This is the BLET Question and Answer Board. It allows you to send questions from the Web concerning BLET and receive responses from the NCJA staff. This service should be used to ask brief factual questions about BLET. Interesting or frequently asked questions followed by answers will be posted to the board.
QUESTION Will my law enforcement certification from another state transfer to NC or will I have to attend BLET in its entirety?
ANSWER It depends on the certification type, your overall experience and quality of training received. The N.C. Training & Standards Division in Raleigh is the authorizing agency on this issue. Questions should be directed to 919.716.6470.
QUESTION Is there a "condensed" version of BLET available for law enforcement officers from other states wanting to re-locate to N.C.?
ANSWER:Yes. However,the N.C. Training & Standards Division is the authorizing agency on this issue. Questions should be directed to 919-716-6470.
QUESTION How often do agencies and/or community colleges deliver BLET and where do I enroll?
ANSWER Most Community Colleges begin BLET courses twice per year, usually with each semester (January & August). A few colleges offer "night" BLET classes, but they take longer to deliver. Contact your local community college for further information.
NOTE: Persons who enroll on their own accord and graduate from a Community College BLET program ARE NOT guaranteed future employment. The certification
may make persons more "attractive" as a prospective applicant.
Individual law enforcement agencies with their own BLET academy typically hire persons as full time employees at the start of or prior to course delivery. BLET deliveries are scheduled by agency need.
QUESTION How long does it take to deliver BLET?
ANSWER Approximately 16 weeks - attending full time or 40 hours per week - to deliver the entire course. BLET "night" courses usually last 6-7 months. "Night" courses typically take place Monday - Friday (6-10pm) and on Saturdays, but are mainly taken by persons working other full time jobs.
QUESTION After graduating from BLET, does the certification last indefinitely?
ANSWER No. Graduates must be hired or "sworn-in" by a law enforcement agency within 12 months from their graduation date or the certification will expire. In summary, ANYONE who does not maintain a "sworn" status with an agency for a period of 12 months will see their BLET certification expire. BLET must be taken again in its entirety for re-certification.
QUESTION Do community colleges charge tuition for BLET? If so, how much does it cost?
ANSWER Most Community Colleges charge tuition for individuals enrolling on their own accord. Tuition fees vary. Contact your local community college for more information. Furthermore, students may need to purchase books, supplies and other required equipment (ammunition, weapons, clothing, etc.), in addition to tuition fees.
QUESTION Do I need a NC law enforcement agency "sponsorship" before I can enroll in a community college BLET course? And what does "sponsorship" mean?
ANSWER It depends. Many community colleges require applicants to obtain "sponsorship" from law enforcement agencies before being allowed to enroll in their BLET program. In summary, the sponsoring law enforcement agency must attest, usually in writing, to the applicant’s moral character, integrity and honesty. Some agencies actually conduct background investigations on applicants prior to granting sponsorship.
QUESTION Is there a "study guide" for the BLET curriculum?
ANSWER No. However, students may find it useful to study ALL lesson plan training objectives when preparing for the state comprehensive exam.
QUESTION Is the NC Justice Academy responsible for the BLET state exam?
ANSWER No. The Justice Academy is only responsible for the BLET curriculum itself. The N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division has sole purview over the state exam. The Standards Division also enforces all BLET testing, policy, accreditation and instructor certification issues.
QUESTION How often are BLET lessons revised?
ANSWER The entire curriculum is actually in a constant state of revision, but lesson revisions occur bi-annually (January and July). Changes in the law, procedures and training methods are primary reasons for revisions.
QUESTION Can anyone teach a BLET topic?
ANSWER No. Only persons that hold a "General Instructor Certification" from the NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission may teach in BLET. Instructors who teach "
Subject Control/Arrest Techniques," "
Physical Fitness Training," "
Firearms," and "
Law Enforcement Driver Training" must possess, in addition to the "General Instructor Certification" a "Specialized" certification for EACH area.
The General Instructor Certification course is 2 weeks long. It includes a variety of practical tests and a comprehensive written exam. Specific academic and/or experience criteria must be met before one can enroll in such a course.
Every "specialized" certification course is 2 weeks long, with the exception of "Law Enforcement Driver Training." Each specialized course has rigid pass/fail skills testing criteria. Persons must also pass comprehensive written exams for each specialized course. All BLET instructors are required to teach a specific number of hours each year to maintain their certification(s).
QUESTION Do I need to purchase Microsoft PowerPoint software to view 'Hypermedia" slide presentations? How much does PowerPoint software cost?
ANSWER No. Each CD includes software to "read" and display the files. However, if you want to modify slides or add animation effects, you must purchase the software. PowerPoint software sells for around $100.00, but is typically found within the Microsoft Office package installed on most computers.
QUESTION How old do you have to be before enrolling in BLET?
ANSWER Schools may not admit any students younger than 20 years of age unless there is prior written authorization from the Director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division. All students must be at least 20 years of age upon completion of BLET.
Persons must be at least 20 years of age to be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Criminal Justice Standards Division and at least 21 years of age to be certified by the Sheriffs' Standard Division.