Michigan POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Minimum age is 18 for licensing (some agencies require 21).
• Education: High school diploma or GED. Pre-service recruits typically must complete an associate degree by academy graduation per MCOLES requirements.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license (Michigan license usually required upon employment).
• Criminal history: No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors; must meet MCOLES character and background standards.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass MCOLES reading/writing pre-enrollment exam.
  • Pass MCOLES physical fitness test prior to entering the academy.
  • Pass full background investigation including fingerprinting.
  • Pass medical examination and psychological screening.
  • Be legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm.

Physical Fitness Standards

Michigan requires passing the MCOLES Physical Fitness Test prior to academy entry. Standards involve multiple events with age- and sex-based performance minimums.

• Sit-ups or core-strength endurance test.
• Push-ups or upper-body strength test.
• Shuttle run or running component measuring aerobic capacity.
• Timed agility or movement-based assessments depending on academy.

Applicants must pass the official MCOLES fitness test within the required testing window (often within 120 days before academy start). Many academies maintain higher standards.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 594

Michigan basic police academies must follow MCOLES-approved curriculum standards. Minimum hours are typically around 594+, though many academies exceed this with additional instruction in law, patrol, driving, firearms, defensive tactics, and scenario-based training.

Reference: Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) — Basic Training Standards.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Michigan operates the Recognition of Prior Training and Experience (RPTE) program for out-of-state, former Michigan, federal, or military police officers whose training and experience may partially or fully satisfy licensing requirements.

• Submit verification of previous basic law enforcement academy training recognized by a state or federal authority.
• Provide proof of qualifying law enforcement work experience (often at least 2,080 hours of full-time sworn service).
• Applicants may be required to complete supplemental Michigan-specific training.
• Must pass required MCOLES licensing examinations to obtain full certification.

RPTE eligibility and evaluation are handled by MCOLES on a case-by-case basis. All candidates must meet MCOLES minimum selection standards.

POST Contact Information

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES)
927 Centennial Way, Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: 517-636-7864
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mcoles

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.michigan.gov/mcoles/standard-training/licensing-standards-for-michigan-law-enforcement-officers