how to become a cop

Police Officer Application Process

General Minimum Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship – Only United States citizens will receive consideration. Qualified applicants will be required to provide proof of citizenship early in the selection process.

Age Requirements – Must be 21 years old but not older than 39 years old at the time of appointment (or 40 years old if the applicant turns 40 in the same month as their initial appointment).

Education – Must possess a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

Motor Vehicle License – Must possess, provide, and have maintained a valid United States, state issued driver's license (no provisional, temporary, conditional or permit license will be acceptable), and show evidence of at least three years of responsible driving experience. Must demonstrate routine driving experience within the most recent three year period.

Selective Service – Must be registered with the Selective Service System; or exempt from the Selective Service System registration as a female or due to age or military status. Those with military service must provide documentation of an honorable discharge.

Background Investigation – Must complete a full background investigation.

Additional requirements may apply. Applicants may review and apply for United States Capitol Police (USCP) career opportunities here.

How to Apply

The minimum qualifications listed above determine an individual's basic eligibility for employment with the United States Capitol Police (USCP). Please note, the application process can be lengthy. Depending on a person's specific circumstances, the process can take as little as a few months to more than a year.

The USCP encourages individuals to apply for open positions by submitting an application through our career site, APEX . The USCP's Job Opportunity Announcements are typically open in APEX for two to four weeks.

Each position has unique application procedures. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to view the current vacancy announcements and follow the specific application procedures that include submitting an application through APEX , filling out a questionnaire, and providing other required documentation.

The diagram below illustrates the hiring process for entry-level officers.

USCP Police Officer Selection Process and Physical Readiness Test

More information on the USCP Police Officer selection process and how to prepare for the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) may be found here.

The United States Capitol Police is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without discrimination based on national origin, race, religion, sex (including marital or parental status), disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.