This is a summary of comments by former students attending the OCFT Academy who gave a 5 Star 
review. To see complete customer reviews and ratings, please click on the word “Testimonials” below which will take you to the link.
“Testimonials”
3 weeks ago
I searched online to obtain my OPOTC and looking for a class closer to me was hard since a lot of the places were more up north in the Cleveland area. I do not like to travel far but I heard nothing but great things about this class so I decided to attend and it was the best choice I ever made. The instructors were very professional and made it easy and bearable for the time since it is a very long class. Since it was such a great class the 20 hours FLEW by. This was a great class and I was happy to be apart of it and will be back to do my renewal when its time.
4 weeks ago
If You Want The Best And A Lifetime Experience!!!! Of Firearm Training Your On The Right Website. This Company Is Filled With Amazing And Phenomenal Instructors. One Of My Favorite Parts Of the Class Was Safely!!!! After You Finish Your Training You Will Understand What I Mean! Thank You OCFTA For My 20 Hours.. 11-04-17 – 11-05-17
Both the classroom lecture and the range time were very good. Instructors very knowledgeable and followed OPOTA guidelines and lesson plan. Real world experience from both ex and current law enforcement instructors. Range Instructors provided great training and made everyone feel comfortable. Ready for Advanced class and re-qual with OCFTA.
4 weeks ago
Very detailed and informative class. The instructors were excellent and had no problem explaining anything you were unsure about. They are very down to earth and friendly while teaching. I would recommend this course to anyone looking for their armed security license certification.
2 months ago
The experience was great to have been the only female in the class but I really like the fact that the instructors made it comfortable for me and others and to top it off the instructors had sense of humor that made the class not boring. I highly recommend this course, so when my 18 months is up I will be going back to George (Owner) class!
2 months ago
This course was great! In addition to the requirements by the state of Ohio, the instructors talked about equipment and other training (both available by this company and not) that might be useful in the professional sphere. The firearms facility and training were excellent, and the instructors were patient and seemed very helpful for the less experienced shooters. I would recommend this course to anyone. You certainly get what you pay for here!
2 months ago
Did the 20 hr security course. I highly recommend OCFTA. These guys are very qualified and make it fun and interesting, while still emphasizing the importance of safety. They have a lot of knowledge to pass on. George (Owner) is a great instructor. Ryan (main instructor) was a real hoot. he makes 20 hours seem like a lot less. Range instructors were awesome teachers. Highly recommend.
2 months ago
Just went through the 20 hour course for armed security. These guys have a bunch of knowledge and experience, also they make the class really enjoyable. Im sure you won’t regret choosing them. Learning from them is not just a bunch of boring PowerPoints. You’ll learn the information you need as well as have a few laughs. I highly recommended them for any training you’re planning on going through.
3 months ago
I heard nothing but good words about the training from the Ohio Citizens Firearms Training Academy. It was recommended to me from a friend to take George Smetana’s class. And after doing so I know why It was very well run and detailed in Georges approach. He is informative and specific on what we needed to know for the OPOTA certificate and added some humor along the way. The information was well presented and the day seemed to go fast. We were prepared for the written test and also had fun with the other instructors who came in later to teach us how to do the shooting. They were fun but serious where it counted to prepare us for the range. Thanks again for giving me the instruction needed to use the tool correctly and do my job right! From here I look forward to practicing at the range and perfecting my skill.
4 months ago
Overall great ppl great experience I passed 3 weeks ago I’d Recommend this Class To Anyone
4 months ago
OCFT Academy has an exceptional 20 hr. OPOTA class. George and his assistant instructors do an outstanding job and are very good at what they do. All of our classes were taught by current/retired police officers or military personnel. The instructors draw from their real life experience which keeps things interesting rather than just boring you by reading straight from a PowerPoint. The instructors also use humor a lot to keep the learning environment fun and engaging which made the class fly by. All intructors knew their stuff and kept class entertaining but were very serious when it came to safety and ensuring the class material was learned. OCFT uses the Tri-C college range at the fairly new public safety training center so the classroom and range are top notch. The price George offers for this class is amazing considering all you’re getting. Easily the best company you can use for your training.
