Equivalency of Training (EOT) Program
Course Overview
Our Equivalency of Training Program is for out-of-state officers, federal officers, military personnel and previously certified Florida officers with a break of service of more than four years. This EOT Program exempts you from having to complete the full basic recruit academy and qualifies you to sit for the Florida State Officer Certification (SOCE) in accordance with F.A.C. 11B35.009.
Course Dates
March 29-April 2, 2025
May 10-May 14, 2025
June 14-June 18, 2025
Step 1: Complete an EOT Assessment
Contact a Criminal Justice Selection Center to determine eligibility. This agency determines if you qualify for an exemption from a full training academy and provides the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with the Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.
NOTE: Your break of service break can be no more than eight years to qualify. A break in employment is measured from the separation date of the most recent qualifying employment to the time a complete application requesting an exemption from training is submitted.
Step 2: Apply to STC EOT Program
Contact Maria Mercadante at Maria.Mercadante@sarasotacountyschools.net for a registration packet or call 941-924-1365 ext. 62314.
Complete and return the following:
CJSTC 76 Form
Registration packet
Copy of current driver's license
Proof of Health Insurance
Submit EOT Program Payment
No refunds (7 days) prior to of program
No partial refunds if student fails to complete program.
When your application is accepted, a confirmation email along with the following will be included:
Lodging information
Required class materials.
Dress Code
Cost
Law Enforcement EOT Program (40 hours): $1,217.64
Corrections EOT Program (32 hours): $1,045.00
Step 2: State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE)
Successfully completing the EOT program qualifies you to sit for the https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/CJSTC/Exam/ (SOCE), required to become an officer. You are given three opportunities to pass. If you do not pass after three attempts, you must complete the applicable Basic Recruit Training Program and reapply to take the State Officer Certification Examination.
What's Covered in the EOT Program?
The five-day Equivalency of Training Program consists of 40 hours in law enforcement training; 32 hours in corrections training. The program is not intended for basic instruction, but for the experienced criminal justice veteran to prove proficiency in the following high liability skills:
First Responder (8 hours)
Firearms (8 hours)
Defensive Tactics (8 hours)
Emergency Vehicle Operations (8 hours - for law enforcement only)
Includes state exam review (8 hours)
Total hours of instruction can vary.