APCO (CTO) Communications Training Officer Course (TCOLE #102109)

A comprehensive Communications Training Officer (CTO) Program is essential for developing confident, competent telecommunicators, improving caller outcomes, and reducing organizational liability. The APCO Institute Communications Training Officer (CTO) Course provides agencies with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to develop, implement, and maintain a structured, consistent one-on-one training program.

Designed to prepare Communications Training Officers for their critical role, the course equips participants with the skills to effectively coach, mentor, and evaluate new hires through standardized on-the-job training. Upon successful completion, CTOs will be prepared to build, support, and sustain a comprehensive agency training program while promoting consistency in instruction, documentation, performance evaluation, and recordkeeping. Participants also receive printed versions of the essential forms and documentation required to administer a comprehensive CTO program.

The APCO Institute CTO Course has been updated to reflect current industry best practices. The curriculum incorporates the foundational principles of the industry-recognized San Jose Model and aligns with APCO ANS 3.101.3-2017: Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Training Officers, ensuring agencies receive a modern, standards-based approach to developing effective Communications Training Officers.

Topics Include:

• The Communications Training Officer: roles and responsibilities in performance management and training
• CTO program building blocks
• Preparing, motivating and communicating with trainees
• Training the adult leader
• Documentation in the CTO program
• Tracking and evaluating trainee performance
• Liability
• The CTO and the future of the workplace

Course resources include templates for the daily observation report (DOR), task list, trainee tracking form and standardized evaluation guidelines.