Certificate Program

If you want to specialize in parks law enforcement, this is your program! SVC’s Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is one of only six NPS-approved academies in the U.S. that provides the accredited curriculum that is also approved by other federal land management agencies as a Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP). It is also an approved training program accepted by local and state park agencies.

As a graduate of the academy, you will gain a competitive edge in seeking jobs with the various agencies in the law enforcement community. Our graduates have been highly successful in securing employment with the National Park Service, Washington State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Everett City Parks, and many other federal, state, county and city land management agencies (contact specific agencies for employment requirements).

• Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy PRLEA Certificate
• Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy PRLEA/EMR Certificate
• Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy PRLEA/FIRE Certificate

• Two 750-hour programs: Fall August through December, or Winter January through May.
• iPad issued to cadets with academy curriculum and enabled for classroom and field use.
• Curriculum Includes
  • Contemporary law enforcement tactics and legal information for visitor protection.
  • Emphasis on natural, cultural, and historic resources protection methods.
• Particular attention to hands-on experiential problem-based.

• You must be 21 years of age or older, and be physically and mentally fit for service
• You must successfully pass a criminal history and background check, drug analysis screening, and application review by the academy’s Advisory Committee.
• You must have a High School diploma or GED certificate.

In addition to the PRLEA Certification, students are welcome to gain extra training in Wildland Firefighting and Emergency Medical Response (EMR). Classes are optional and tuition and fees are assessed separately. Gaining this extra training will add qualifications for students when they begin applying for competitive Federal and State Park Service employment. 

• Wildland Firefighting—Completion of FIRE 126 (3 cr.) will allow students to suppress wildland fires while under close supervision.
• Emergency Medical Responder—Completion of FIRE 140 (5 cr.) prepares students to take the Washington State 60-hour First Responder emergency medical certification test battery.

• Association of National Park Rangers
• National Park Service
• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
• WA State Parks & Recreation Commission
• Federal Job Application Site
• U.S. Office of Personal Management