Vermont POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: 21 years old (may be hired earlier but must be 21 to certify).
• Education: High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license required.
• Criminal history: No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass background investigation with fingerprints.
  • Medical & psychological evaluations.
  • Drug screening.
  • Complete Vermont Police Academy Basic Training Course.

Physical Fitness Standards

Vermont requires the Physical Ability Test (PAT) based on job-task simulation.

• Obstacle course (sprint, stairs, crawl, barriers)
• Dummy drag
• Timed event simulating patrol officer tasks

Vermont uses job-task performance rather than push-ups/run charts.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 800

Basic Training at the Vermont Police Academy lasts about 16 weeks (≈800 hours).

Reference: Vermont Criminal Justice Council – Training Division.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Reciprocity offered for officers with substantially equivalent training.

• Submit transcripts and service record.
• Complete Vermont law block.
• Pass certification evaluations.

Equivalency decisions made individually by VCJC.

POST Contact Information

Vermont Criminal Justice Council
317 Academy Rd., Pittsford, VT 05763
Phone: 802-483-6228
Website: https://vcjc.vermont.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://vcjc.vermont.gov/training