Basic Peace Officer Course
Upcoming classes
Each class lists its weekly schedule, dates, and location. New to BPOC? The details below the schedule cover eligibility and how to apply.
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The path to a Texas peace officer license
Step 1: Complete the 736-hour BPOC
Day and evening classes cover law, procedure, firearms, driving, arrest and control tactics, and scenario-based training.Step 2: Pass the TCOLE state exam
Graduates can sit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing exam.Step 3: Be appointed by an agency
An appointment by a law enforcement agency completes your Texas peace officer license.
About the course
What the course is
The Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) is the state-required training for a Texas peace officer license. We teach the current Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) curriculum, course #1000736: 736 hours of law and procedure, firearms, emergency driving, arrest and control tactics, and scenario training.
Beyond the required 736 hours, cadets also train in expandable baton, O.C. spray, Taser, and standardized field sobriety testing.
SPAG cadets have one of the highest pass rates in Texas on the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer licensing exam.
Day and evening academies
SPAG runs two academies a year, because many students keep a job while they train. Cadets in either one attend 20 hours of instruction a week. Each class listing shows its start and end dates and location.
- Evening academy
- Starts each November and runs through August. Monday to Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Day academy
- Two days a week, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. In 2026, that is Thursday and Friday.
Who can enroll
Enrollment follows TCOLE eligibility standards, which cover minimum age, education, citizenship, background, and medical and psychological requirements. You’ll also need a law enforcement agency to sponsor you.
No sponsor yet? Call us anyway. A coordinator can confirm your eligibility, tell you which area agencies sponsor recruits, and walk you through the TCOLE forms.
How to apply
- Send an inquiry from the academy page or call the academy.
- Receive the enrollment packet from an academy coordinator.
- Confirm your sponsoring agency.
- Complete the TCOLE eligibility paperwork, background check, and medical and psychological screening.
- Return the completed packet by the class deadline and set up your tuition payments.
- Attend orientation and begin class.
Costs, fees, and equipment
Tuition is $4,000, paid in monthly payments. Fees and required equipment vary by class. The enrollment packet lists every cost, and a coordinator will go over it with you before you commit. Some agencies pay tuition for their recruits and some do not.
Cadets also buy their own uniform, firearm, and supplies. The academy estimates $2,027 to $4,343, depending on what you already own.
Equipment and supplies
What cadets buy for the course, with estimated prices as of May 2026. Tuition is separate.
Estimated total
$2,027 to $4,343
Download the list (PDF) (opens in a new tab)Daily uniformRequired$327 to $513
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| SPAG polo shirtNavy academy polo, ordered through the academy. $48 in 2XL and up | $45 or $48 |
| Light jacketSolid dark color, academy approved | $75 to $90 |
| Khaki tactical pants5.11 or equivalent tactical cargo pants | $55 to $85 each |
| Black duty beltSturdy enough to support a holster and pouches | $30 to $60 |
| Black tactical bootsPolishable, ankle support recommended | $90 to $180 |
| PT shirt (optional)Class-approved shirt | $20 to $30 |
| Black socks (pack)Uniform appearance | $12 to $20 |
Firearm and training equipmentRequired for the firearms phase$965 to $1,960
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Semi-automatic handgunGlock, S&W, SIG, Taurus, Ruger, H&K, or Beretta | $400 to $850 |
| Level 2 or higher holsterWaist-worn duty holster only | $75 to $180 |
| Double magazine pouchDuty-style pouch | $25 to $50 |
| Magazines (3 minimum)Original manufacturer preferred | $25 to $50 each |
| Firearm cleaning kitBasic cleaning supplies | $25 to $60 |
| Ammunition800 rounds for the handgun, plus shotgun ammunition | $325 to $550 |
| Ear protectionOver-the-ear recommended | $25 to $80 |
| Eye protectionANSI Z87.1+ approved | $15 to $40 |
Academic supplies and technology$405 to $1,040
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Notebooks, pens, and highlightersDaily classroom use | $20 to $45 |
| Index cardsStudy materials | $5 to $10 |
| Laptop computerUSB ports and Microsoft Word | $350 to $900 |
| Flash drive8 GB or larger recommended | $10 to $25 |
| Printer paper and ink (optional)For printed study materials | $20 to $60 |
Required texts and course materials$160 to $300
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Elements of Offense bookRequired course text | $120 to $180 |
| Program curriculum workbook (digital)Provided by the academy | Included |
| Optional printed curriculumPrinted at the cadet’s expense | $40 to $120 |
Optional and recommended equipment$170 to $530
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Hydration pack or water bottlesRange and outdoor training | $20 to $60 |
| Sunscreen and cooling towelsOutdoor training | $15 to $35 |
| Personal first aid kit and tourniquetRecommended safety equipment | $35 to $120 |
| Weather-appropriate outerwearCold and rain | $40 to $120 |
| Extra magazines and batteriesBackup equipment | $40 to $150 |
| Traffic vest and whistleVisibility during traffic exercises | $20 to $45 |
- Prices vary by vendor, brand, size, and availability. Ammunition prices change often.
- Cadets buy all required items unless the list says otherwise.
- Academy staff must approve your firearm and holster.
- Some equipment may be bought used if academy staff approve it.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an agency to sponsor me?
- Yes. Every BPOC student enrolls with a sponsoring law enforcement agency. Sponsorship does not always mean the agency pays your tuition. That is between you and the agency. If you don’t have a sponsor yet, a coordinator can tell you which area agencies sponsor recruits.
- Can I work while attending?
- Many students do, which is why we run evening academies. Check the class’s weekly schedule before you enroll to make sure it fits.
- I’m already licensed. Do you offer continuing education?
- Yes. The academy teaches TCOLE continuing education, from crisis intervention to legal updates, and trains officers to become instructors. Browse upcoming courses on the continuing education page or ask a coordinator about what’s coming.
- Can I stop by the academy to ask questions?
- The building isn’t open to walk-in visitors, but we’re easy to reach. Start with the inquiry form or a phone call and a coordinator will get back to you.