Law Enforcement Training: ESP Credit by Evaluation

Rio Salado College has established formal partnerships with Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commissions (POST) in the states of Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. As part of these partnerships, Rio Salado has reviewed and approved the curriculum of each state's law enforcement academy.

Graduates who successfully complete the approved academy curriculum are eligible to receive 40 college credit hours in Law Enforcement Training and a Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement Training Academy—without the need for additional testing. Credits and certificates are issued in full; partial issuance (less than 40 credits) is not available.

Rio Salado College will verify successful completion of the required curriculum and award grades based on academy examinations or state licensing exams.

The cost for Credit by Examination is $30.00 per credit, totaling $1,200 for all 40 credits.

Note: Students currently enrolled in a partnered Arizona police academy may be eligible to receive these credits at no cost.

These credits can be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Law Enforcement Training or the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Public Safety Administration degree programs.

How to Apply for College Credit for Your Police Academy Training

Applying for college credit is simple. Just follow the four easy steps below:

Retrieve your state certification examination score and exam date from your state agency.
Email this information to: [email protected]

Create Your Student Account

Set up a student account with Rio Salado College by completing the online admissions application.

Be sure to save your MEID (Maricopa Enterprise ID) and password, as you’ll need them throughout the process.

Follow the steps below, or watch our application video for additional guidance.

  • If you have ever taken any classes at any Maricopa Community College, Log In using your MEID
  • If you are new to our system then under "New", click "Student Admissions Application"
  • Under "New Students", click "Join Now"
  • On the "Starting a New Application" page, select the appropriate option:
    • If you are new to Maricopa Community Colleges, choose "No"
  • Complete the application form:
    • Click "Create Username" at the bottom of the page
    • The system will assign your MEID (Username) – write this down
    • Create a password
    • Fill in your personal information
    • Indicate if you live in Arizona; if not, list your state of residence
    • Provide educational background and interests
    • Primary College: Select "Rio Salado College"
    • Reason for attending: Select "Take a Class" (not pursuing degree/certificate)
    • Plan aligned with goals: Choose "Personal Interest"
    • Planned start term: Select "Spring 2027" or any future term (not the current one)
    • Click "Add to my Application"
    • Click "Ready to finish my application"
    • Enter a 4-digit FERPA PIN you will remember
    • Click "Skip Identification Verification"
    • You will then be prompted to change your password – make a note of it

Complete the Dynamic Form

  • Log in using your MEID and password created in Step 2.
  • Complete Duo-Factor Authentication by selecting either:
    • Text code or Call with code
  • After entering the code, access and complete the form:
    • Fill in your Student Information
    • Enter your Electronic Signature

Once you receive an invoice from the Partnerships Department

Final Step: Credit Processing

Once all steps are completed, the Partnerships Department will be notified and will begin processing your police academy training into college credit. You will receive confirmation once your credits have been officially awarded.

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