Virginia POST Requirements
Fast Facts
- Minimum age: At least 18 years old; many agencies require 21 for sworn law enforcement.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Academy hours (minimum): 760
- Reciprocity: Virginia provides a partial equivalency/reciprocity path for out-of-state, federal, or military officers with qualifying training and experience.
Minimum Requirements
- Age: At least 18 years old; many agencies require 21 for sworn law enforcement.
- Education: High school diploma or GED.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
- Driver license: Valid driver’s license (Virginia license required by appointment).
- Criminal history: No felony convictions; no misdemeanor domestic violence convictions; must meet DCJS good character standards.
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Other requirements:
- Pass background investigation and fingerprinting.
- Pass medical exam and psychological screening as required by agency.
- Pass drug screening.
- Must meet DCJS physical ability and essential job function requirements set by the academy.
Physical Fitness Standards
Virginia does not publish a single statewide numeric fitness chart; however, academies use job-task-based physical ability tests and require ongoing conditioning.
- Timed run (1.5 mile or academy equivalent).
- Push-ups and sit-ups for muscular endurance.
- Obstacle/agility course simulating job tasks.
- Dummy drag / weight carry tasks.
DCJS mandates that recruits demonstrate the ability to perform essential job tasks; each academy sets specific entrance benchmarks.
Academy Training Requirements
Minimum academy hours: 760
Virginia’s DCJS-mandated compulsory minimum training standards require approximately 760+ hours of basic law enforcement training across certified academies.
Reference: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) – Compulsory Minimum Training Standards.
Reciprocity / Lateral Entry
Virginia provides a partial equivalency/reciprocity path for out-of-state, federal, or military officers with qualifying training and experience.
- Submit documentation of previous academy completion to DCJS for equivalency review.
- Must complete Virginia-specific legal training and any required skills modules.
- Must pass DCJS certification exams and meet background/character standards.
Waivers are reviewed individually by DCJS; not all out-of-state training qualifies.
POST Contact Information
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
1100 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 786-4000
Website:
https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov
Official POST Requirements:
https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/law-enforcement