5. Should I go through the academy or apply first?
Agencies all require different types of training and at different times. Though these acronyms may not mean much to you right now, there are POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training), APCO (Association of Public Communication Officers, NAED (National Academy of Emergency Dispatch) and other certifications. Wait to see where you are applying before striving for a state specific certification. Jobs in 911 strongly recommends the National Academy of Emergency Dispatch “Basic Telecommunicator Course”. The curriculum is more timely and the cost is less than most other certifications. The Telecommunicator text is one of the best on the market.
One example of a state specific certification is California POST - POST affiliated agencies are required to put dispatchers through the basic public safety dispatch academy within their first year of employment. This is a 3 week academy that prepares you for a profession in the 9-1-1 industry.
