Massachusetts POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Typically 21 for municipal police; 19 with a waiver for some academies.
• Education: High school diploma or GED; many departments require college credits.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid Massachusetts driver’s license by employment.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; must meet POST Commission character standards.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass medical exam, psychological exam, and drug test.
  • Pass the Massachusetts Physical Ability Test (PAT).
  • Must attend and graduate from an MPTC-approved academy.

Physical Fitness Standards

Massachusetts uses a standardized Physical Ability Test (PAT) for academy admission.

• Stair climb with weight vest.
• Push/pull resistance machine test.
• Dummy drag.
• Obstacle course with job-task stations.

PAT events simulate real police job functions; must be passed before entry to an MPTC academy.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 800

Massachusetts MPTC academies require approximately 800+ hours of training including CPR, firearms, defensive tactics, criminal law, patrol procedures, and emergency vehicle operations.

Reference: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission / Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC).

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Massachusetts POST allows out-of-state officers to apply for waiver review but does not guarantee equivalency.

• Submit prior training and experience documentation to MPTC/POST.
• May require supplemental Massachusetts-specific training.
• Must meet PAT and all character standards.

In many cases, out-of-state officers are required to attend the full academy.

POST Contact Information

Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission
10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 733-2070
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/peace-officer-standards-and-training-post-commission

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/police-academy-training