Academy Class 35: January 2026 – December 2026
Disclaimer
The Palomar College Police Academy makes absolutely no promises or guarantees of acceptance of any applicant. The college provides educational benefits and services to the community and applicable state and Federal law supersedes any statement or implication referenced herein. The college is not an insurer of its students or police recruits and accepts no responsibility for injuries or damages resulting from the participation by any student or recruit in the Police Academy training process. No policy, educational requirement, or physical requirement is intended to or in any way obviate or supersede the requirements of State and Federal laws. Any academy training program is at the discretion and approval of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED [GC 1031 (E)].
- Minimum of 20 years of age (NOTE: You must be 21 years of age to be hired as a peace officer; some exceptions allowed if age 19) [GC 1031 (B)]
- Ability to fluently read, write, and speak English consistent with the duties of a peace officer.
- Possess, without restrictions, a valid California driver’s license. Active duty military may possess a valid out-of-state driver’s license.
- No felony or misdemeanor convictions in any state or military court that would restrict possession of a firearm [PC 29800/29805].
- If not already registered as a student at Palomar College, complete a Palomar College student application online (www.palomar.edu) and receive a student identification number.
- Submit a Basic Police Academy application online with all supporting documentation.
APPLICATION TESTING PROCESS
- Applicants must complete an autobiography that shall be submitted with the Basic Police Academy application.
- Applicants must complete an oral interview with Academy staff, which will be scheduled after submission of the required application and supporting documents.
CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM
Upon acceptance into the program, recruits are required to:
- Complete a Live Scan fingerprint check through the California Department of Justice to obtain a criminal history clearance for firearms eligibility. The Live Scan form will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
- Obtain a medical clearance from a qualified medical practitioner. You will need to use the Palomar College Police Academy medical clearance form and have it signed by your provider before the first day of the Academy. This form will be provided upon acceptance into the program.
- Attend the mandatory Academy Preparation Course (AJ 85), which begins on January 3, 2026.
The application deadline for Module III/Full Academy is Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. You should collect all necessary information and documentation immediately and ensure that you have uploaded the required documents with your completed application.
Follow the instructions below for submitting your application:
- Complete this application with thorough and accurate information. Read all directions.
- If you are not already a student at Palomar College, register to be a student through the CCCApply process to obtain a nine-digit Palomar College Student ID Number (this is different than your CCCID number)
- Complete an autobiography. Follow the directions/prompts on the Autobiography instructions, and upload the completed document with the application.
- Obtain the following documents, which must be uploaded with the application:
- A copy of all college transcripts, if applicable (unofficial and online copies/printouts are acceptable)
- A copy of your valid driver’s license
- A copy of your DMV driving record and license status (driving history). Your driving record may be obtained online from the DMV website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/online/dr/welcome. Please follow the instructions to obtain a printout, which must then be uploaded with your application. The driving record must come directly from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Copy of military ID or DD214 [or DD 256 (Reservists) or NGB 22 (National Guard)], if applicable
- Proof of agency sponsorship, if applicable
All applicants will be contacted by e-mail regarding receipt of the application and with information about completing the application testing process.