Successful completion of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission's (OPOTC) certified Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA) program is a requirement for employment as a law enforcement professional in Ohio. The academy provides the 740 hours of training mandated by the state. Most equipment and uniform needs are provided by the college. Each cadet must provide a rain jacket, running pants, and eye/ear protection. Attendance and participation throughout the Academy are demanding and mandatory.
OPOTC’s Peace Officer Basic Academy (POBA) training is recognized by West Virginia for certification purposes subject to provisions set forth by the WV Division of Justice and Community Services. Similar reciprocity may or may not exist with other states.
Upcoming POBA PT Exam Dates:
Sunday, November 17 at 3:00 PM
Exam Location: Williamstown High School Track
The Academy is 26 semester hours. Successful completion results in a State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdictions in Ohio. This option does not qualify for federal financial aid except for the GI Bill.
You will be required to complete 30 semester hours and is comprised of 26 semester hours for the POBA certificate as well as English and Physical Fitness classes. Successful completion results in a college level certificate that may be applied toward completion of an associate or bachelor degree and the State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdictions in Ohio. This option does qualify for federal financial aid and the GI Bill.
Estimated Tuition: $5,440
POBA Certificate Information
View course pathway here.
You will be required to complete the 26 semester hours necessary for the Academy, plus an additional 42 semester hours which includes Criminal Justice related topics, English, Communications, Psychology, and other associate-degree specific courses. Successful completion results in an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and the State of Ohio certification as a peace officer eligible to be employed by nearly all jurisdictions in Ohio. You may opt to transfer your credits toward completion of a bachelor degree. This option does qualify for federal financial aid and the GI Bill.
Estimated Tuition: $10,540
View course pathway here.
All potential cadets must follow the below checklist.
Step One
- Apply for admissions with WSCO and provide an official high school transcript/GED score report
- Must be 18 years of age or older (a minimum age of 19 or 20 is recommended by WSCO)
- Must receive your commission, oneyear from successful POBA completion
- Hold a valid driver's license
Step Two
- Complete physical fitness assessment
Step Three
- After successful completion of physical fitness, you will receive an email forms and instructions for"
- National Web Check
- Drug Screen
- Medical Physical
Step Four
- Attend mandatory POBA orientation
To learn more:
Admissions
740.568.1900
admissions@wscc.edu
Commander Scott Trussell
740.885.5645 ext. 1540
strussell@wscc.edu
