Police officer or detective: department exam, academy and on-the-job training
Police officers usually need at least a high school diploma, must pass their agency's tests and graduate from its training academy. Every department sets its own age, education and residency rules.
For: Fit, calm people with good judgment who want to protect their community and can work shifts.
Route 1: Diploma or college → department tests → academy → officer Typical
Some federal agencies and police departments want college coursework or a degree. A felony conviction or drug use may disqualify a candidate.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
Many applicants have some college; common majors are security and protective service and social science.
GED or HiSETBLS
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- 20 Oct 2026
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Apply
Meet the department's own rules
Usually at least 21; most states and local jurisdictions require U.S. citizenship, federal agencies always do.
BLS
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Exam gate
Written exam, physical tests, interviews
Physical tests of vision, hearing, strength and agility; some agencies add a polygraph and a drug test.
BLS
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Academy
The agency's training academy
State and local laws, constitutional law, civil rights and ethics; patrol, traffic control, firearms, self-defense, first aid and emergency response.
BLS
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Goal
Police officer
After probation, promotion to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain usually follows a written exam and job performance.
BLS
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Route 2: Police officer → detective, or a federal agent With experience
Because they need experience in law enforcement, detectives typically begin as police officers.
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Start here
Police officer
BLS
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Years
Experience and promotion
In large departments an officer may be promoted to detective.
BLS
Police and Detectives — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Detective
Federal agencies such as the FBI may require a bachelor's degree; FBI special agents need 2 years of full-time work, or 1 year plus a master's or higher.
BLS
Police and Detectives — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: Too young to apply? Police cadet programs Age 18+
Some departments run cadet programs for people who do not yet meet the minimum age.
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Start here
Age 18, driver's license
BLS
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- 20 Oct 2026
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Cadet
Clerical work and classes
Until you reach the minimum age for the regular force.
BLS
Police and Detectives — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Apply as an officer
BLS
Police and Detectives — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Bachelor's degree for higher ranks
Police departments · Employer may require - Along with exam and performance scores, a bachelor's degree may be required for lieutenant or higher.
BLS
Police and Detectives — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
How three departments hire
There is no national police exam: each city, county, state and federal agency hires on its own rules. Three large departments' own hiring pages, as examples only:
| Department | What you need |
|---|---|
| New York City NYPD · exam run by NYC DCAS |
Multiple-choice exam from age 17 (70% to pass); appointed at 20½ or older and only if under 43 on the filing date (up to 6 years of military service can be deducted). By appointment: high school diploma plus 24 college credits with a 2.0 index, or 2 years of honorable full-time U.S. military service; U.S. citizen; New York State driver license; live in NYC or Nassau, Westchester, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland or Putnam County. Physical test, medical, psychological, drug and background checks. 2026–27 filing windows open every month, with no fee. NYC DCASNotice of Examination: Police Officer, Exam Nos. 7311–7322 (2026–27)NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Replaces the older nyc.gov page (OLD-po-hiring), which still says appointment at 21 and the exam before age 35. View source |
| Los Angeles LAPD |
At least 20 to apply and 21 by academy graduation; no maximum age. U.S. high school diploma, GED or CHSPE (a 2- or 4-year degree can replace it). Legally authorized to work in the U.S.; you do not have to live in Los Angeles. Steps: application, multiple-choice test, physical abilities test, department interview, personal history statement, polygraph, medical, field investigation and psychological evaluation. LAPDLAPD QualificationsLos Angeles Police Department (JoinLAPD)
LAPDLAPD Police Officer Hiring ProcessLos Angeles Police Department (JoinLAPD)
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| Chicago Chicago Police Department |
Written exam from age 20 (Pearson VUE, at a test center or online); hired at 21 and before your 40th birthday. 60 semester hours of college, or 30 hours plus 1 year of active duty; 2 years of active duty or certain job experience can replace it. Illinois driver license with a Chicago address and a FOID card by the first academy day; no debts to the City. Then a history questionnaire, drug screen, Pre-POWER and final POWER fitness tests, background and polygraph, psychological and medical checks. CPDEligibility & RequirementsChicago Police Department
CPDHiring ProcessChicago Police Department
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.