NWFSC Criminal Justice Training Center Law Enforcement and Corrections Basic Recruit Training (BRT) Academies Frequently Asked Questions

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Levi

Frequently asked questions for the NWFSC Criminal Justice Training Center Law Enforcement and Corrections Basic Recruit Training (BRT) academies cover program length, class schedules, and when new academies begin. Guidance explains application timing, limited access registration, and how to start through online steps including FBAT registration and required documentation. Additional questions address certification eligibility, prerequisites, testing logistics, FBAT content areas, using prior FBAT scores, job placement expectations, medical exam requirements, training equivalency, background checks, and academy costs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Course and Scheduling

Program length and class meeting times

Application deadlines and admission timing

Enrollment and Testing

Campus location and online testing

Registration eligibility and limited access programs

Online application steps

FBAT prerequisites, scheduling, content, and study guidance

Certification, Exams, and Costs

Certification and eligibility after completion

Medical exam and acceptable providers

Training equivalency for prior officers

Background checks and fingerprinting

Academy cost and job placement expectations

NWFSC Criminal Justice Training Center Law Enforcement and Corrections Basic Recruit Training (BRT) Academies Frequently Asked Questions Q. How long is the course? A. The daytime Corrections Officer BRT Academy is approximately 11 weeks long (less than one semester) . The classes generally meet Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (7 AM to 6 PM) . The Law Enforcement Officer BRT Academy is 30 weeks (two full semesters); this does not include breaks between semesters. The daytime schedule is Sunday (7 AM to 6 PM), Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (7 AM to 6 PM) . Nighttime classes are Sunday (7 AM to 6 PM), Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (6 PM to 10PM) . Note: Exact schedules are set for the entire given semester and students are provided with that schedule at orientation. Q. When do classes begin? A. We generally start new academy classes in the Fall (mid-August) and Spring (early January) semesters. Law Enforcement is divided into two semesters. Q. Is there a deadline for applications? A. No, we take applications year-round, but candidates are admitted on a first come, first serve basis. Q. At which campus are classes held? Are there any online academy classes? A. All BRT academy classes are held at the Niceville Campus of NWFSC. There are no online classes, however all testing is done online through Blackboard, which is accessed via the Online Campus. Q. Can anyone register for academy classes? A. No. The academies are Limited Access Programs which means that only those admitted to the program can register for the classes. We usually admit 24 students for each class. Q. How do I get started? A. It must be done online. 􀁸 Step 1: Complete an application to NWFSC. Under Application Type, pick either Corrections Academy or Law Enforcement Academy. 􀁸 Step 2: Take the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) via Pearson VUE ([https://home.pearsonvue.com/](https://home.pearsonvue.com/)). The cost is $39.00. 􀁸 Step 3: Fill out NWFSC CJTC Basic Recruit Application, supply supporting documentation, and deliver application to Criminal Justice Department. Note: All applicants are subject to admission requirements as outlined in the NWFSC catalog. Q. Will I be able to get my Law Enforcement Officer or Corrections Officer certification after I finish the program at NWFSC? A. Upon successful completion of CJTC Academy, students who meet all graduation requirements are eligible to take the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE) . Q. Are there any prerequisites for the Academy? A. There are no prerequisites, but you will need to take and pass the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) . Q. How do I schedule a test date for the FBAT? A. To sign up for the FBAT, click on this link: [https://home.pearsonvue.com/](https://home.pearsonvue.com/ the)[ the](https://home.pearsonvue.com/ the) cost is $39.00 Q. What kind of questions are on the FBAT? A. Each of the FBATs includes a measure of the same basic abilities but in different proportions as required for each of the two disciplines. The areas of measurement covered in the FBATs include written comprehension, written expression, oral expression, problem sensitivity, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, information ordering, spatial orientation, visualization, selective attention and flexibility of closure. You can purchase an FBAT study guide at a bookstore or online. The FBAT is sometimes referred to as the CJBAT (Criminal justice Basic Abilities Test) . Q. I took the FBAT at another facility. Can I use those scores? A. You can use the passing score from another school or facility as long as the test was taken within four (4) years. You must obtain a copy of your scores to attach with your application. Q. Am I guaranteed a job upon completion of the BRT academy? A. No, the CJTC is not a placement agency. There are many agencies in the surrounding counties who are looking for quality students, and this particular profession

FAQs

How long are the Law Enforcement and Corrections BRT academies, and when do classes meet?

The daytime Corrections Officer BRT Academy is approximately 11 weeks. The Law Enforcement Officer BRT Academy is 30 weeks across two semesters. Schedules differ by academy, including daytime and nighttime options for Law Enforcement, and orientation sets exact semester schedules.

How can candidates apply and get started for the academies?

Candidates must complete the process online: submit an NWFSC application selecting the appropriate academy type, take the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) via Pearson VUE, and then fill out the NWFSC CJTC Basic Recruit Application with supporting documentation delivered to the Criminal Justice Department. Admission requirements follow the NWFSC catalog.

What prerequisites and requirements apply before and during the program?

There are no prerequisites for the academy, but candidates must take and pass the FBAT. Candidates must also complete a physical exam using required forms by a chosen medical professional and undergo background checks and fingerprinting prior to the first day of class.

Sep 22, 2026

Uploaded by Levi