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Nebraska POST Requirements

Last updated November 17, 2025
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Fast Facts

  • Minimum age: At least 21 years old for most full-time certified law enforcement officers (some agencies may hire at 20 if candidate reaches 21 during training).
  • Education: High school diploma or GED minimum; many agencies require some college credits or a degree.
  • Academy hours (minimum): 610
  • Reciprocity: Nebraska offers certification by equivalency/waiver for officers certified in other jurisdictions if prior training and experience meet Nebraska standards.

Minimum Requirements

  • Age: At least 21 years old for most full-time certified law enforcement officers (some agencies may hire at 20 if candidate reaches 21 during training).
  • Education: High school diploma or GED minimum; many agencies require some college credits or a degree.
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
  • Driver license: Valid driver’s license (Nebraska license by hire).
  • Criminal history: No felony convictions; must meet Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC) minimum standards and moral character review.
  • Other requirements:
    • Pass fingerprint, background, medical and psychological screenings.
    • Pass drug screening.
    • Be employed or sponsored by a Nebraska law enforcement agency.
    • Complete the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center basic police training program (~610-hours) and pass state certification exam.

Physical Fitness Standards

Nebraska recruits must pass a physical fitness or ability test (set by NLETC or the hiring agency) to enter and complete the basic police training program.

  • 1.5-mile run or equivalent aerobic test
  • Push-ups in one minute
  • Sit-ups in one minute
  • Agility course (sprints, obstacle negotiation)
  • Defensive tactics and job-task simulation

Specific numbers vary by class; candidates should prepare above minimums to ensure success.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 610

Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center lists its basic police training program at approximately 610 hours minimum for certification. (Based on nationwide training-hours data.)

Reference: Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center – Basic Police Training Program.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Nebraska offers certification by equivalency/waiver for officers certified in other jurisdictions if prior training and experience meet Nebraska standards.

  • Submit prior training and service records to NLETC.
  • Complete Nebraska-specific legal/skills training if required.
  • Pass Nebraska certification exam and meet background, fitness and medical requirements.

Eligibility depends on recency of service and equivalency of training.

POST Contact Information

Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC)
4600 Innovation Drive, Grand Island, NE 68803
Website: https://nletc.nebraska.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://nletc.nebraska.gov/basic-police-training

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