NARTA
NARTA prepares recruits for the physical, academic and professional demands of a career as an Arizona peace officer.
Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy
Train for the Badge. Prepare to Serve.
NARTA prepares recruits for the physical, academic and professional demands of a career as an Arizona peace officer.
Serving Arizona Since 1996
Professional preparation for a demanding career
The Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy is a regional law enforcement training center serving city, county, tribal and state agencies throughout Arizona. NARTA is located at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus.
Weeks of academy training
Hours of instruction and practice
College credits upon completion
Academy classes offered each year
Your Path to NARTA
Understand the process before training begins
NARTA recruits generally enter the academy through a participating law enforcement agency. Confirm the process with the hiring agency and NARTA before completing enrollment steps.
Explore agency careers
Research Arizona law enforcement agencies and identify open peace officer or recruit positions.
Complete agency screening
Follow the hiring agency’s application, testing, background and selection process.
Confirm academy sponsorship
Work with the hiring agency to confirm authorization and placement in an upcoming NARTA class.
Complete required assessments
Complete required academic placement and physical readiness assessments before the academy begins.
Begin academy training
Arrive prepared for a structured, intensive program centered on discipline, teamwork and professional service.
Important: Admission and seat-reservation procedures may vary by agency. Contact NARTA before making enrollment or travel arrangements.
Academy Training
Develop the judgment, skills and discipline the profession requires
Training combines classroom instruction, physical conditioning, practical demonstrations and scenario-based exercises.
Firearms and judgment
Complete daytime and nighttime qualification attempts and judgment-based training using the VIRTRA simulator.
Vehicle operations
Develop proficiency through intensive emergency vehicle and pursuit-driving instruction.
Defensive tactics
Practice officer-safety techniques and demonstrate proficiency in controlling challenging situations.
Report writing
Learn the mechanics of professional police reports through repeated written assignments.
Tactical and mental health response
Build practical skills through tactical medicine and mental health first aid training.
Physical conditioning
Improve strength, endurance and job-related fitness throughout the academy.
Critical incident response
Train for active threats, vehicle escapes and officer or citizen rescue situations.
Impaired-driver detection
Complete instruction in impaired-driver detection, field sobriety concepts and Intoxilyzer operation.
Scenario-based field problems
Apply academy instruction during realistic practical exercises requiring communication and judgment.
Academy Expectations
NARTA will challenge you mentally, physically and professionally
Recruits are expected to demonstrate responsibility, discipline, teamwork, attention to detail and respect throughout the program.
Academic readiness
- Frequent written examinations
- Multiple written assignments
- Minimum 70% in each testing block
- Minimum 70% cumulative average
- Remediation and retesting standards
Physical readiness
- Strength and cardiovascular training
- Required entry fitness standards
- Ongoing academy fitness testing
- POPAT preparation and completion
- Active participation in practical training
Professional readiness
- Punctuality and preparation
- Integrity and accountability
- Professional appearance
- Teamwork and respectful conduct
- Attention to detail
Physical Entry Standards
Arrive ready to meet the academy standard
Recruits must meet the required physical conditioning benchmarks before admission to NARTA.
Physical standards and testing procedures may be updated by AZPOST or the academy. Confirm current requirements with NARTA before testing.
Life at NARTA
Know the commitment before the first day
- The academy generally meets Monday through Thursday.
- Typical training hours are 7 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
- Some weeks include schedule changes, night training or off-site instruction.
- Classroom instruction is held at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus.
- Firearms and vehicle operations may take place at off-site facilities.
- Recruits should expect classroom, physical and practical activities throughout the program.
Graduation Outcomes
Complete the academy ready to serve
Successful completion reflects academic achievement, demonstrated proficiency and readiness for professional law enforcement service.
Peace officer certification
Graduates who satisfy all required standards are awarded Full-Authority Peace Officer certification.
College certificate
Graduates receive a Law Enforcement and Corrections Certificate from Yavapai College.
College credit
Successful graduates earn 34 college credits in Administration of Justice.
Real Graduates. Real Careers.
