Peace Officer Certificate
What can I do with this?
The Peace Officer Certificate of Achievement
- Designed to develop skills for state-certified police officer appointments.
- Prepares students with a general understanding of entry-level skills and knowledge of police officer job requirements.
You can use this to qualify under the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and PC 830.1 for careers in law enforcement, such as police officer and deputy sheriff positions.
What will I learn?
- To articulate the broad requirements of balancing law enforcement with individual liberties.
- To employ proper techniques and requirements for arrest, firearms safety, and high-speed driving as set forth by the Peace Officer Standards and Training requirements.
- To promote community involvement and engage in productive community-oriented work.
- To adopt proper procedures related to police procedure and ethics, including high risk response, vehicle pull overs, domestic violence, officer safety, ethics and leadership, and physical fitness.
What courses do I take?
Note: Some courses within the major have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the Department Chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation and verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please see a counselor for more information about the Prerequisite Challenge process.
Complete Option 1 or Option 2:
Option 1
Option 2
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this certificate are available at the following campuses: Tehachapi.
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This degree requires 30.0 units and will likely take 3 semesters.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
30.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $1,380 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $1,800* for books and supplies
Total cost $3,180 for 3 semesters
Non-residents
30.0 units
at $382 per unit
Equals $11,460 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $1,800* for books and supplies
Total cost $13,260 for 3 semesters
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.
