Become a Police Officer

Joining the ranks of Georgia’s police force is a high honor and will be an extremely challenging, but very rewarding step on your career path. In Georgia, the peace officer certification process is regulated by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST). Candidates interested in becoming a peace officer in Georgia must complete an application with POST prior to enrolling in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s (GPSTC) Basic Law Enforcement Program.

Upon meeting or completing the pre-requisites listed below, candidates may enroll in GPSTC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training, which is a rigorous program that consists of 810 course hours and takes 16 weeks to complete. After a candidate has completed the program, they are eligible for POST certification and for employment as an entry-level law enforcement officer.

Become a Firefighter

The work of a firefighter is challenging, exhausting, and rewarding all at the same time. Pursuing a career in fire protection services is noble and commendable, but is certainly not to be taken lighly. GPSTC’s Basic Firefighter Training is an intense eight-week program that will test candidates, both mentally and physically.

After completing GPSTC’s Basic Firefighter Training Program, students will sit for the GFSTC written NPQ Firefighter I test, which, upon passing, earns students state certification as a firefighter. Students will also have the option of taking an additional skills test to earn National Firefighter I certification. Georgia’s firefighter certification process is regulated by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council (GFSTC).

Become a Jail Officer

The role of a jail officer is pertinent in maintaining order and safety within detention facilities. Candidates interested in becoming a jail officer in Georgia must complete an application with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) prior to enrolling in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s (GPSTC) Basic Jail Officer Training Program.

Upon meeting the pre-requisites listed below, candidates may enroll in GPSTC’s Basic Jail Officer Training, which is an 80-hour program that takes two weeks to complete. Outside independent study is required. After a candidate has completed the program, they are eligible for POST certification.

Become a Communications Officer

The work of a communications officer requires high standards because it is the vital link between the community and law enforcement. Candidates interested in becoming a communications officer in Georgia must complete an application with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) prior to enrolling in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s (GPSTC) Basic Communications Officer Training Program.

Upon meeting the pre-requisites listed below, candidates may enroll in GPSTC’s Basic Communications Officer Training, which is a 40-hour program that is completed in one week. After a candidate has completed the program, they are eligible for POST certification.