UC Clermont

Ohio Peace Officer Training

CERT1

Why study Ohio Peace Officer Training?

Law enforcement is a component of the criminal justice system.  The primary goals are the prevention of crime, investigation of criminal acts, and the apprehension and detention of those suspected of offenses. While law enforcement officers are concerned with enforcing criminal law, a greater part of their responsibility is the maintenance of order, responding to calls for service and the prevention and deterrence of crime. Most law enforcement is provided by uniformed officers. Law enforcement can be dangerous and stressful, but highly rewarding for those called to serve.

The Ohio Peace Office Training certificate program will provide you with the complete Ohio Peace Officer basic officer training required by the State of Ohio for new Ohio law enforcement officers. Taught by state-certified commanders and instructors, the basic academy adheres to the required content, instructional and training standards necessary for individuals to become certified peace officers in the State of Ohio. The curriculum is intensive and participants must devote significant time and effort to complete the program.  The program includes academic, physical fitness, firearms, defensive driving andother policing skills. 

At the conclusion of the training, students are required to take a 200-question written final exam administered by the Attorney General's Office to receive a certificate of completion. Graduates of this program typically seek employment as police officers, sheriff's deputies, park rangers or other positions in Ohio which require a law enforcement commission. The academy is offered in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid).   To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.

Admission Requirements

UC Clermont is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, to be accepted into the Ohio Peace Officer Training Certificate, students must be at least 19 1/2 years of age (see recommendation below) and meet the following requirements:

  • Medical exam
  • Notarized statement of understanding
  • Two letters of reference
  • Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
  • Fingerprint card
  • Personal interview

You should also take into account that many municipal police departments and sheriff's departments require officers to be at least 21 years old when hired. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you turn 21 by the time you graduate from the academy, before you take your OPOTA certification exam.

If you have been convicted of a felony or domestic violence or have two or more DUI convictions, you cannot be admitted to the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Certificate program.

Honesty, sound judgment, integrity and a sense of responsibility are especially important for those working with the law. Other important characteristics for law enforcers are cultural sensitivity and the ability to think and act quickly. You should also possess excellent communication skills. You need emotional stability and the ability to cope with high levels of stress for prolonged periods. You must also be able to pass drug tests and background checks. You must be physically fit and possess a high degree of courage, self-sacrifice and loyalty.

There are openings in local and state law enforcement agencies as well as private investigation and personal protection agencies. Some of your opportunities for employment include the following:

Upon completion of the program, graduates may transition seamlessly to our associate and bachelor's degree programs. An associate or bachelor’s degree will generally provide graduates with a broader choice of career opportunities. These more advanced degrees in criminal justice tend to benefit you in terms of promotions and duty assignments. Most federal and many state agencies require a baccalaureate degree, and some agencies, such as the FBI, also require a number of years of experience or more advanced academic preparation (such as a graduate degree in law).

Academic advising is an essential part of your educational experience. 

We are committed to providing advice and assistance throughout your academic journey. You and your advisor work together to create an academic plan based on your goals.

Questions? Email us at clermont.advising@uc.edu or call 513-558-8317 to schedule an appointment.

All Title-IV-eligible certificates are subject to the US Department of Education gainful employment regulations.

UC Clermont students have access to free tutoring and academic support services through Learning Commons. The Learning Commons provides centralized academic support for all University of Cincinnati students by bringing together faculty, best-practices in teaching and learning, and hundreds of outstanding peer educators to create flexible academic success programming. Free services available to UC Clermont students include academic coaching, group review session, success skills workshops, and tutoring in writing, math, science and more. Services are available on-campus or virtually. Visit the Learning Commons webpage for more information or schedule an appointment online.


Academic Coaching – Academic coaches help students get organized and learn to be efficient and effective with their study time during one-on-one sessions. Academic Coaches work with students on new strategies or exercises to try before the next meeting and later meetings allow tailoring new approaches to develop the best study and test taking habits for unique goals and strengths. Schedule one-hour sessions as often as once per week.

Academic Writing Center (AWC) – The Academic Writing Center (AWC) offers tutoring for all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to incorporating research. The AWC is not course-specific and can help with discipline-specific documents, as well as non-course-based writing. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a trained writing tutor or submit a paper online for feedback within 48 hours.

Group Review Sessions (GRS) – Group Review Sessions (GRS) are small study groups, led by a peer leader, that meet to review content that is covered in course-supported lectures each week. Find the list of supported courses on the Learning Commons website.

Math & Science Support Center (MASS) – The MASS Center offers virtual study tables for many undergraduate mathematics and science courses. Study tables provide a collaborative learning space so that students can learn from their peers who have excelled (the table leader) as well as their fellow class members attending the study table. No appointment is necessary for these scheduled group study sessions. You can view the up-to-date study table schedule on the Learning Commons website.

Peer Tutoring – Peer tutoring sessions are one-on-one with a subject-specific tutor to answer questions and help you master content in more than 200 undergraduate courses, including subjects such as math, science, languages and business. Schedule appointments up to 7 days in advance for one-hour, 90-minute or two-hour session. If you notice your desired course is not offered, please let us know.

Preparatory Composition – Students enrolled in UC Clermont Preparatory English (ENGL0099) courses have dedicated support from professional tutors. Information about these services and how to connect with the tutor is included in the course syllabus.

Success Skills Workshops – Success Skills Workshops are free one-hour sessions that focus on skills students need to be successful in college (study skills, note-taking, motivation, etc.). While there is no shortcut to success, the goal of the workshops is to empower students to identify and apply academic habits and soft skills through a deeper understanding and purpose of them. When students RSVP for a workshop, they will be able to register for the upcoming workshops one at a time and up to nine days prior to the workshop date.

Canvas Navigator Workshop – Designed to help students who are new to college and need help navigating their coursework online. The workshop shows students how to access their course materials, publisher homework, quizzes, textbooks, academic services like tutoring, and more. Students who attend this workshop can expect to gain clarity on what they need to do on a weekly basis to stay on track with their course work throughout the semester, which helps students stay motivated leading to greater confidence and success in their courses.

Math Placement Test Workshop – Offered to prospective and current UC students who want to brush up on their math skills before taking the Math Placement Test. The free synchronous online workshop is led by a UC Clermont professional tutor. The three-week workshop series is offered monthly except in January. It is recommended that students sign up for all three weeks to get the maximum benefit from these workshops.

Math for Science Students Workshop – Designed for students enrolled in entry-level biology and chemistry courses, these workshops cover foundational math concepts that students need to success in their science courses. The synchronous online workshops are led by a UC Clermont tutor. The workshop repeats each week starting the week before classes begin and continuing through week 3 of the semester.

In order to graduate from UC Clermont, a student must:

  • Complete all required course work and program requirements.
  • Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
  • Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
  • Meet the college's residency requirement.
  • File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.

Other UC students may transfer into Clermont College by completing the application for change in college and program. You are urged to see your advisor before transferring into a different major to minimize any impact on your degree progress.

Application Deadlines

For specific deadline information,visit the Admissions webpage.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Admissions
Clermont College
4200 Clermont College Drive
Batavia, OH 45103
(513) 558-8316
clermont.admissions@uc.edu

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Program Code: 34CRT-OPOTA-C1