Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Federal Aviation Administration • Airmen Certification Branch • Licenses & Certificates
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,030 median (24% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Federal Aviation Administration~Airmen Certification Branch~Licenses & Certificates and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $58,030, Police Officers in North Carolina earn 24% below the national median of $76,290. North Carolina ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$58,030Hourly estimate
$27.9024% below national median
Difference: -$18,260
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $58,030 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $65,110 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $56,350 | