Colorado Police Academy Requirements – Curriculum Review

Going through the Colorado police academy is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to experience in your life. Not only will you have to be in good physical condition to successfully complete the academy, you’ll have to pass the curriculum exams. The Colorado Police academy is no laughing matter and if you are not prepared mentally, physically, and academically then you’ll fail.

That’s why I’ve always suggested to recruits who are scheduled for the academy to start preparing for the curriculum exam 2-3 months prior to arriving at the academy. There are resources like workbooks and police academy study guides available to help you study up on the courses.

I would focus my earliest studying on the criminal law test, traffic law, EVOC, defensive tactics, felony stops, and firearms. Those are some of the classes that most trainees struggle to pass.

Here are some of the requirements and qualifications needed to enroll into the Colorado police academy:

1. 21 years of age or older,
2. Authorization to work in the United States,
3. No felony convictions or convictions of moral turpitude,
4. Possession of a valid driver’s license,
5. A high school diploma or GED, and
6. At least 60 semester hours or sworn police officer experience may be substituted for education requirements as follows:
   • Two years sworn Police Officer experience or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison may substitute for 30 semester hours of college credit.
   • Three years sworn Police Officer experience or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison may substitute for 45 semester hours of college credit.
   • Four years sworn Police Officer experience or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison may substitute for 60 semester hours of college credit.

Credit for experience is given only for full years of sworn service in Patrol or Investigative assignments or Colorado POST certified corrections officer at a county jail, state or federal prison. Time assigned to military assignments are not eligible for experience credits. Experience credit is given only for individuals not out of the policing profession longer than 12 months.

Additional desired qualifications:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Accreditation must be from one of the six regional accrediting bodies listed above.)
2. Proficient in Spanish/English bilingual skills.
3. Background and experience relating to and/or working with a diverse group of people from different races, ethnic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, socio-economic groups, and/or both genders.
4. Ability to speak in public, facilitate group meetings, resolve conflict, and solve problems.

Selection process will include application review, written exam, physical ability assessment, oral board & integrity interviews, background check, psychological & polygraph tests, medical exam, and drug screen.

Below is a list of all the acredited criminal justice police academies in the state of Colorado. If you have any questions concerning the “self sponsorship” program  or you want to know whether you qualify or not, you can call them directly.