Admission Requirements

“Do I qualify to get in the academy?” Admission Requirements

Auxiliary/Special Functions Officer (SFO) And Basic Corrections Officer (BCO) Entry Requirements

Section 53-6-203 Utah Code Annotated states that every applicant for admission to the training programs conducted by a certified peace officers training academy shall meet the following standards and requirements before being admitted.   If you have any questions regarding the following requirements as they pertain to your personal background please contact us at 801-395-3412.  For detailed questions regarding any criminal history or drug use contact Peace Officers Standards & Training (POST) in Sandy, UT at 801-256-2300.  
  1. 1. Academic Test: All applicants are required to pass the NPOST exam prior to attending the Law Enforcement Academy.
  2. Physical Training: The PT Entrance exam will be the first week of class.
  3. Pass Background Check and Fingerprint Search: These must be done even if they have already been done for other purposes. Fingerprinting is done in class.
  4. Be a United States Citizen
  5. Be a minimum age of 21 years of age by the start of classes
  6. Be the holder of a high school diploma or furnish evidence of successful completion of an examination indicating an equivalent achievement.
  7. Demonstrate good moral character
  8. Be free of any physical, emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the performance of duty as a peace officer as determined through a selection process.
  9. If applicant has been convicted of a felony, they will not be accepted into law enforcement training.
  10. If the applicant’s conviction or involvement is for a misdemeanor, they may not be accepted. However, P.O.S.T. will examine individual records once the applicant furnished all documentation including the police report, court dockets and a detailed written letter of explanation for the applicant on the circumstances of the arrest.
  11. This documentation will only be considered after the appropriate waiting period.
  12. The waiting period is four years from the date of conviction or involvement for crimes of dishonesty, unlawful sexual conduct, or physical violence. The use, conviction, or possession of unlawful controlled substances requires a two to five year wait depending on the type of substances that were involved.

Law Enforcement Officer Curriculum (LEO) Requirements

Be currently certified as a Corrections or Special Functions Officer or have completed a certification course for Corrections, or Special Functions Officer (Module 1,  SFO/BCO) in the past four years. Completion Requirements  
  • The student must pass several written examinations and demonstrate proficiency in various practical exercises.
  • Upon completion of these requirements, the student will be qualified for peace officer certification in the State of Utah.