Idaho POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: At least 21 years old at appointment; some academies allow entrance earlier but full certification requires age 21.
• Education: High school diploma or GED; many agencies require some college credits.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license (Idaho license by hire).
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; must meet Idaho POST Board moral character and background standards. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Other requirements:
  • Pass background investigation including criminal, employment and references.
  • Pass medical exam and psychological evaluation.
  • Drug screening as required by the agency.
  • Be hired or sponsored by a law enforcement agency.
  • Complete the Idaho POST Academy (Patrol basic training, ~14 weeks/≈600+ hours) or agency-approved equivalent. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Physical Fitness Standards

Idaho POST requires a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) for patrol academy entry; standards include Cooper-style events. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

• 1.5-mile run
• Push-ups in one minute
• Sit-ups in one minute
• 300-meter sprint or equivalent agility event
• Vertical jump or equivalent lower-body power event

Recruits must meet minimum fitness standards prior to the academy and maintain performance throughout training; failing may result in non-completion.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 600

Idaho POST basic patrol academy is approximately 14 weeks and many references identify basic certification programs at ~600+ hours or more. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Reference: Idaho POST – Basic Patrol Academy; Idaho State Police Training Section.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Idaho POST supports certification by reciprocity for officers from other states or federal agencies if prior training and experience meet Idaho standards.

• Submit transcripts, prior certification and service records to Idaho POST Board for evaluation.
• Complete PRT (Physical Readiness Test) and any Idaho-specific law or firearms modules.
• Pass Idaho certification exam and satisfy hiring agency background, medical and psychological standards.

Eligibility depends on the equivalence of prior training and recency of service.

POST Contact Information

Idaho Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)
700 S Stratford Dr., Meridian, ID 83642
Phone: 208-884-7250
Website: https://post.idaho.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://post.idaho.gov/academy/