State CIP Code 0743010200

Selective Program Admissions

Certain programs are labeled as “selective” and require applicants to fulfill additional requirements before being accepted. Furthermore, there may be a limited number of available seats in the program. Please review the additional criteria provided below and visit the program’s website for any further information.

Entry into Criminal Justice Certificate Programs requires meeting the standards as established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for employment. A copy of these requirements will be furnished by the Public Safety Division at NWFSC.

The Law Enforcement Officer Basic and Correctional Officer Basic Career and Technical Certificate Programs are certified through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The College is designated as Florida Criminal Justice Training Center Number 21 and students enrolling in these certificate programs must meet FDLE requirements (including fingerprinting and background check, and a medical exam), be 18 years of age or older, successfully complete the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT), as well as satisfy all other NWFSC Admission standards as outlined below. Contact the Criminal Justice Program at criminaljustice@nwfsc.edu or (850) 729-5378 for additional information.

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Pass the CJ Basic Abilities Test or meet exemption requirements.
• Have not been convicted of any felony or of any misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.
• Have not received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• Have good moral character as determined by a background investigation.
• Have been fingerprinted with prints processed by the FDLE and the FBI.
• Successfully passed a background investigation, to include drug testing.
• Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified advanced registered nurse practitioner.