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1. How do I become a licensed Peace Officer in Minnesota?

Whether you are a student, someone working in another field, or an experienced officer from another state or the military, if you are interested in a career as a professional peace officer in Minnesota, the Minnesota POST Board is here to get you on the right path.

Click on the following questions for information about:

• Who are Minnesota’s peace officers?

• What are the standards for becoming an officer?

• How can I become a Minnesota peace officer?

• What is Minnesota’s Professional Peace Officer Education Program?

• What schools are certified to provide the Professional Peace Officer Education Program?

• What education and training is included in Minnesota's peace officer education programs?

2. I am a Police Officer in another state. How do I become licensed in Minnesota?

Route 3:  For People with Peace Officer Experience in Another State and/or Military Policing Experience

 

People who have peace officer experience in another state or the military and have been working in law enforcement within the past six years may qualify to take the Minnesota Reciprocity Licensing Examination without having to complete additional education.

 

Qualifications for taking the reciprocity exam are:

 

• Complete basic police training in another state or federal law enforcement, and either:
  •  a post-secondary degree and three years of experience working as an officer, or 
  • five years of peace officer experience,

OR

• Meet the requirements for military reciprocity which are:
  • Have four years of cumulative experience in a law enforcement occupational specialty, or
  • Possess a post-secondary from a regionally accredited school and have at least two years cumulative experience in a law enforcement occupational specialty.

 

For more information about reciprocity go to the Minnesota POST Board Exams page on their website.

3. Is there a list of schools that provide police officer education in Minnesota?

Visit the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) site for the most information on educational programs and licensure requirements. 

Directory of Professional Peace Officer Education programs