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

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. Open to students, people working in another field, or experienced officers from another state or the military.

• General information about how to become a peace officer.
• Peace officer eligibility based on minimum selection standards.
• Eligible candidates must take the peace officer exam to become a licensed peace officer.
• Enroll in a Minnesota’s Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) Program.
• Certified Professional Peace Officer Education (PPOE) Schools.
• Additional resources and forms.

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

People with peace officer experience in another state and/or military policing experience

Must be 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

For Out-of-State Reciprocity

• Complete basic police training in another state or federal law enforcement.
  And, one of the following:
  • Earn a post-secondary degree and three years of experience working as an officer.
  • Five years of peace officer experience.

For Military Reciprocity

• Complete 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, visit Minnesota POST exams.

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) for the most information on educational programs and licensure requirements.