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, contact Program Coordinator Jason Batistig at batistig@iup.edu or call 724-357-3988.

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.

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More Information about the Act 120 Municipal Police Academy

The MPOETC-mandated academy is a 919-hour program covering five overall modules of training.

As a recruit, you will obtain the knowledge and professional skills necessary to enter the law enforcement field.

Cooper Health-Based norms and protocols are required for assessing and testing a cadet’s physical fitness level to enter the police academy. 

Information on testing for applicants to the Act 120 academy.

Minimum qualifications for admittance to the Act 120 Municipal Police Academy at IUP.

Information on applying to the Criminal Justice Training Center.