Act 120: Municipal Police Academy

  • To be employed as a police officer in the state of Pennsylvania, an individual must successfully complete a certified Act 120 program and pass the MPOETC state certification exam.

    The Criminal Justice Training Center offers full-time and part-time Act 120 programs. Full-time academies meet from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and usually take about 22 weeks to complete. Part-time programs are designed for people who work or whose schedules don’t enable them to be in classes all day. These academies meet about 20 hours a week: three evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Duration is about 49 weeks.

  • For further information on locations and availability, see Current Academy Schedules.

    For answers to common questions about the CJTC programs, see our frequently asked questions. For information on fees for the Act 120 program, see Program Fees.

  • More Information about the Act 120 Municipal Police Academy

  • Program Overview
    The MPOETC-mandated academy is a 919-hour program covering five overall modules of training.
    Requirements
    As a recruit, you will obtain the knowledge and professional skills necessary to enter the law enforcement field.
    Testing
    Information on testing for applicants to the Act 120 academy
    Qualifications
    Minimum qualifications for admittance to the Act 120 Municipal Police Academy at IUP
    Application Process
    Information on applying to the Criminal Justice Training Center
  • Criminal Justice Training Center
  • S.W. Jack Bldg., Suite 300
    57 South 9th Street
    Indiana, PA 15701
  • Phone: 724-357-6943
  • Fax: 724-357-3989
  • Office Hours
  • Monday through Friday
  • 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.