After acceptance into the Explorer Program, initial training for new Deputy Explorers takes place at one of the Sheriff's Department Explorer Academies. They are located at the Sheriff’s Training Academy and Regional Services Center (STARS) in Whittier, the College of the Canyons Valencia Campus in Santa Clarita, and the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station in Antelope Valley.
The Explorer Academy consists of approximately 184 hours of instruction during 18 weeks of training on Saturdays. Subjects such as community relations, criminal law, demeanor, firearms safety, narcotics control, police procedures and weaponless defense must be mastered. The trainees are required to undergo drill and physical training as well as their classroom work. Satisfactory completion of the Academy may earn the Deputy Explorer high school or college unit credits.