4 months ago
5 months ago
Awesome training. Very professional.Very safe. One of the trainers is absolutely hilarious and makes the course alot less boring but serious when needed. They take time to help everyone from novice and up. Drove about 45 minutes and well worth it. The range is extremely professional looking and these guys know they’re stuff. They will set you up for success. I feel more comfortable and confident now thanks to these guys. Highly recommend!!!
5 months ago
This has probably hands down been one of the best Organized and well put together 20 hour OPOTC firearms classes I have taken. I have had George as a instructor before and he brings a lot of experience and knowledge to his classes. The other instructors were top notch guys they are very focused on making sure everyone passes and learns how to shoot properly. Jeff was a awesome instructor that help me relax and get in my comfort zone to where I wasn’t nervous and was having fun by the end of the day. They also supply the firearms, gun belts and ammo if you pay for the ammo or you can bring your own ammo. I recommend just paying them for the ammo. I look forward to doing my Re qualification with you guys and any other gun training I might be interested in.
6 months ago
You can tell that they care and it is not just about the money with them…very sweet and professional team…theres not enough room to describe my experience…..
6 months ago
Just finished the 20 hour armed security guard qualification course with OCFTA. I am an Army veteran and have 21 years experience with firearms and I have to say that this was one of the best taught courses I have had the privilege of attending in a long time. George and his staff are friendly, professional and subject matter experts with teaching firearm safety and shooting. Also helps that he and his staff lighten the mood with humor but are also very serious about what they teach. I have no doubt in my mind that given the short class, novice students who finish will enter the Armed security field with confidence and good firearms safety habits.
6 months ago
The professional experience the OCFT Academy team members have are invaluable to anyone looking to invest in their well being dealing with firearms on any level, money well spent.
8 months ago
Great class! Great instruction and go the extra mile to make sure you understand all of the topics covered. Range experience was second to none, took the time to explain correct methods and safety to new shooters. Again, great instruction on the range. Highly recommended!
8 months ago
The OPOTA 20 hour course was excellent. The instructors took their time to ensure every participant had the best opportunity to pass the State of Ohio written and range tests. Although not all participants passed the course, much one-on-one training and guidance was provided to all students. I highly recommend this course.
8 months ago
I just completed the 20 hour opota firearms course help at tri-c west, George is the best, he’s really friendly and explains everything really well. He let us ask all the questions we wanted and even had some cool stories along the way. The instructors we had on the range were really awesome as well. They walked us through everything before we had to qualify. Defiantly recommend to anyone wanted their 20 hour. Also the time went by really fast!!
9 months ago
I really enjoyed training with this academy and can say these guys know what they are teaching. Thanks again guys!
10 months ago
He’s a very Excellent instructor. The best OPOTA class I have attended, an looking forward to taking his advanced firearms class. Thanks!
10 months ago
This was an AMAZING EXPERIENCE. The atmosphere is EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING and fosters SUCCESS in the certification process and on-the-job practices to come. All staff and students are friendly, respectful, and motivated. Instructors are EXPERIENCED and KNOWLEDGEABLE beyond belief. Actual Training Facility is MORE ADVANCED than any range you have experienced at your local retailer or outdoor facility. I would travel 4 hours if I had to for the opportunity to be trained with this Staff and Facility!
10 months ago
Hands down the best choice for training I could have made. Mind you I was absolutely terrified of firing a gun due to the sound and have actually put off a career because of it . Not only did they educate and answer any and all questions we had but also went above and beyond to safely let me fire for the first time and get use to the sound . They took extra time out of their day to make sure I and those around me were safe and that I was comfortable. And I was able to pass first time around! Although still not a fan of the sound I took their advice and still go to the range to get acclimated and comfortable with my firearm. I would suggest them to anyone first timers and even those who are experienced shooters. George has really taken the time to hire perfect people to help those of all experience levels. Will be going back for the tactical course! Good job guys keep it up!
10 months ago
For someone who does not shoot that often, George and his staff made you feel comfortable and welcome. A wealth of information was provided that most firearm academies do not offer. I would recommend this academy class to anyone.
