Wisconsin POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: At least 21 years of age for appointment as a law enforcement officer.
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required by hire date.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; no disqualifying misdemeanor offenses; must meet Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (WLEPB) character and background standards.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass background investigation and fingerprinting.
  • Pass medical and psychological evaluations.
  • Pass drug screening.
  • Successfully complete a Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board-approved basic training academy.

Physical Fitness Standards

Wisconsin recruits must pass a physical fitness exam before admission to the basic training academy; academies publish minimum standards for aerobic and strength tests.

• Timed run (1.5 miles or equivalent).
• Push-ups and sit-ups in fixed time period.
• Agility course or job-task simulation event.

Fitness requirements vary by training provider but must meet or exceed standards set by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 672

Wisconsin mandates approximately 672 hours of training for the basic peace officer academy. (Source: Institute for Criminal Justice Training Reform data) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Reference: Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board – Basic Recruit Training.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Wisconsin offers licensing via reciprocity/part-credit for out-of-state or federal officers with qualifying training and experience.

• Submit prior training and experience to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board for evaluation.
• Complete any required Wisconsin-specific training modules.
• Pass required state licensing exams and meet selection standards.

Credit and waiver eligibility depend on prior training and service.

POST Contact Information

Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Website: https://leis.wisconsin.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://leis.wisconsin.gov/recruitment/academy-training