Oklahoma POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Typically at least 21 years of age at appointment as a full-time peace officer in Oklahoma.
• Education: High school diploma or GED; some agencies may require college hours or a degree.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license (usually Oklahoma by hire date) with a reasonably clean driving record.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions, no domestic-violence-related convictions, and no other disqualifying offenses under Oklahoma law and CLEET regulations.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass an extensive background investigation including criminal history, references, and prior employment.
  • Pass a medical examination and psychological evaluation certifying fitness for duty.
  • Pass pre-employment drug testing as required by the agency.
  • Meet physical fitness or job-task standards required by the hiring agency or academy.
  • Successfully complete a CLEET-approved Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) academy or approved alternative route program.
  • Complete any required field training and maintain continuing education to keep CLEET certification active.

Physical Fitness Standards

Oklahoma does not publish a single statewide numeric fitness chart for all academies, but CLEET-approved academies require that recruits be physically capable of performing strenuous law enforcement tasks and typically use physical ability tests as part of selection and training.

• Timed run or shuttle-run to evaluate aerobic capacity.
• Push-ups and sit-ups or similar events to evaluate muscular strength and endurance.
• Obstacle course or job-task simulation including sprints, stair climbs, low hurdles, and dummy drags.
• Defensive tactics blocks involving striking, control holds, takedowns, and ground-fighting.

Specific fitness events and passing scores are set by individual CLEET-approved academies and may change over time. Applicants should review the physical ability requirements for their chosen academy or BPOC program and prepare accordingly.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 600

Oklahoma’s Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) requires completion of a Basic Peace Officer Certification academy or approved Basic Police Officer Certification (BPOC) program. The statewide minimum basic training requirement is about 600 hours of instruction, though many full-time BPOC programs list 600–700 hours of training covering law, firearms, driving, defensive tactics, investigations, and scenario-based skills.

Reference: Oklahoma CLEET – Basic Peace Officer Certification information and CLEET-approved BPOC program descriptions, along with nationwide training-hours analysis listing Oklahoma at 600 minimum basic training hours.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Oklahoma offers a reciprocity and lateral-entry process through CLEET for officers previously certified in other states, in federal service, or in certain military police roles when their training and experience meet Oklahoma standards.

• Submit prior academy transcripts, certificates, and proof of law enforcement experience to CLEET for evaluation.
• Complete any Oklahoma-specific law, skills, or firearms training CLEET determines is necessary.
• Successfully pass any examinations or proficiency tests required for Oklahoma certification.
• Meet CLEET’s background, medical, and moral character requirements and be employed or hired by an Oklahoma law enforcement agency.

CLEET’s reciprocity and out-of-state certification policies can change and may differentiate between full-time, reserve, and specialized officers. Applicants should consult current CLEET guidance for detailed steps and eligibility.

POST Contact Information

Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET)
2401 Egypt Road
Ada, OK 74820
Phone: 405-239-5100
Website: https://www.cleet.ok.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.cleet.ok.gov/basic-peace-officer-certification