Alaska POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 21 years old to receive basic law-enforcement certification.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license required.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; no misdemeanor crimes of dishonesty or moral turpitude within prior 10 years; must meet Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC) character standards. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Other requirements:
  • Pass a fingerprint-based background investigation.
  • Pass medical and psychological evaluations.
  • Pass drug screening.
  • Employing agency must sponsor and hire applicant; complete ALET (Alaska Law Enforcement Training) academy of at least ~650 hours. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Physical Fitness Standards

Alaska requires recruits to demonstrate ability to perform the essential job functions; physical and academic standards are set by the APSC and the academy. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

• Timed aerobic run (e.g., 1.5-mile or equivalent)
• Push-ups in one minute
• Sit-ups in one minute
• Job-task simulation (dummy drags, sprints, obstacle course)
• Agility/defensive tactics blocks

Specific numeric fitness standards are published by each academy under APSC oversight; lateral applicants must have completed at least 650 hours and 1 year of sworn experience to qualify for waiver. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 650

Alaska Police Standards Council states that basic law enforcement programs must be at least 650 hours for certification and hires. Many academies reference this figure for lateral recognition. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Reference: Alaska Police Standards Council – Basic Police Officer Certification Standards.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Alaska offers certification by equivalency/waiver for out-of-state officers whose training and experience meet Alaska standards.

• Submit previous academy training and sworn service to APSC for evaluation.
• Complete any Alaska-specific training or field training if required.
• Meet Alaska background, medical, psychological and fitness standards.
• Obtain agency employment prior to final certification.

Lateral applicants must have attended a state-certified academy of at least 650 hours and have one year of full-time patrol experience. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

POST Contact Information

Alaska Police Standards Council (APSC)
5700 E Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: 907-269-5511
Website: https://dps.alaska.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://dps.alaska.gov/comm/academy/standards