South Carolina POST Requirements
Fast Facts
- Minimum age: At least 21 years old for Class I law enforcement officer certification.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Academy hours (minimum): 520
- Reciprocity: South Carolina offers a Limited Equivalency Process for out-of-state officers whose training and experience meet SCCJA standards.
Minimum Requirements
- Age: At least 21 years old for Class I law enforcement officer certification.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
- Driver license: Valid driver’s license (South Carolina license required by hire date).
- Criminal history: No felony or domestic-violence convictions; must pass SLED background check; must meet moral character requirements.
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Other requirements:
- Be employed by a South Carolina law enforcement agency before attending the academy.
- Pass medical screening.
- Pass psychological evaluation.
- Pass drug screening.
- Complete the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) Basic Law Enforcement program.
Physical Fitness Standards
South Carolina uses a mandatory statewide Job-Task Based Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for all academy applicants.
- 500-yard obstacle course (timed).
- Low hurdles and serpentine runs.
- Fence climb or similar barrier.
- Dummy drag (usually 150+ lb).
- Stair climbs, sprints, and agility transitions.
SCCJA PAT is a pass/fail timed course required before academy admission. Standards are consistent statewide.
Academy Training Requirements
Minimum academy hours: 520
The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Basic Law Enforcement program is approximately 520+ hours long and covers criminal law, traffic enforcement, patrol operations, emergency vehicle operations, firearms, defensive tactics, ethics, and scenario-based evaluations.
Reference: South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA) – Basic Law Enforcement Program requirements.
Reciprocity / Lateral Entry
South Carolina offers a Limited Equivalency Process for out-of-state officers whose training and experience meet SCCJA standards.
- Submit transcripts and prior certification documents to SCCJA.
- Verification of prior service within the last three years.
- Complete legal update training if required.
- Pass the South Carolina certification exam and firearms qualification.
Applicants must also be hired by a SC law enforcement agency before SCCJA will grant equivalency.
POST Contact Information
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy (SCCJA)
5400 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: 803-896-7777
Website:
https://sccja.sc.gov
Official POST Requirements:
https://sccja.sc.gov/training-programs/basic-law-enforcement-training