Law Enforcement Training Academies nationwide tend to follow state-by-state requirements.  Usually there is a governing authority for civil service that will place the standards and training for the Police Academy on a state by state basis; however as general rule, we will give you some of the requirements that are generally accepted nationwide.

Many police academies do not allow open enrollment. Some states require you to be certified before applying for a Police Officer position with a municipality.  Some police academies require that you are hired by a police agency and then they will send you to the academy.  Other jurisdictions will offer the police academy as a college course of study. Once completed, you would be able to apply to a police agency for hiring.  Check your local police academy standards in reference to this.

Education Requirements: Usually a Police Academy will require you to hold a High School Diploma or a GED equivalent.  Some police academies (not many) require at least 60 college credit hours  or 3 years of generalized work experience as well.

Physical Fitness: A Police Academy will usually require a physical fitness exam.  Where most police academies differ is what the physical fitness consists of.  Most police academies require a run, whether it is a 1 mile, 1 ½ mile run, or more, under a certain predetermined time, depending on sex and age.

Successful Completion of Course: The police academy will provide many tests or exams.  Successful completion of these exams is required.  There will usually be many written exams, based on law, criminal procedure law, etc.  There will also be the physical fitness test, usually an entrance and exit exam.  There will also be defensive tactics exams to show proficiency in self defense, defensive tactics and arrest techniques, criminal law procedures, traffic stop, EVOC training.

There may be other exams as required by each local academy. That’s why it’s so important to get a police academy preparation guide to prepare you physically and academically. You want to be prepared for all of the  exams because if you flunk one exam, you might not get a third or fourth chance to pass it.

Every Police Academy is different so that it is important to check the standards and requirements with each local police academy.

Officer Forestal has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, 8 years law enforcement experience and is a graduate of the 2002 Police Corps, where he was recognized as an expert shooter. Former Collegiate all-American, certifield personal trainer and author of several fitness and police related books such as the Police Oral Interview Secrets, and Police Exam For Dummies. As a Law Enforcement enthusiast, E.L. has helped hundreds of candidates "ACE" their respective entrance exam and the oral board interview. Learn More...

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