North Dakota POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Must be 18 to attend academy; 21+ for most peace officer appointments.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent resident (must become citizen before certification).
• Driver license: Valid driver's license required.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; must meet ND POST moral character standards.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass criminal background & fingerprint check.
  • Pass medical and psychological exam.
  • Pass drug test.
  • Must be sponsored/employed by an agency to attend academy.
  • Complete ND POST basic academy (12 weeks).

Physical Fitness Standards

North Dakota academies use standardized physical readiness testing based on timed runs, sit-ups, push-ups, and agility events.

• 1.5-mile run
• One-minute push-ups
• One-minute sit-ups
• Obstacle/agility course
• Defensive-tactics endurance

Numeric charts vary by academy but follow ND POST guidance for essential physical competencies.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 480

North Dakota POST requires approximately 12 weeks (~480 hours) of basic academy instruction.

Reference: North Dakota POST – Basic Training Standards.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

ND POST grants reciprocity for experienced officers whose training is substantially equivalent.

• Submit academy transcripts & service record.
• Pass ND POST firearms qualification.
• Complete ND-specific legal training.
• Pass ND POST licensing exam.

Review is case-by-case; ND POST determines equivalency.

POST Contact Information

North Dakota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board
600 E Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone: 701-328-5500
Website: https://post.nd.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://post.nd.gov/training