Brevard Police Testing & Selection Center
3865 N Wickham Rd., Bldg. 8
Melbourne, FL 32935
321-433-5638
321-433-5640
James Gibbons, Director
321-433-5639
gibbensj@easternflorida.edu
Kris Boyd, Investigator
321-433-5641
boydk@easternflorida.edu
Maria "Teri" Avina, Investigator
321-433-5642
avinat@easternflorida.edu
Listra Daniel, Office Manager
321-433-5638
daniell@easternflorida.edu
Academy Screening Process
The Brevard Police Testing Center performs screening and testing for the Law Enforcement and Corrections Academies at Eastern Florida State College.
Applicants must first take a battery of assessments including the state-mandated Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) or qualify for a CJBAT exemption, and also pass a Physical Abilities Test.
Important Pre-Screening Notice
This assessment process includes a thorough investigation of each applicant's background to ensure he or she will meet the standards law enforcement agencies require for employment after the Academy and the minimum standards approved by the BPTC Board of Directors (PDF revised on Feb. 28, 2024). The screening process costs $575, which includes the Physical Abilities Test.
Because of the investment of time and money, you should request an appointment with a BPTC investigator before paying for screening if you think there is anything in your background that would prevent you from becoming a law enforcement officer.
The minimum standards the BPTC follows represent state requirements, which you can also review in full on the state websites for Florida State Statute 943.13 and Florida Administrative Code 11b-27.
Screening Timeline and Meeting EFSC Academy Deadlines
EFSC offers its Law Enforcement and Corrections Academies at select times throughout the year, with the Law Enforcement Academy lasting approximately 22 weeks and the Corrections Academy running 13 weeks.
Upcoming Full-time Day Law Enforcement Academy Start Dates:
April 29, 2024
July 29, 2024
October 28, 2024
Upcoming Corrections Academy Start Date:
TBA
BPTC provides screening year-round, but Eastern Florida State College's Law Enforcement Officer Academy classes are finalized eight weeks prior to start, and candidates must also complete the separate EFSC application steps after the BPTC completes screening.
The screening and selection process requires about four months from initial assessment to full approval to enter the EFSC Academy. Applicants should plan accordingly and promptly submit all required paperwork for the background information.
Upon successfully completing all tests and assessments, the applicant will complete a biographical information package and interview with BPTC staff. The applicant is then fingerprinted and the prints are sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a criminal records check. The biographical information and interview will be used to conduct a background investigation that will determine if the applicant is qualified under Florida law and administrative code to enter the Academy, which also requires a separate online application to Eastern Florida State College.
Steps to Complete the BPTC Screening Process
PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER OR MAIL IN ANY FEES if you have ever been arrested in your lifetime, whether or not the records have been sealed or expunged.
Please call our office at 321-433-5640 to schedule an appointment for a confidential consultation with an investigator to determine your eligibility to attend EFSC's Academy.
Consultations are free, and remember to bring copies of all relevant documents, including but not limited to, certified court disposition, arrest report, complainant and witness statements, etc.
Candidates who want to be screened for an Academy must first pass the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test, better known as the CJBAT, or qualify for a CJBAT exemption if they have a two-year minimum associate degree or are a veteran with an Honorable Discharge.
Before taking the CJBAT, or submitting the request for screening explained in the step below, schedule an appointment with a BPTC staff member to review your background and ensure you qualify to work as a law enforcement officer. The BPTC staff can also assess whether you qualify for the CJBAT exemption.
Read details about how to take the CJBAT in Melbourne.
At this step you will be officially registering with the BPTC and authorizing our staff to start the screening process, which includes fingerprinting and a background check.
The Assessment and Screening process costs $525 plus $50 for the Physical Abilities Test (PAT). The cost of the CJBAT is not included in the screening fee.
⇒ All applicants must read through and ensure they meet the minimum standards approved by the Brevard Police Testing Center Board of Directors. These include being at least 19 years old, having a high school diploma or its equivalent and no felony convictions, plus other stringent requirements. The minimum qualifications are defined in Florida State Statute 943.13 and Florida Administrative Code 11b-27.
⇒ Registrations will be accepted with payment of the fees, which are non-refundable. Payment must be made by money order only, payable to Brevard Police Testing Center (both the screening and PAT fees should be combined into on $575 money order). The registration forms and money order can be dropped off in person at BPTC or sent by mail. Mail-in registrations will receive a confirmation of acceptance via a phone call.
⇒ Download, complete, and submit the following four forms to the BPTC along with your money order.
All applicants are required to pass an updated version of the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) in order to be eligible to attend the EFSC's Public Safety Institute Academies. The $50 cost for this test is included in the $575 comprehensive screening fee described in a step above.
Download: PAT Guide, Requirements & Form
Upcoming PAT Dates
You will be provided time and location information when you register by contacting the BPTC and filling out the required forms. Testing dates are subject to change.
- Thursday, February 29, 2024
- Thursday, March 14, 2024
- Thursday, April 11, 2024
- Thursday, May 16, 2024
- Wednesday, June 5, 2024
The test is more challenging than in the past, timed, and has a required qualifying score. It's important to review the PAT guide and requirements in advance, which require clearance by a physician. Watch the video to learn more about the PAT. You want to have ample time to develop your physical fitness levels to successfully pass the test.
Review the available test dates below and to schedule the PAT or ask questions, call 321-433-5638 or email policeinfo@easternflorida.edu.
PLEASE NOTE: Passing scores for the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) are only valid for six months. Any applicant who does not successfully enter or attend the Law Enforcement Academy within six months after participating in the PAT will be required to re-take the Physical Abilities Test.
Applicants certified by the BPTC as eligible for the Law Enforcment Officer or Correctional Officer certificate courses must also apply and complete Eastern Florida State College's online application. That admissions process includes separate requirements that can be reviewed at EFSC's Admissions website.
Submit the Online EFSC Application
For more information about the EFSC academic programs, visit the Law Enforcement Officer page or the Correctional Officer page. EFSC's program web pages include estimated expenses, the course curriculum, and contact information for the Public Safety Institute's program advisor who can assist with questions about Eastern Florida State College.
All applicants seeking admission to the BPTC employment pool must complete the assessment process. Certified applicants are exempt from the Reading Test and CJBAT. Certified officers with more than one year of law enforcement experience are exempt from the Oral Interview Assessment.
Certified applicants must complete the Candidate Self-Report (CSR) and Physical Abilities Assessment (PAA), documents which can be obtained by contacting the BPTC staff. Certified applicants are subject to a CSR Interview and the post-assessment screening process. Certified applicants are subject to the BPTC Minimum Standards for Admission and the Standards of Good Moral Character as outlined in the Florida Administrative Code, Rule 11B-27.
Applicants who have received a conditional offer of employment from a local agency will be processed in accordance with the requirements of the hiring agency. For information on the assessments call 321-433-5640.