Equivalency of Training (EOT) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Can I complete the Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76 and submit it to FDLE?
Answer: No. FDLE does not determine if you are eligible for an exemption from training. By law, criminal justice employing agencies or selection centers are responsible for reviewing out-of-state or federal officer's employment and training to initially determine eligibility for exemption. You would need to contact one of these entities to apply for an exemption from training.
What does it cost for the Equivalency of Training process?
Answer: The cost to review your information and process the EOT is set by each selection center. You would need to contact them directly to determine what their individual price is. Additionally, each Criminal Justice Training Center determines their cost for the training course, so again, you would need to contact the training center you are interested in attending to determine the cost.
Once I receive my Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76, what do I need to do?
Answer: Contact a Commission-certified Criminal Justice Training Center to register for the training class that will allow you to demonstrate proficiency in the high-liability skills for the sworn discipline you were granted your EOT in.
How long do I have to complete the training and pass the State Officer Certification Examination?
Answer: You only have one (1) year from the date you receive your EOT to complete the demonstration of proficiency and pass the State Officer Certification Examination.
I had family problems and was not able to come to Florida to take the training and the State Certification Examination within the one year, can I apply for an extension of time?
Answer: Yes. Pursuant to Chapter 943.131(2), Florida Statutes, if you are still otherwise eligible, you can apply for an additional exemption from training. You would have to meet the eligibility requirements at the time of application.
What happens if I fail the State Officer Certification Examination?
Answer: Provided you still have time remaining before your one year time limit expires, you may have up to two additional attempts to pass the exam. If you are unable to pass the exam after three attempts, you would have to complete a full basic recruit training program in order to be eligible to take the exam again. You can find additional information about the State Certification Exam here. Applicants for the EOT are highly encouraged to complete their demonstration of proficiency as soon as possible following their approval in order to allow time for preparing for the exam as well as retakes if needed. If you are unable to complete 3 attempts to pass the exam before your 1 year time limit expires and you apply for and are granted another exemption from training, you will only have the attempts remaining from your previous exemption from training to use to pass the exam.
Do I have to wait until I have passed the State Officer Certification Examination before looking for a sworn position with a criminal justice agency?
Answer: No. Under the provisions of Chapter 943.131(1), Florida Statutes, a criminal justice employing agency may hire you on a Temporary Employment Authorization while you participate in the EOT process. The decision to hire you resides solely with the employing agency.
If I am hired on a Temporary Employment Authorization (TEA), do I have to follow the time limits for the TEA or for the EOT?
Answer: You must abide by both. For example: Under the requirements for the EOT, you have one year to take the training and pass the State Officer Certification Examination. You could wait until the last few months to actually take the training and pass the exam if you chose to. If you are on a TEA, you are required to start the training course within 180 days of your appointment on a TEA, so you could not wait until near the end of your one year time limit to enter the training. Additionally, under the requirements for the TEA, you must pass the State Officer Certification Examination within 180 days of completing the training so if you complete your training very early in your one year time limit for the EOT, you would have to complete the exam prior to the end of the one year time limit to remain employed on the TEA. Also, if you are employed on a TEA, the 180 day time limit to pass the exam following your training does not extend the one year time limit to complete the requirements for the EOT.
Once I complete the requirements of the EOT, how long do I have to get hired in a sworn position?
Answer: You have four years from the date that you started your training course for your EOT to become employed.