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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Waivers for Training

    Officers may qualify for training waivers if transferring to Pennsylvania from another state.

    In-state transfers

    Title 53, Chapter 21, Subchapter D (Act 120) does not provide for training waivers for law enforcement officers from Pennsylvania who did not complete the Act 120 basic training program. Individuals with law enforcement training and experience from Pennsylvania who have not completed the Act 120 basic training program are currently required to attend the full-length basic training program regardless of their previous training and experience.   

    Out-of-state transfers

    Out-of-state police officers transferring to Pennsylvania can apply to take an assessment test to determine what areas of training may be waived and what areas must be attended at a certified PA police academy.  

    The assessment test

    The current waiver assessment test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, scored in three sections corresponding to the first three modules of the basic municipal police training program.  More information about the test can be found in the Assessment Testing Protocols document. While there is no specific study guide for the assessment test, officers may refer to the documents listed below. 

    Out-of-state police officers may apply for assessment testing using the existing application process in TACS by creating a Certification Exam Application and selecting a test date listed as Partial Waiver Assessment Test. In the application, the applicant should provide the following three documents as PDFs (using the applicant's own name in place of "Applicant Name"):

    1. The completed and signed Application Form named "Applicant Name - Application".  Please ensure that your document contains all requested information before you submit it.
    2. A single document named "Applicant Name - Certificates" containing copies of certificates for the law enforcement training courses you listed on the application form.
    3. A single document named "Applicant Name - Employment" containing documentation supporting your full-time employment as a law enforcement officer.

    The results of the assessment test will be valid for up to two years, during which the applicant must enroll in an academy and complete the required training. Applicants who do not complete the required training within two years of the assessment test will be required to take the assessment test again. Applicants are not permitted to take the assessment test more than once in any two-year timeframe.