The APCO Institute offers training courses at times and using methods that are convenient to you.

NOTE: APCO has a 90% rule (attendees must attend 90% of a course) for all courses. No attendee can miss more than 10% of the course time or assignments.

 
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APCO Institute offers live training at APCO headquarters, at the annual conference or in your region with you under contract at your agency. Individuals in your agency who have been certified as APCO instructors for a discipline may also teach that course in your agency for only the cost of materials.

Course length varies by class, generally from one to five days. See the course description for more information on individual course length.

Live classes generally run from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.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.

APCO recognizes that you have a busy schedule and that working in an ECC is not a traditional 9-to-5 role. For this reason, all Institute courses are delivered online. Online courses are not self-paced. They are instructor-led and require engagement and participation. With 24-hour access from any internet-enabled device, participants can train at times that best fit their schedules while still following a structured course format.

APCO Virtual Classroom courses are delivered online in real time by APCO’s adjunct instructors in an interactive and engaging virtual classroom environment. These courses follow a set schedule and are completed within a defined timeframe, allowing participants to earn certification more quickly than through a traditional online course. Camera use is required for the full duration of the course.

Learn more about Virtual Classroom courses

Detailed System Requirements

The following specifications ensure full access to course materials, including multimedia content and interactive learning modules.

 General Requirements (All Devices):

  • Reliable high-speed internet connection (broadband such as cable, fiber or DSL; mobile hotspots may be limited)
  • Audio capability (speakers or headset) for multimedia content
  • Ability to view and interact with video, audio and SCORM-based activities
  • Current antivirus/security software
  • PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent)

Required Software/Applications:

  • Word processing software capable of saving files in .docx format (e.g., Microsoft Word or equivalent such as Google Docs)
  • Presentation software (if applicable, e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides or equivalent)
  • Ability to download, upload and manage files

Virtual Sessions:

  • Webcam and microphone (required for APCO Virtual Classroom courses, and live virtual sessions for some APCO Online courses)

Supported Operating Systems:

  • Windows: Windows 10 or newer
  • Mac: macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer
  • ChromeOS: Current version supported (for Chromebook users; some features may be limited)

Web Browsers (Latest Versions Recommended):
For the best experience in the Learning Management System (LMS), use the most current version of:

  • Google Chrome (recommended)
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Apple Safari (Mac users)

Note: Internet Explorer and ISP-provided browsers (e.g., AOL, legacy browsers) are not supported.

Important Notes:

  • Students should ensure their devices are updated regularly to maintain compatibility and security.
  • Mobile devices (phones/tablets) may be used for limited access, but a laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended for full course functionality.
  • Technical issues related to unsupported or outdated systems may impact course participation and do not excuse missed work.