South Dakota POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Minimum age 21 to be certified.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver's license required.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; no disqualifying misdemeanors.
• Other requirements:
  • Background investigation including fingerprints.
  • Medical exam and psychological screening.
  • Drug test.
  • Must be employed by a SD law enforcement agency.
  • Complete Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course.

Physical Fitness Standards

South Dakota requires the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) for academy entrance and graduation.

• 1.5-mile run
• Push-ups (1 minute)
• Sit-ups (1 minute)
• 300-meter run and vertical jump (agency-dependent)
• Agility & defensive tactics blocks

Specific scoring criteria follow Cooper-based standards.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 520

South Dakota BLE certification requires roughly 520 hours of academy training.

Reference: South Dakota Law Enforcement Training – Basic Certification.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

SD LET accepts reciprocity for properly trained & certified out-of-state officers.

• Submit training transcripts for review.
• Complete SD legal block & firearms qualification.
• Pass reciprocity exam.

Must meet all background, medical, and employment requirements.

POST Contact Information

South Dakota Law Enforcement Training (SD LET)
1302 E Hwy 14, Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-3584
Website: https://dci.sd.gov/let

Official POST Requirements:
https://dci.sd.gov/let/certification.aspx