How do I become a communications officer?

Candidates interested in becoming a communications officer in Georgia must complete an application with the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) prior to enrolling in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) Basic Communications Officer Training Program.

Upon meeting the pre-requisites listed below, candidates may enroll in GPSTC’s Basic Communications Officer Training, which is a 40-hour program that is completed in one week. After a candidate has completed the program, they are eligible for POST certification.

Prerequisites

This course is intended for new communications officers employed by a governmental agency who receive, process, or transmit public safety information and who dispatch law enforcement, firefighters, medical or emergency management personnel.

Basic Communications Officer Training Program Highlights


  • Length of Program: 40 Hours (1 week)
  • Tuition: FREE for new Public Safety Communications Officers/Telecommunicators employed by a local governmental agency in Georgia; $600 for those who have been employed longer than six months.
  • Special considerations:  This is a high demand course that always has a waiting list. Registration for each course opens up 90 days prior to the start date. Once a student has been registered for a class, they will automatically be placed on the “waiting list,” and will continue to show a “waiting list” status until student selection is conducted by the course coordinator. Student selection for each course offering is completed six (6) weeks prior to the start date of the class.
  • Dates Offered: View dates the program is offered
  • Locations offered: GPSTC Forsyth

Questions?

Contact the Instructional Services Division located at the main GPSTC Forsyth campus.