How to Become a Police Officer in Pennsylvania

Who can apply

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Have no conviction for a disqualifying criminal offense (any offense punishable by more than one year in prison).
• Read at a ninth-grade level or higher on the Nelson-Denny Reading Test.
• Pass a physical exam by a Pennsylvania-licensed physician, PA or nurse practitioner, including drug testing. Vision must be at least 20/70 uncorrected in the stronger eye (correctable to 20/20) and 20/200 in the weaker eye (correctable to 20/40).
• Pass a psychological exam by a Pennsylvania-licensed psychologist, including an interview and the MMPI.
• Score at least the 30th percentile for your age and gender on one-minute sit-ups, the 300-meter run, one-minute push-ups and the 1.5-mile run, and maintain that standard throughout the academy.
• Pass the hiring department's background investigation: fingerprint checks with the state and FBI, credit history, interviews with at least three non-relatives and five years of employers, and a valid driver's license.

Step by step

1. Pass the four-part physical fitness test at the 30th percentile of the Cooper standards for your age and gender before entering the academy.
2. Enroll in a Commission-certified municipal police academy for the Act 120 basic training program.
3. Complete the 919-hour curriculum with at least 80% in each module, a 75% firearms qualifying score, and First Aid and CPR certification.
4. Pass the 200-question Act 120 state certification exam with at least 70%.
5. Get hired by a Pennsylvania municipal police department, which runs the background investigation, confirms you meet the reading, medical and psychological standards, and submits your certification application.
6. Receive MPOETC certification, valid for two years and tied to that department.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Act 120 basic police training at a Commission-certified academy. The curriculum is 919 hours in modules that mix classroom and hands-on practice. Cadets must earn at least 80% in each module, qualify with firearms at 75% or higher, hold First Aid and CPR certification, and attend 100% of classes (excused absences must be made up).

Exam: The Act 120 certification exam is a 200-question state exam given by MPOETC. Since September 26, 2024 the minimum passing score is 70%. There is no exam fee if you are employed by a Pennsylvania police department or have a conditional job offer; otherwise you pay a fee equal to the actual cost of giving the test.

What it costs in Pennsylvania

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Certification is renewed every two years and only for officers who complete mandatory in-service training (MIST). Certified municipal officers must complete 12 hours of in-service training each year. In 2026 the required courses are Legal Updates (3 hours) and Crisis Intervention (3 hours). Officers must also keep First Aid/CPR current and qualify with firearms each year.

Good to know in Pennsylvania

Out-of-state, federal and military officers: If you completed a basic course and worked as a full-time officer (32+ hours a week) in another state, you can apply in MPOETC's online system to take the Partial Waiver Assessment Test (200 questions). Military and federal officers need at least 760 hours of training and two years of full-time duty in the last seven years. A passing score is good for two years, during which you must be hired and certified. If you fail, you must finish academy training within two years, and you cannot retest more than once in two years. Waiver applicants also must qualify with firearms, hold First Aid/CPR, and pass the patrol vehicle operation test.

Certification is tied to your department: Your certification is valid only for the department named on it. If you leave that department, the certification for it is void.

Rehire within two years: If you held valid MPOETC certification within two years before your new employment date, you do not have to meet the entry qualifications again.

Failing a tested area: If you miss the minimum grade in a tested area, you must repeat that training before retesting; failing the same area a second time, or failing two separate tested areas in one course, means retaking the entire basic training course.

Sources

• MPOETC - Prospective Officers
• MPOETC - Basic Police Officer Training
• MPOETC - Apply to Take the Partial Waiver Assessment Test
• MPOETC - In-Service Police Officer Training
• MPOETC - 2026 MIST Course Descriptions
• 37 Pa. Code Chapter 203 - Administration of the Program
• Pennsylvania Bulletin - Certification Examination Minimum Passing Score (54 Pa.B., effective Sept. 26, 2024)
• MPOETC - Physical Fitness Assessment