The academy challenge leads to professional service
NARTA graduates serve law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona. Academy instruction is delivered by AZPOST-certified instructors, including active peace officers and public safety professionals.
Prepare for the Academy
Complete the required steps before your class begins
Work with your agency and NARTA to confirm current testing, uniform, equipment and arrival requirements.
- Complete the required Yavapai College skills assessment or approved placement process.
- Confirm current physical assessment dates and standards.
- Obtain required business attire, agency uniforms and physical training clothing.
- Prepare appropriate running shoes and required personal equipment.
- Review academy grooming and professional appearance standards.
- Confirm housing, transportation and parking arrangements.
Visit the Yavapai College Testing Center (opens in a new tab)
Detailed Recruit Information
Review academy standards and operating requirements
These requirements are intended for candidates preparing to enter the academy and recruits who have received placement instructions.
Recruits complete written assignments and frequent examinations designed to measure knowledge gained and retained.
- Assignments must be completed within the stated time frame.
- Recruits must earn at least 70% in each functional testing block.
- Recruits must maintain a cumulative average of at least 70%.
- Failed instructional blocks may require remedial training and retesting.
- Failure to satisfy remediation or examination standards may result in dismissal.
Report writing
Recruits receive instruction in professional police report writing and complete multiple writing assignments.
The academy physical conditioning program combines strength and cardiovascular training to improve fitness and support long-term officer wellness.
POPAT events
- Timed 99-yard obstacle course
- 165-pound dummy drag
- 6-foot chain-link fence climb
- 6-foot solid fence climb
- Timed 500-yard run
Recruits must complete all required POPAT activities and achieve the minimum scores established by AZPOST.
Initial business attire
During the first weeks of training, recruits may be directed to wear a white button-down shirt, black necktie, black dress pants and running shoes.
Agency uniform
- Agency-designated long-sleeve shirt
- Agency pants and belt
- Authorized uniform shoes or boots
- Agency-approved undershirt and socks
- Gun or utility belt when directed
- Pocket-size notepad and two pens
Physical training clothing
Recruits should confirm the current NARTA physical training uniform, footwear and required protective equipment before purchasing items.
Grooming
Recruits must maintain professional grooming, personal hygiene and appearance standards. Jewelry or accessories that create a safety hazard are prohibited.
Lockers
Recruits may be assigned a locker and are responsible for providing a lock and securing their personal property.
Firearms
Recruits complete daytime and nighttime qualification attempts with an authorized duty handgun and must pass required judgmental-shoot training.
Vehicle operations
The academy provides intensive instruction in vehicle operations and pursuit driving. Recruits must demonstrate proficiency in the skills taught.
Defensive tactics
Defensive tactics instruction emphasizes officer safety, practical control techniques and demonstrated proficiency.
Weapons are not permitted on campus until authorized by academy staff. Agencies should confirm current ammunition and equipment requirements directly with NARTA.
The law enforcement profession demands honesty, integrity and ethical conduct. Recruits must treat classmates, academy staff and community members with respect and courtesy.
Recruits are expected to demonstrate cooperation, teamwork, self-discipline and personal accountability. Conduct inside and outside the academy must not discredit the recruit, academy or sponsoring agency.
Location
Classroom instruction is generally held at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus. Firearms, vehicle operations and other practical training may occur at off-site locations.
Arrival and parking
Recruits must report on time and prepared for classroom and physical activity. Confirm current parking instructions with academy staff.
Recruit housing
Housing availability and eligibility may vary.
NARTA uses community involvement to reinforce the principles of service and community-oriented policing.
Past projects have supported organizations and programs such as:
- Head Start
- Adopt A Highway
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- The 100 Club of Arizona
- Shop With A Cop
- Special Olympics Arizona
Contact NARTA
Confirm requirements before taking your next step
Contact academy staff for current class availability, admission procedures, physical standards and recruit preparation requirements.
Shannon Johns
Coordinator to the Associate Dean, Public Services
Think you are ready for the challenge?
Begin by exploring agency opportunities, confirming sponsorship requirements and preparing for NARTA’s academic and physical standards.
Visit the AZPOST Agency Portal (opens in a new tab)