Homeland Security dispatch lab

Public Safety Telecommunicator Certificate

COD is now offering a certificate to become a Public Safety Telecommunicator. Students can complete the Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate program by completing three courses in as little as one semester and learn the techniques of handling emergency situations. This includes working under stress, multi-tasking and quickly making life-saving decisions to serve members of their community.

Students must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent. Writing Placement Category One and Reading Placement Category One are required. Successful completion of a background check by a COD approved vendor is required prior to registration.

Registration Steps

Become eligible to register for the Public Safety Telecommunicator Certificate program.

Step One: Apply to College of DuPage

If you have not been admitted to College of DuPage, complete the non-refundable $20 College of DuPage General Admissions Application. This application is for general admissions to College of DuPage only.

Step Two: Submit Transcripts

To ensure that all of your eligible credits are evaluated towards the admission requirements, submit all official transcripts from institutions that you have attended. Immediately:

  • Submit your official transcript(s) to the Office of Student Records. If College of DuPage is the only institution you have attended, you do not need to request official transcripts.
  • Verify receipt of your transcripts. Go to Student Planning and follow the steps under Academic Profile. If you have an international transcript from high school or college, it must first be evaluated.

Step Three: Satisfy the Reading and Writing Requirements

Reading and Writing Requirements are in place to measure your skills to determine your proper course placement. Students must complete the College of DuPage Admissions process listed above and have a student identification number to complete this step. If you have completed FIRE 1183 (previously Fire 2283) Emergency Medical Responder with a grade of “B” or higher, you do not need to complete this step.

  • Students have several options to satisfy the Reading and Writing Category One placement test requirements.
  • If your official college transcript is on file in the Records office, call the Prerequisite Department at (630) 942-2260 or e-mail your prerequisite request to prereq@cod.edu.