Law Enforcement Academy

Who can apply

The Law Enforcement Academy is a California POST–approved basic academy. To be eligible you must:

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment (California Government Code §1031.4). You may attend before turning 21 if you will reach 21 by graduation.
• Hold a high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED.
• Have a valid, unrestricted driver license with no current or recent suspensions.
• Pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) with a T-score of 42 or higher. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a seat — recruits are admitted in order of highest T-score.
• Pass a physical fitness test (a 1.5-mile run in 15 minutes or less) before entering; accepted recruits run it again on the first day.
• Clear a California Department of Justice background check dated within 90 days of the start date. Convictions that prohibit firearm possession are disqualifying.
• Provide proof of a medical suitability examination.
• Attend the mandatory pre-academy orientation.
• Have a laptop with Wi-Fi, the ability to open PDF files, and note-taking software.

Sponsored vs. self-sponsored recruits

Sponsored recruits have been hired by a law enforcement agency that pays their fees and gives them priority placement. Self-sponsored recruits meet the academy's requirements on their own, pay their own fees, and fill the remaining seats. The academy seats roughly 50 recruits per class.

How to apply

1. Complete the Academy Enrollment Application (Application of Interest): Law Enforcement Academy application form.
2. Apply to Butte College and obtain your Butte College student ID number.
3. Reserve a PELLET-B testing slot (bring valid photo ID), or submit a passing PELLET-B score from another agency on official letterhead.
4. Attend the mandatory orientation and complete the 1.5-mile run.
5. Once you have met all prerequisites, you will receive detailed next-step instructions by email. Seats are offered in order of highest PELLET-B T-score, with sponsored recruits prioritized.

Application windows, testing dates, and the required-document checklist change each academy cycle. For current dates and the full application packet, see the Law Enforcement Academy page or contact the academy team below.

Approximate cost

For California residents, total cost is approximately $5,500, which includes tuition and college fees, material fees, driving fees, textbooks, uniforms, physical-training clothing, ammunition, hearing and eye protection, and facility-use fees. Out-of-state students pay an additional per-unit fee. Weapons and required safety equipment are provided during training. These figures are approximate and subject to change; living expenses are not included.

Paying for the academy

Financial Aid Office Veterans Services Office

• Financial Aid: (530) 895-2311
• Veterans benefits / GI Bill: (530) 895-2566. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers mandatory tuition and fees plus a book stipend and housing allowance; it does not cover items such as a laptop, ammunition, uniforms, or out-of-state fees.
• Butte College Promise: covers tuition and fees for eligible new, first-time, full-time students.
• Fees are due before the academy begins; a payment plan is available (set up a payment plan).

Where

The academy is held at the Allied Health / Public Service (AHPS) Building on the Butte College main campus, 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965. There is no on-campus housing.

When and how much time

• The academy is a full-time program of roughly 23 weeks and starts twice a year (January and July).
• Class generally meets Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some training is conducted during hours of darkness, with adjusted hours.
• Instruction covers the full set of POST learning domains (well over 900 hours, exceeding the POST minimum).
• Recruits are responsible for their own transportation.

For the current academy dates and unit count, see the Academic Programs listing or the academy page.