FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take APCO Institute classes?
APCO Institute does not have any restrictions for those wishing to take our courses. However, some of our training courses, such as Emergency Medical Dispatch and Instructor courses, have specific prerequisites that need to be met prior to enrolling in the class.

What are the hardware requirements for online classes?

What are the software requirements for online classes?

How does our agency host a class?
Hosting an APCO Institute class is easier than you may think. When your agency hosts a class this allows you to bring APCO training to your area on your schedule. You may choose to host any one of our APCO training courses. icon Learn more.

How do I register for a class?
Registering for any of our courses is simple. Visit the Schedule and Registration page. Choose the course you wish to attend and click on the button in front of the class. Then click the registration button.

How long does it take to complete an online course?
APCO Institute Online conducts courses via the Internet. Depending on the course you wish to take, the courses range from three weeks to seven weeks to complete. The time spent online is about four to five hours per week. Try our interactive demonstration where you can post messages and read sample assignments.

My agency doesn't have a training budget. Can APCO help me get the training I need?
As a member benefit, scholarship funds are available to members through the Silent Key and Corporate Advisory Committee (CAC) Scholarship Award Program. To receive a scholarship, applicants must be current APCO Members and maintain APCO membership throughout the scholarship period. Scholarship funds may apply to books, tuition, and/or registration costs for APCO Institute classes and the APCO Virtual College. Up to $500 of the award may be applied to travel or living expenses to attend an APCO International Conference. Applications will be accepted from January 1 through March 31.
icon Silent Key & CAC Scholarship Information

I see that APCO has EMD online now. Can I use this training as EMD certification for my agency if we use another EMD vendor?
No. APCO's online EMD course is a component of the icon EMD Program. You may not use the EMD certification obtained from the course with another vendor's guidecards.

How often do I need to renew my Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification?
EMD certifications must be renewed every 2 years. Certain requirements must be met in order to recertify.
icon EMD Student Recertification Form

Do I need to renew my Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 certification?
At this time, the Public Safety Telecommunicator 1 certification or Basic Telecommunicator, as it sometimes called, does not have an expiration date.

What is the difference between the Leadership Certificate Program and RPL?
The APCO Institute Leadership Certificate Program is a 12 month online program. Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) is the designation of the successful graduate of the program. When the program is completed the graduate will receive the Registered Public Safety-Leader designation (RPL).

What are the class hours?
Live classes generally run from 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. with one hour for lunch, but this can vary depending on the hosting agency and instructor preference. Class times will be noted in your course confirmation email.

Can I purchase the class materials without taking the course?
Only qualified APCO Agency Instructors are permitted to purchase course materials. This ensures that the student will receive quality instruction taught by an APCO instructor that has been trained and certified to teach that particular course.

How can I be assured that I am receiving the best and most current information and training available?
Industry issues are continuously monitored and updated by industry experts through our membership, who work within the industry.

Is there a discounted price for members?
We offer discounts on all our training manuals and courses to APCO members (excluding the Leadership Certificate Program).

How can I join APCO International?
Becoming an APCO Member is easy. Go to the membership page and choose the membership type and follow the link to either an online or printable application form.

I'm in the private industry. Would your courses be of benefit to me?
PST1 provides a great foundation for anyone that is working in the field of public safety communications, whether you work in a PSAP or in the commercial arena.

How can I contribute to APCO Institute training?
There are several ways you can become more involved in training with APCO Institute. You can earn your instructor certificate in our core courses and possibly become an adjunct instructor. You can participate in work groups in the development of training courses and assist with continuing education credits.

What about continuing education for myself and my telecommunicators?
APCO offers online access to our continuing education articles in our monthly Public Safety Communications Magazine. We also offer a web seminar series and online training videos. 

What type of training will count toward required CDE hours for recertification?
In-service training, APCO Magazine CDE quiz, conference sessions, public-safety certification classes, training webinars, and Illuminations sessions. If you are not sure please contact APCO Institute.