Ohio Police Academy Requirements

Joining a police academy is a milestone on the path to becoming a police officer. The Ohio police academy requirements are intended to set a high standard for potential officers. Below are all the requirements and disqualifying factors. Be aware that there is a lot of competition for police jobs so going above the minimum requirements is advised. Ohio police academy requirements consist of, in part, the following:

Age Requirement

Ohio police academy age requirements state that applicants must be at least 20 years of age at time application is filed. Must be at least 21 years of age, and must not have reached one’s 35th birthday at time of appointment to the position of police officer.

Residency and Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be a resident of Ohio and possess a valid Ohio driver’s license upon appointment as a State Police Cadet.

Applicants must be a United States citizen at the time of initial application.

Educational Requirement

Ohio Police Academy requirements for education state that the applicants must possess a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) time of application.  Correspondence or mail-order high school diplomas are not accepted.

Applicant will be required to take a written/oral examination, psychological test, as well as a polygraph examination.

Automatic Disqualification Factors

Applicants are advised that the Ohio State Police will automatically disqualify any applicant who does not meet the general requirements as detailed below.  In addition, the following information is provided regarding our criteria for automatic disqualification:

• Falsification, omission, or misrepresentation of any information during the completion of the Polygraph Screening Booklet, the Polygraph Examination, the Formal Application for Employment, and any other documents/processes associated with the Cadet Selection Procedures.
• Substance abuse/use within a prescribed time frame and/or that is beyond what is considered experimental by the Ohio State Police.
• Criminal arrests/behavior which would not reflect well on the Ohio State Police.

The core purpose of the Ohio State Police is to seek justice, preserve peace, and improve the quality of life for all.  As such, the Department has established the core values of Honor, Service, Integrity, Respect, Trust, Courage, and Duty, and is seeking applicants who possess these traits and conduct themselves accordingly.  Certain issues within a person’s background have been identified which will result in automatic disqualification, including but not limited to:  criminal conduct (actual arrest and/or admission of behavior whether or not arrested) and substance abuse.

A preliminary determination will be made by the Ohio State Police based upon information supplied; therefore, applicants must be forthright and honest in documenting their conduct.  Be advised that this preliminary determination is not binding as it is made based upon information provided by the applicant only.  Should an applicant continue in the selection process, the conduct will then be discussed and documented with a Ohio State Police Officer.

Applicants are advised that all information provided to the Ohio State Police is to contain no misrepresentation, falsification, omissions, or concealment of material fact and that, upon submission of any official document (on-line or otherwise), applicants swear or affirm that all information provided is true, complete, and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief.  Applicants are further advised that all information provided is subject to later investigation.

Physical Readiness Test

Applicants must be able to score in the 30th percentile or better on the Cooper Fitness Standards during the pre-employment physical fitness assessment test. Must be able to score in the 50th percentile or better on the Cooper Fitness Standards (or other prescribed fitness standards as determined necessary by the State of Ohio, City Administration, and the Civil Service Board).

The Physical Fitness Test consists of 3 basic tests.  Each test is a scientifically valid test.

The tests will be given in the following sequence with a rest period between each test:

1.   1 MINUTE PUSH-UP TEST

This is a measure of the fitness (strength and endurance) level of the muscle groups involved in the chest, upper arms and shoulder girdle.  It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength.  The score is in the number of push-ups performed in 1 minute.

2. 1 MINUTE SIT UP TEST

This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles.  It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems.  The score is in the number of bent leg sit-ups performed in 1 minute.

3. 1.5 MILE RUN

This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system capability to transport oxygen.  It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems.  The score is in minutes and seconds.
WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS?

• The actual performance requirement for each test is based upon norms for a national population sample.

• The applicant must pass every test during a single session.

• The required performance to pass each test is based upon gender and age (decade).  While the absolute performance is different for the 8 categories, the relative level of effort is identical for each age and gender group.  All recruits are being required to meet the same percentile rank in terms of their respective age/gender group.  The performance requirement is that level of physical performance that approximates the 30^th percentile for each age and gender group.

PHYSICAL FITNESS CHART

TEST

 
* NOTE:

The eligibility requirements are subject to change at any time.