Industry-Leading Training Developed by Industry Leaders

The APCO Institute is overseen, managed and operated by industry experts with years of experience. Through our members, we stay current with industry issues and standards. Their needs and concerns drive the activity of APCO Institute.

2024 APCO Illuminations Topics Announced

Stay current on the latest emergency communications conveniently online with APCO Illuminations. Three different tracks are offered – Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Communications Training Officer (CTO) and a general track for telecommunicators. One track subscription allows you to earn up to 12 CDEs annually.

Master Your Management Skills With RPL

Be a standout in your agency and grow in your career by participating in APCO’s Registered Public-Safety Leader (RPL) Program. Learn how to manage organizations, administer change and communicate with confidence during this online program. Gain knowledge, skills and techniques to implement at your agency right away to manage staff effectively and benefit your agency’s operations. Openings are available for programs beginning January, February and March.

Earn CDEs Quickly in the APCO Virtual Classroom

These live, interactive courses provide all the benefits of in-person training from the convenience of your desk. Led by APCO adjunct instructors, virtual courses provide the most up-to-date training and the opportunity to interact with other emergency communications professionals. Courses include: Communications Center Supervisor, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Crisis Negotiations, Tactical Dispatch and more.

Get Certified to Teach APCO Courses at Your Agency

Are you knowledgeable and have a passion for teaching others in your agency? APCO’s Agency Instructor courses provide the certification to teach these disciplines: Public Safety Telecommunicator, Communications Training Officer, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and more.

3 Reasons to Take Courses From the APCO Institute

  • As part of APCO International, the APCO Institute is uniquely positioned to offer highly specialized training and resources on foundational, current and emerging topics that public safety telecommunications professionals need to know.
  • APCO’s leadership role in public safety communications worldwide means that our training programs and resources reflect the pressing issues that affect emergency communications centers (ECCs) of all sizes and that they meet the needs of our more than 36,000 members.
  • As a non-profit entity, the Institute offers exceptional and affordable training opportunities to public safety agencies and practitioners, regardless of their financial resources.

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Manage Your Training Records Online

APCO’s Training Central is an online resource that stores all of your CDE and recertification information in one place for easy viewing and retrieval.

Recertification

Find out what you need to do and how to do it for disciplines requiring recertification.

Leadership Programs

Reach your career goal in your public safety communications field by joining other emergency communications professionals in an APCO leadership program.