How do I become a police officer?

Owned by Amy Knight (Deactivated)
Last updated: Oct 02, 2020

In Georgia, the peace officer certification process is regulated by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST). Candidates interested in becoming a peace officer in Georgia must complete an application with POST prior to enrolling in GPSTC’s Basic Police Officer Training Program.

Candidates pursuing Basic Training at GPSTC must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment.

Candidates must:

  • Undergo a background investigation.
  • Be fingerprinted.
  • Undergo a physical examination.
  • Complete an entrance exam. 
  • Be interviewed by the manager of the GPSTC Regional Academy where the student will attend training.

Upon meeting and completing the above requirements, candidates may enroll in GPSTC’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program. The training is a rigorous program that takes 11 weeks to complete. After a candidate has completed the program, they are eligible for POST certification and for employment as an entry-level law enforcement officer.

The Basic Law Enforcement Training Program is taught by the GPSTC staff at the main campus in Forsyth or at one of eight satellite training facilities located throughout the state. If you are interested in becoming a Peace Officer, please call the regional academy that you are interested in attending.