Act 120: Municipal Police Academy
To be employed as a police officer in the state of Pennsylvania,an individual must successfully completea certified Act 120 program and pass the MPOETC state certification exam.
TheCriminal Justice Training Centeroffers full-time and part-time Act 120programs. 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 theAct 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.
TestingInformation on testing for applicants to the Act 120 academy
Minimum qualifications for admittance to the Act 120 Municipal Police Academy at IUP
Application ProcessInformation on applying to the Criminal Justice Training Center