New Hampshire POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Minimum 21 years old.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license required.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; must pass full background investigation.
• Other requirements:
  • Medical & psychological examinations.
  • Polygraph examination (many departments).
  • Pass physical agility test (PAT).
  • Complete the NH Police Standards & Training Council (PSTC) academy.

Physical Fitness Standards

NH PSTC uses Cooper-based fitness standards for admission and graduation.

• 1.5-mile run
• Push-ups (1 minute)
• Sit-ups (1 minute)

Standards increase from entrance → mid-training → exit.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 640

New Hampshire’s Full-Time Officer Academy runs approximately 16 weeks and 640 hours.

Reference: NH Police Standards & Training Council – Basic Academy.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

NH offers out-of-state officer reciprocity after an equivalency review.

• Submit academy & certification documents.
• Pass NH law package.
• Complete firearms qualification.
• Pass PSTC exam.

Not automatic; reviewed individually.

POST Contact Information

New Hampshire Police Standards & Training Council
17 Institute Dr., Concord, NH 03301
Phone: 603-271-2133
Website: https://www.pstc.nh.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.pstc.nh.gov/training