Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AL Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Alabama
Estimated timeline: 19 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Pass a psychological test approved by the Commission
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
State of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy requirements are separate from the application process for specific city, county, state law enforcement entities.
- 4
Misdemeanor convictions and/or disclosed expunged convictions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
- Pass a psychological test approved by the Commission
- Have a valid Driver's License
- Possess a valid high school diploma or a GED certificate or an accredited Associates Degree or higher
- If the applicant has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the discharge must be under honorable conditions
- Be certified by a licensed physician, as in good health and physically fit for the performance of the duties of a law enforcement officer
- Be gainfully employed as a law enforcement officer by a law enforcement agency at the time of application being submitted to the academy
- Successfully pass the Law Enforcement Basic Abilities Test (BAT) at a Commission approved testing center
- Successfully complete an, 520-hour basic training course at the academy within six (6) months "of the date of hire"
- Within the first five (5) at the academy, the applicant will be required to pass a two-part physical agility/ability examination as a condition of certification.
Exam and processing details
- pass a two-part physical agility/ability examination as a condition of certification
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate or an accredited Associates Degree or higher
- If the applicant has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the discharge must be under honorable condition
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,850 median (29% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Misdemeanor convictions and/or disclosed expunged convictions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; Pass a psychological test approv...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Misdemeanor convictions and/or disclosed expunged convictions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; Pass a psychological test approv...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: pass a two-part physical agility/ability examination as a condition of certification.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (State of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy requirements are separate from the application process for specific city, county, state law enfo...; Misdemeanor convictions and/or disclosed expunged convictions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; Pass a psychological test approv...).
- 6. Submit the application to Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $53,850, Police Officers in Alabama earn 29% below the national median of $76,290. Alabama ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 19 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$53,850Hourly estimate
$25.8929% below national median
Difference: -$22,440
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $53,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 19 years |
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $56,350 | Degree required | State exam required | 2 years |
| Florida | $76,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-4 years |
| Mississippi | $45,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Florida | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission
P.O. Box 300075, Montgomery, AL, 36107
Phone: 3342424045
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $46,400 | Varies by state board | 19 years |
| Firefighter | $47,490 | Varies by state board | 1-18 years |
| Security Guards | $31,210 | Varies by state board | 1-5 years |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Alabama?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 19 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Alabama is $53,850. Salaries range from $37,010 (10th percentile) to $78,140 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Alabama earn 29% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $53,850.
How many Police Officers work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 12,060 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Alabama?
The licensing agency is Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission. Review agency details at https://www.apostc.alabama.gov/.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.