Serving and protecting in the state of Oklahoma first means receiving the proper training and certification from the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training. After you secure a job as a full-time peace officer, you have six months to complete the CLEET training. The process necessary to earn CLEET certification includes attending the police academy and passing physical and written exams. CLEET also oversees the training and licensing of private security officers.

Pass the Physical and Written CLEET Tests

Before cadets can start the academy portion of training, they must first pass two tests – a physical test for safe participation, and a reading, writing and comprehension test. The physical test assures they can safely participate in the academy, while the written test confirms they can handle the rigors of academy learning. The physical test consists of a timed obstacle course that includes running, bear crawling, weight dragging and other physical components. Each participant must pass with a score of 70 percent or better to start the academy. Participants must also score 70 percent or better on the Peace Officer Screening and Selection Exam. The written exam must be completed with 90 days of hire and is also required for attending the academy.

Submit Academy Application

When the written exam and physical test are completed, a peace officer can submit the application packet, which includes medical and fitness information, proof of passing the written and physical tests, and a copy of a high school diploma or GED. After the application is processed and approved, the cadet signs up for the 14 1/2 week academy held at the K.O. Rayburn Training Center in Ada, Oklahoma, to continue their Oklahoma law enforcement training.

Attend the Academy

During their stint at the CLEET academy, cadets complete 576 hours of training, attending the academy from Tuesday through Friday each week, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. As part of the training, cadets cover law enforcement driving, firearms safety and use, traffic, criminal investigations and defensive tactics. Cadets learn from both classroom lecture-type classes and in-the-field hands-on exercises. Each day includes 30 minutes of mandatory physical fitness and training in the computer lab. At the end of training, cadets take additional written exams they must pass to graduate from the academy and complete their Oklahoma law enforcement training.

Fulfill CE Requirements

The work isn’t finished when you graduate – full-time and reserve peace officers must meet continuing education requirements each year. All full-time officers must complete 25 hours of CLEET-accredited continuing law enforcement training, which includes two hours of training on mental health issues each year. CLEET offers continuing education classes online and also advertises classroom CE courses available at police departments, sheriff offices and state agencies. Peace officers who want to take extra steps in their career can pursue the next two levels of certification – intermediate and advanced. To qualify for the additional certifications, a peace office must be in good standing with basic certification, work full time, and subscribe to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. They must also take other classes and pass exams.