Municipal Police Officer Certification

New Cadet: Successfully complete a Pennsylvania basic police training course approved by the Commission.  Individuals who have not previously satisfied the basic training requirements for certification will be required to attend an approved municipal police training course at a certified police academy.  More information about the basic training program is available on the Basic Police Officer Training page.

Training Waiver: Individuals with prior federal, military, or out-of-state law enforcement training AND employment may be eligible for training waivers as authorized in 53 Pa.C.S. § 2164 (15).  More information about eligibility criteria and application process is available on the Basic Police Officer Training page.

Returning Police Officer: Individuals who were previously a Commission-certified police officer and left that position in good standing. Requires proof of previous municipal police certification. 

Certification Examination Required: Individuals who have satisfied the minimum training standards may apply to take the state certification examination by completing an application in the Training and Certification System (TACS). Failure to supply required supporting documents will result in delay/denial of your application. Select from available test dates/locations and select "MPO Certification Exam" when creating the application in TACS. 

Individuals who have successfully completed the Certification Exam within the past 24 months are eligible to be certified when they are also employed by a municipal police department.  The employing police department is responsible for all certification records in TACS.  More information about the employment process and requirements is available on the Information for Police Departments page.