Oregon POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: At least 21 years of age at appointment for most police officer positions in Oregon.
• Education: High school diploma or GED at minimum; many agencies prefer some college or a degree.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen (or able to meet federal and state requirements to lawfully possess firearms and serve as a police officer).
• Driver license: Valid driver license, typically an Oregon license by hire date, with an acceptable driving record.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions and no disqualifying misdemeanors under Oregon law and DPSST rules; must be eligible to possess firearms.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass a thorough background investigation including criminal history, references, and prior employment checks.
  • Pass a medical examination and psychological evaluation consistent with DPSST and agency standards.
  • Pass pre-employment drug screening.
  • Meet agency-specific hiring standards (written exam, oral boards, etc.).
  • Successfully complete a DPSST-certified Basic Police course at the Oregon Public Safety Academy and any required field training.
  • Maintain good moral character as defined by Oregon statutes and DPSST regulations.

Physical Fitness Standards

Oregon requires that police officer candidates meet physical ability standards set by individual agencies and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST); academies commonly use job-task-based physical ability tests.

• Obstacle/agility course covering running, stair climbs, low obstacles, and directional changes.
• Push-pull, body-drag, or similar strength/endurance tasks simulating officer job duties.
• Timed run segments or shuttle-run to assess aerobic fitness.
• Defensive tactics training and control techniques requiring functional strength and conditioning.

DPSST does not publish a single Cooper-style statewide chart for every event; instead, the Basic Police course uses scenario-driven training and physical ability tests tied to essential functions. Applicants should check their hiring agency’s and DPSST’s current physical ability test requirements and prepare to exceed the minimums.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 400

Oregon’s DPSST Basic Police Course is a state-mandated residential academy delivered at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The statewide minimum basic training requirement is at least 400 hours of instruction, though actual academy programs often exceed this baseline with additional scenario and skills training in areas such as criminal law, investigations, firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, and communication.

Reference: Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) – Basic Police Course / Basic Training requirements and statewide minimum-hours analysis.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Oregon offers a Certification by Reciprocity path for officers who were previously certified in another state, federal, or military law enforcement agency and whose training and experience substantially match Oregon standards.

• Submit prior academy transcripts, certificates, and service records to DPSST for evaluation of equivalency.
• Complete any Oregon-specific training that DPSST requires, such as law, procedures, or use-of-force updates.
• Pass any examinations or performance assessments required by DPSST for certification.
• Meet Oregon moral character, background, and employment conditions and be recommended by an Oregon law enforcement agency.

Reciprocity decisions are case-by-case. Officers should consult current DPSST reciprocity and lateral entry guidance, as requirements and accepted credentials can change over time.

POST Contact Information

Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
4190 Aumsville Highway SE
Salem, OR 97317
Phone: 503-378-2100
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Pages/LE_Basic.aspx