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TCOLE-certified academy · 21 weeks

Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC)

  • 21 Week Academy Length

    Academy Length

  • 736+ Total training hours

    Total training hours

  • $3,600* Tuition for individual students

    Tuition for individual students

  • 2

    Application Pathways

The Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) at Austin Community College is a comprehensive law enforcement training academy designed to prepare students for licensure and employment as peace officers in the State of Texas.

Certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the program delivers the full state-mandated curriculum through a structured combination of classroom instruction, practical skills training, and physical conditioning.

Cadets develop the legal knowledge, technical competencies, and professional standards required for entry-level service in municipal, county, and state agencies.

Curriculum

Instruction emphasizes both knowledge and application. Cadets participate in classroom learning, scenario-based exercises, skills labs, firearms and tactical training, structured physical training, and practical assessments. Training culminates in comprehensive evaluations that prepare cadets for endorsement to take the state licensing exam.

Do you qualify?

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement peace officer eligibility checklist.

  1. Age & Education Question 1 of 10 Do you meet the minimum age and education requirement by being at least 21 years old by the completion date OR being at least 18 with either an Associate’s degree (60+ semester hours) or an honorable discharge after two years of active military service?
  2. Basic Educational Credentials Question 2 of 10 Do you hold a high school diploma, have a GED, or have an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces after at least 24 months of active-duty service?
  3. Citizenship Status Question 3 of 10 Are you either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident who is an honorably discharged veteran (2+ years of service) with active proof of application for U.S. citizenship?
  4. Criminal History: Misdemeanors Question 4 of 10 Can you confirm that you have not been convicted of, or placed on court-ordered community supervision for, a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years or any charge higher than a Class B?
  5. Criminal History: Felony & Family Violence Question 5 of 10 Can you confirm that you have never been convicted of a felony-grade offense or ANY offense involving family violence as defined by the Texas Family Code?
  6. Military Service Record Question 6 of 10 If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces, did you receive a General or Honorable discharge? (Answer “Yes” if you have never served in the military.)
  7. Legal Prohibitions Question 7 of 10 Are you currently free of any state or federal legal prohibitions that would prevent you from operating a motor vehicle or possessing firearms and ammunition?
  8. Medical & Physical Fitness Question 8 of 10 Are you willing to be declared “physically sound” and “free of drug dependency” by an ACC approved Texas-licensed physician following a medical exam and approved drug test?
  9. Psychological & Emotional Health Question 9 of 10 Are you willing to undergo a professional psychological examination and be declared in “satisfactory emotional health” to serve as a peace officer?
  10. Professional Licensing History Question 10 of 10 Can you confirm that you have never held a peace officer or law enforcement commission license denied by final order or revoked, and that you are not currently under a license suspension or surrender?

Application Pathways

The BPOC is open to both agency-sponsored and unsponsored cadets. You do not need to be agency-sponsored to register for BPOC.

Agency-sponsored

An agency employs or has selected you, and coordinates your enrollment with the college.

Unsponsored

You apply on your own, complete the TCOLE screening yourself, and pay tuition and equipment costs directly.

Steps to registration →

Next academy starts January 19, 2027 – applications due November 13

How to register

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply to this program?

The Basic Peace Officer Course at Austin Community College is open to both agency-sponsored and unsponsored cadets.

What does “agency-sponsored” mean?

Agency-sponsored means you are already employed or selected by a law enforcement agency that is supporting your participation in the academy. Your agency coordinates enrollment and sponsorship with the college. However, you do not need to be agency-sponsored to register for BPOC.

What if I’m not sponsored by an agency?

Non-sponsored applicants must complete the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) application process. This process includes a physical and psychological examination, fingerprinting, criminal history check, driver’s license history review, drug screening, and submission of other documentation as required by TCOLE.

How many hours is the training?

The program includes 736+ training hours of instruction and practical training over 21 weeks, meeting all requirements established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Is the program physically demanding? What are the requirements?

Yes. Law enforcement training includes regular physical conditioning, defensive tactics, and scenario-based exercises. Cadets should be prepared for daily physical activity.

Fitness is assessed in week one on a Concept2 rowing machine, and you’ll train on it throughout the academy.

What happens after I complete the course?

After successfully completing all requirements, graduates are eligible to take the TCOLE Peace Officer Licensing Exam. Passing the exam results in state licensure as a peace officer.

What if I don’t get employed right away? Does the licensure expire?

Your license stays valid for two years without a law enforcement appointment; after that TCOLE requires reactivation.

Is there an option to enroll online or part-time?

No, the BPOC has a full-time in-person schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., for 21 weeks. There is no flexibility.

Is it feasible to also pursue a degree program while attending BPOC?

Since BPOC runs on a full-time schedule, it is not feasible to concurrently pursue a degree.

What does the application process typically involve? Can I get started on it now?

There will be mandatory in-person information sessions. To inquire about the information session date and get on the contact list, email [email protected].

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