Application Fee
See agencyVerified by GA Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Georgia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Georgia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Georgia
Estimated timeline: 2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
2 years of experience as an agent registered with a licensed detective agency, or 2.
- 7
Years of experience in law enforcement, or four-year degree in criminal justice or.
- 8
· Pass exam.
Exam and processing details
- Pass exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$56,350 median (26% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Georgia eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Pass exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Georgia
With a median salary of $56,350, Police Officers in Georgia earn 26% below the national median of $76,290. Georgia ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,339Median annual salary
$56,350Hourly estimate
$27.0926% below national median
Difference: -$19,940
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#45 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $56,350 | Degree required | State exam required | 2 years |
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| North Carolina | $58,030 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $58,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Florida | $76,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-4 years |
| Alabama | $53,850 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 19 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Florida | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858
Phone: 4782072440
Related Careers in Georgia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $44,500 | Degree required | 21 years |
| Firefighter | $45,970 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $35,670 | Degree required | 2 years |
| Acupuncturist | $60,440 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Georgia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Police Officers in Georgia?
Georgia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Georgia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Police Officer licensure in Georgia.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Georgia?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Georgia is $56,350. Salaries range from $42,180 (10th percentile) to $77,750 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Georgia compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Georgia earn 26% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $56,350.
How many Police Officers work in Georgia?
Georgia employs approximately 21,540 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Georgia 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 Georgia?
The licensing agency is Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Georgia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.