no fee to take the agility test. Please call 956-872-4200 to get more information.

Academy Costs

Refer to Tuition & Fees for details. This does not include the screening fees for the application process. Uniforms and supplies will cost approximately $400. Financial aid covers tuition and books if you qualify. Visit Paying for College for more information about financial aid.

The Police Academy will be open enrollment for those who wish to attend the Police Academy and apply financial aid, G.I. Bill, or other scholarships toward their tuition. For those persons who are currently employed by a state, county, or city law enforcement agency as a full-time peace officer, tuition waivers apply under Texas Education Code 54.208.

As with the Police Academy Program, Texas Peace Officers who are full-time employees are eligible for tuition waivers under Texas Education Code 54.208.