10 months ago
George was a great instructor. The class was conducted in a professional manner, and he explained everything clearly. I would recommend this course to anyone, regardless of experience.
a year ago
This is one of the best classes that i have taken. The instructor was very personable and very knowledgeable. The assisting staff were also good people.Our whole class got along well together and had fun learning at the same time. There is no one rushing you through anything you did your range time and if you had any problems they assisted you with them. Very down to earth people i would recommend this class to anybody. Everybody is treated equal. Everybody Stay Safe and have fun.
a year ago
From the time you enter the classroom your greeted in a professional and friendly environment, the instructors highly trained and knowledgeable!! If your looking for the best 20 hour Opata firearms safety class I highly recommend OCFTA!!
a year ago
I served in active duty learned alot of diffrent ways to shoot. His OPOTA class was well managed and went throught the basics and some helpful tactics for the vary of skilled professionals. Testing administered to high standards and very professional. Will be coming back for more advance
a year ago
Great instructors. Fun , safe and comfortable atmosphere. They will provide everything for the price you pay, making it convenient for students.
a year ago
Did an amazing job, Ex military and Law enforcement does the training so you know you’re getting the right training!! Does hands on and if you have a question they will now skip you, if you don’t understand something they will make sure they take the time to help you!!! Classroom is very friendly and fun!! Range day is amazing very safe very personalized to make sure you know how to properly shoot and understand!!! the instructors did an amazing job and very glad I went to this class!!!! -Soisson
Excellent training! Very educational. The class environment is very welcoming, fun and safe. I would recommend this training to anyone looking to increase their knowledge and skills pertaining to firearms, Laws, safety, and range performance. You can’t go wrong!
a year ago
This is my favorite guy!! I will never go anywhere else for my OPOTA training. I’ve had him since day one with my firearms training. He takes his time ensures that you know all you need to know, helps you along the way on top of keeping you entertained with his humor. It is a very great class and Mr.Smetana is a great instructor I definitely recommend his school to anyone looking to receive training. – P.Bender
a year ago
Recommending this 20 hour opota prviate security firearms training class is excellent it held at cuyahoga community college ( tri- c ) , George Smetana is an excellent instructor he knows what he is doing , George is a very funny person but he is all about his business and he is very professional as well. when it comes to your safety in and off the shooting range George teaches you for what he had experinence and what he had learned through out the years that he started and finished. In the class you will learn a lot but you have to pay attention because you don’t want to miss nothing’s the material is provided by George so you can know what’s going on. This class is excellent George don’t want you to fail not unless you fail yourself, but overall I recommended this course to everyone who wants to take there 20 hour OPOTA private security firearms training class .
a year ago
Complete and thorough, George Smetana, the instructor, conducted an excellent class.
George surpassed my expectations and OPOTA’s bare minimums to bring the class to a higher level. He prepared us mentally and physically, stressing the actions that were important in our live range training and ensured we applied our book smarts from the lectures.
Building on all experience levels, whether you’re new to handling firearms or a pro, George treated all students with respect and promoted good habits and techniques. He was safety conscious, expecting all to handle their weapons in a professional and secure manner. Maintaining fundamentals and basic operations, he made the class user-friendly.
Real-life experience and applied knowledge are just a few of the qualities George brings to the table. His life in military and law enforcement reinforced his teachings along with our drills on the range.
a year ago
I recently took the 20 hour course and learned a lot from the class .thanks alot George for the training that you taught me .
a year ago
I really enjoyed this class. I went in with no knowledge and let full of knowledge. I loved the stories and all the laughs. I excepted it to be boring and packed with so much information I wouldn’t grasp it all. George really has a great way of grabbing your attention and keeping it. Thanks again if I had to do it all over again I would definitely come back to you and I’m reccomending all my friends and family!
a year ago
Best OPOTA class hands down ! I was nervous but our instructor really took the time to make sure I was ok and understood everything ….. Loved it and will recommend to others…. Will be returning for future classes . George made the class fun and made me less nervous felt like I was rite at home ! Please go to someone who knows what their doing George is certified in many things and knows his stuff about any firearm the law and safety .