South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy

Basic Telecommunications

The mission of the Basic Telecommunications Officer Training program is to provide an instructional program that is designed to expedite and maximize the safe and efficient public safety response to the emergency needs of the community.

• The Basic Telecommunications Officer training program is currently a 36.75-hour program, 1 week in duration.

To be eligible for training and/or certification approved by the Law Enforcement Training Council and provided/accepted by the Academy, an applicant must:

  • be employed with a public safety answering point within the state of South Carolina
  • possess a high school diploma or equivalent recognized and accepted by the South Carolina Department of Education
  • not be less than eighteen years of age
  • pass a NCIC and SC criminal history check showing the candidate is of good character, there are no crimes carrying a sentence of more than one year, a Crime of Moral Turpitude, or has engaged in Misconduct as defined in R. 37-073.
  • provide a legible certificate, transcript, or confirmation of having successfully completed a NIMS ICS-100 level course

NOTE: Sworn law enforcement officers and/or criminal justice personnel must meet state requirements for a law enforcement officer as set forth in the Training Act.

The above minimum standards are requirements for training only. The employing entity and professional accrediting bodies may require employment standards and professional standards beyond these. The legislation requires agencies to reimburse the Academy for the cost of Telecommunications training. The Academy has set the tuition at $350.00, a fee covering the costs of meals, dormitory rooms, student material, and instruction for the ten-day course.

Basic Telecommunication Rules and Regulations (updated 2025)

BTOT ClassStart (Sunday Report Date)
BTOT 345September 28, 2025
BTOT 346October 26, 2025
BTOT 347November 30, 2025
BTOT 348January 11, 2026
BTOT 349February 8, 2026
BTOT 350February 22, 2026
BTOT 351March 22, 2026
BTOT 352April 6, 2026
BTOT 353May 3, 2026
BTOT 354May 17, 2026
BTOT 355June 14, 2026

Cancellation Procedures

If a candidate cannot attend scheduled training the agency’s Training Officer should contact Registration at (803) 896-9912 or to reschedule. 

All Documents should be mailed to: 

SC Criminal Justice Academy
Attn: Registration                         Or                   Email: registration@sccja.sc.gov
5400 Broad River Rd.                                          
Columbia, SC 29212