The Academy
Welcome to the Academy!
You have made the decision to join one of the largest and finest correctional agencies in the world.
The 13-week academy is designed to prepare you to be a successful Correctional Officer in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This training is a dynamic mixture of immersive reality-based training, lecture, and testing. Successful completion will result in you becoming a Peace Officer for CDCR.
The Academy training includes:
- PC 832 POST certification
- Report writing
- Physical fitness
- Tactical instruction
- Firearms/Chemical agents
- And more
Upon successful completion all cadets report to their assigned institution and begin the 4-week Job Shadowing program. This program includes:
- 1 week of institution specific training
- Layout of the facility
- Contact information
- Location of critical areas
- Job Expectations
- And more
- 3 weeks of job shadowing
- Graduates will work with a mentor to learn on the job
- All graduates will be partnered with a new mentor every day
You will also learn positive communication skills so you can communicate clearly and effectively in a correctional environment.
You will learn about current departmental policies and procedures. These skills are instrumental in preparing you for future opportunities with the CDCR.
Academy Quick Facts
- The Basic Correctional Officer Academy (BCOA) is 13 weeks long and is located in Galt, CA.
- Once you complete the selection process and accept an institution assignment you will be assigned an academy date.
- You will need to complete all forms provided with your reporting instructions prior to arriving at the academy.
- You have the option of living on-site at no cost or off-site at your own expense. You may leave the grounds from the end of the scheduled duty day on Friday until the start of the scheduled duty hours on Monday. All attending cadets will be provided meals during the academy.
- Each cadet will need to buy required uniforms, equipment/accessories, athletic gear, and school supplies prior to arrival. The items will cost approximately $2000 to $3000. Once you graduate and report to your institution, you may be eligible to receive an annual uniform allowance of up to $1,000.
- Due to the importance of the training, time off is not permitted once training begins.
Get a head start on your academy training.
Learn important acronyms in the Department Operations Manual (DOM).
Physical Fitness Test
All cadets are required to pass the Physical Fitness Test at the Academy in 5 minutes and 35 seconds.
Cadets who exercise two to three times per week and are in good physical condition generally do well on the PFT.
If you do not work out regularly, you may need six to twelve weeks, or more, of regular cardio and weight training before taking the PFT. Consult a medical professional before beginning any exercise program.
For help preparing for the PFT, review the Cadet Preparation Guide.
Advice from Program
The main thing I would tell any cadet coming in on day one is be prepared, and you’re stronger than you think you are. The Academy will test you and you will test yourself. “Is this for me?” I guarantee it is! Work hard and never give up. You will do things you never thought was possible.
P.S. Study the Cadet Handbook before reporting to the Academy. You will thank me later.
“Be Loud and Clear when speaking. Make sure you have all your CDCR documents with you when you report.”
“The Academy is your safe space. Be okay with making a mistake. Own it, learn from it, and don’t make it again.”
Apply to be a peace officer today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cadet Handbook answers this question. Please read the handbook in its entirety.
Date the forms for your reporting date.
Yes, the test is to be completed and brought with you to orientation along with a printed copy of the Cadet Handbook.
Please ensure you have the information of the vehicle you will be driving. In the event you change vehicles, please provide the new information to Program. Vehicle information needed will be the make, model, color, and license plate number.
If you live more than 30 miles away from the academy, you are required to live on-site during the 13-week academy.
The best course of action is to do a Google search of Law Enforcement Uniforms stores near me. Contact the vendor and ask if they sell CDCR uniforms.
The academy has a canteen that does sell required items; however, they do not have a large stock like a vendor will.
For questions about college credits, please email m_otpdtestingunit@cdcr.ca.gov