P.O.S.T. Skills

The Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board licenses more than 10,000 active peace officers and over 100 active part-time peace officers.

Officers must complete four steps to licensing as well as meet minimum selection standards.

St. Cloud State University students completing a Skills program may transfer those credits back to count towards their bachelor's degree. Most Skills programs are 12 credits, which may count towards a student's completion of 120 credits for a bachelor's degree.  

St. Cloud State only accepts credits earned from a Minnesota State College or University with a grade of C- or higher (up to 16 Technical Transfer credits).

1. Academic

The P.O.S.T. board authorized St. Cloud State's academic program in 1979. 

2. First Responder

Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB)-approved First Responder level or higher certification. Students may elect EMSC1462 at St. Cloud Technical & Community College or equivalent course.

3. Skills 

To participate you must:

• Complete CJS 111, 421, 422, and 431 as an undergraduate or CJS 521, 522, 531 and 601 as a graduate student.
• Earn a 2.65 grade point average in the courses listed above.
• Complete each of the 10 liberal education goal areas with a minimum of 60 credits (this is equivalent to an AA degree).
• Minnesota traffic statutes and ordinances learning objectives.
• Earn your First Responder or higher certification.
• Meet the fall deadline for consideration of admission to the next summer program. Watch for meeting announcements during fall semester via email. 
• Fill out and process a consortium agreement if you plan to use financial aid toward your Skills training. 
• View some of the forms you will be asked to fill out to attend Skills (PDF).

A St. Cloud State Student electing to attend a summer Skills institution other than Alexandria Technical & Community College, must inform the PPOE Coordinator. Failure to do so may delay clearance for P.O.S.T. exam or other licensing issues.

4. Licensing

Potential peace officers also must pass the P.O.S.T. licensing test.

P.O.S.T. exam prep course and study materials are available through Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. 

Selection standards

Peace Officer Standards and Training Board's minimum selection standards (Minnesota Rules 6700.0700).  
Standards of Conduct for Licensees (Minnesota Rules 6700.1500).
Professional Peace Office Education (Minnesota Rules 6700.0300).

To briefly summarize, to be eligible you must:

• Be a United States citizen.
• Possess a valid Minnesota driver's license.
• Complete a comprehensive written application.
• Never have been convicted of a felony.
• Never have been convicted under Minnesota Statutes, section 609.224, 609.2242, 609.231, 609.2325, 609.233, 609.2335, 609.234, 609.324, 609.465, 609.466, 609.52, or 609.72, subdivision 3; as well as never been convicted under any state or federal narcotics or controlled substance laws or any similar law of another state or federal law.
• Submit to a thorough background investigation.
• Pass a thorough physical examination.
• Pass a psychological examination by a licensed psychologist.
• Pass a physical strength and agility exam to measure job-related skills.
• Pass a written examination to demonstrate mental skills.
• Pass an oral examination to demonstrate job-related communication skills.

Hiring agencies may apply additional standards and may determine mental and physical standards for its personnel.