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.
The part-time academy at CNX Southpointe Campus operates one session each year. The next class will begin in May 2026. Applications will be accepted beginning in January of each year up until two weeks prior to the academy start date. Entrance testing takes place weekly after an application is submitted and the physical is completed. If interested, either log on to the IUP Criminal Justice Training Center website and request an application or contact Academy Director Marcia Cole at 724-357-3987 or mcole@iup.edu or CNX Program Coordinator Andrew Volchko at avolchko@iup.edu for more information.
For further information on locations and availability, contact Director Marcia Cole at mcole@iup.edu or call 724-357-3989.
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.
MPOTEC Fitness Standards
Cooper Health-Based norms and protocols are required for assessing and testing a cadet’s physical fitness level to enter the police academy.
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.