Starfleet Academy
From Hidden Frontier
Starfleet Academy was established as a four-year institution, in 2161, with the motto Ex Astris, Scientia (Latin: "knowledge comes from the stars"), to serve as a training facility for Starfleet personnel. The grounds of Starfleet Academy, based in The Presidio of San Francisco on Earth, are not too distant from the central hub of Starfleet itself; Starfleet Headquarters.
Most starfleet personnel become officers by attending the Academy. However, enlisted men do not necessarily attend. Also, by field promotion, such as in the case of Tolian Naros, can someone be field promoted from the enlisted ranks to become an officer.
Preparation for Entrance
Entrance into Starfleet Academy begins with the acceptance of the 'hopeful's' application. Once the application is accepted, the 'hopeful' undergoes the Academy entrance competition exams, which are determined by the best score among a group of candidates competing to gain admission. In 2364, one such location for these competitions was on Relva VII. The exam contains sections on hyperspace physics and dynamic relationships, among others. As well as the infamous "psych test", where the prospective cadet must face their greatest fear, unnanounced tests can take place at any time during the exam period (TNG, "Coming of Age").
Not all 'hopefuls' make entry into the Starfleet Academy their first attempt, however, if their scores are high enough in the competition they may be eligible to reapply the following year. If the results of the reapplication are sufficent they will be accepted into the Academy (TNG, "Menage a Troi").
For non-Federation citizens, a 'hopeful' may attend Starfleet Academy if they can be sponsored and have a letter of reference written on their behalf by a command level officer. Once this is accomplished the 'hopeful' is eligible for the Academy Preparatory exam (DS9, "Heart of Stone").
Starfleet Academy Preparatory Program is the next stage for consideration of admission, which consists of six weeks of summer classes. By passing the Preparatory Program, a 'hopeful's' admittance is ensured, as they have now proved to the admissions committee that they are prepared, or determined, to become a cadet. Once this has been accomplished, the 'hopeful' is then eligible for the Starfleet Academy entrance exam (DS9, "Facets").
Once the former 'hopeful' is accepted, they are eligible to enroll for Academy courses.
