Ohio POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: At least 18 years old to attend many academies; most hiring agencies require 21 years of age at appointment.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license (typically an Ohio license by appointment).
• Criminal history: No felony convictions and no disqualifying misdemeanor convictions (for example, domestic violence offenses).
• Other requirements:
  • Pass an extensive criminal background check.
  • Pass a pre-academy physical examination.
  • Pass drug screening.
  • Meet OPOTC entrance physical fitness standards.
  • Successfully complete an OPOTC-approved basic training academy.
  • Pass the Ohio state peace officer certification exam.

Physical Fitness Standards

OPOTC uses age- and sex-based physical fitness benchmarks for academy admission and graduation, including sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.

• Timed sit-up test (age- and sex-based minimum repetitions).
• Timed push-up test (age- and sex-based minimum repetitions).
• 1.5-mile run with age- and sex-based time standards.
• Additional academy-administered events as required.

Applicants must pass a physical fitness test to enter an OPOTC-approved academy and meet higher benchmarks by the end of training. Specific repetition and time standards vary by age and sex, and candidates must also pass a separate statewide certification exam after training.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 740

The Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training curriculum has a statewide minimum of 740 hours, though many academies exceed this baseline. Training covers criminal law, patrol operations, use of force, defensive tactics, firearms, driving, investigations, community policing, and report writing, delivered on weekday, evening/weekend, or semester-style schedules.

Reference: Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) – Peace Officer Basic Training Curriculum.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Ohio offers a reciprocity pathway for out-of-state and select federal officers whose prior training and experience meet OPOTC standards.

• Experienced officers from other states or certain federal agencies can request a reciprocal occupational certificate through OPOTC.
• Applicants submit documentation of prior basic academy training and law enforcement experience for OPOTC review.
• If OPOTC finds the prior training substantially equivalent, the applicant may be permitted to sit for the Ohio state certification exam without repeating a full academy.
• All reciprocity applicants must still pass the statewide certification exam and satisfy Ohio licensing and background requirements.

Reciprocity is not automatic; each application is evaluated individually by OPOTC based on prior training content, hours, and documented experience.

POST Contact Information

Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission / Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)
P.O. Box 309, London, OH 43140
Phone: 740-845-2700
Website: https://opota.ohioattorneygeneral.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/what-we-do/our-programs/office-of-law-enforcement-recruitment/become-a-peace-officer