Starfleet Academy

• Motto: "Ex Astris, Scientia" ("From the Stars, Knowledge")
• Academy operations and disciplinary procedures led by Superintendent of the Academy (TNG: "The First Duty"; "Journey's End")
• Day-to-day cadet management and direction led by Commandant of the Academy (TNG: "Coming of Age"; DS9: "Paradise Lost")
  • Both positions filled by flag ranks only
• Main campus in San Francisco, United States of America, Earth
  • Headquarters at the Presidio, training facilities south of Sausilito (Star Trek)
• Annex campuses established in more distant areas where regular relocation to Earth is infeasible
• Entrance process
  • Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program, six-week course, is offered every year to all qualifying applicants as preparation for entrance exam (DS9: "Facets"; possibly referenced in TNG: "Coming of Age")
  • Entrance exam offered annually at all campuses following the program (TNG: "Coming of Age")
    • If not passed, but the applicant's score is still above a certain threshold, it may be retaken the following year
• Training runs over a minimum of four years, with additional four year training at Starfleet Medical for physicians and surgeons
  • Those in training known alternatively as "cadet" or "midshipman"
• Training focused in specific service branch after first year
  • Command track offers general training in all branches in addition to command-focused training at Starfleet Command School (VOY: "Parallax")
• Post-graduation Training
  • Bridge Officer's Test (TNG: "Thine Own Self")
    • Multi-stage test to demonstrate command suitability
    • No officer outside the command track may take command of a starship outside an emergency situation without having passed this test
    • Likely required to achieve Commander rank for those on starship duty
    • Can be given by any command officer
  • Advanced Tactical Training (TNG: "Preemptive Strike; TOS Novel: "Ex Machina")
    • One-year program at Starfleet Academy giving high-level tactical instruction beyond the basic combat requirements needed for security service
    • Includes field instruction, leading and directing teams, more advanced combat techniques, detailed briefings on foreign powers, starship operations and security
    • Requirement before being allowed assignment as chief of security or chief tactical officer