A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Training Academy

All communications specialists employed by any local or state government agency whose duties include the dispatching of law enforcement personnel must meet compulsory minimum training standards established by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The compulsory minimum training standards shall be attained by attending and satisfactorily completing the required communications specialists training at a certified training academy and completion of on-the-job training.

The Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy offers an 80-hour Basic Communications Specialists School for personnel employed by our participating agencies. The course includes lectures, scenario-based practical and a final written exam based on courses such as:
• Interpersonal Communications
• Radio and Telephone Operating Procedures
• Legal Issues
• Emergency Plans and Disasters

Upon completion of the Academy training, the communications specialists return to their agencies for on-the-job training. Please remind your students of the following:

Training will be conducted at the Academy in Ashburn. The last day of class, which is the final test, will also be held at the Academy. The instructor will advise the students of the correct time to arrive at the Academy on test day.

Students should wear appropriate civilian business attire. There is no cafeteria in the building. Students should plan to either buy lunch in the area or bring their lunch. A refrigerator is provided, and microwaves are available. Students must provide their own notebooks, paper, pens, etc.