Career roadmap
How to Become a Police Officer
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a police officer, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a police officer: (1) meet basic qualifications, (2) prepare physically and academically, (3) apply and pass screening, (4) complete the academy, (5) complete field training. Most people need about 6–12 months (academy + field training). BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a police officer
Meet basic qualifications
Check age, citizenship, education, driving record and background requirements for agencies you’re interested in.
Prepare physically and academically
Train for fitness tests and study for written exams; college coursework in criminal justice helps.
Apply and pass screening
Expect written tests, fitness tests, interviews, a background investigation, polygraph (some agencies) and psychological and medical exams.
Complete the academy
Learn law, procedures, defensive tactics, firearms, driving and report writing.
Complete field training
Work with a field training officer before patrolling solo; later pursue specialties or promotion.
Education and training requirements
Requirements vary by agency: typically a high school diploma or GED (some agencies require college credit or a degree), U.S. citizenship, minimum age (often 21), a valid driver’s license, background investigation, fitness test and psychological exam, followed by a state-certified academy and field training.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 6–12 months (academy + field training) |
Certifications and licenses
- State POST certification: Peace officer certification issued by your state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training agency after academy.
- Field training program: Supervised on-the-job training with a field training officer after the academy.
- Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training: Specialized training for responding to mental health crises.
- First aid/CPR: Commonly required.
Skills to build now
Start with criminal law and procedure, report writing, and defensive tactics and use-of-force policy, and practice communication and de-escalation and judgment under pressure. Learning the police officer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Police Recruit: Complete academy and field training.
- Patrol Officer: Respond to calls and patrol.
- Detective, Specialist or Sergeant: Investigate cases, join specialty units or supervise.
- Lieutenant, Captain or Chief: Lead units and departments.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Police Officer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long is the police academy?
Academy length varies by state and agency, often several months, followed by several months of field training.
Do police officers need a college degree?
Many agencies require only a high school diploma, but some require college credits or a degree, and education can help with promotion.
How long does it take to become a police officer?
Most people need about 6–12 months (academy + field training) of training. Requirements vary by agency: typically a high school diploma or GED (some agencies require college credit or a degree), U.S. citizenship, minimum age (often 21), a valid driver’s license, background investigation, fitness test and psychological exam, followed by a state-certified academy and field training.
Do you need a degree to be a police officer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 33-3051 (Police and sheriff's patrol officers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Police and sheriff's patrol officers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.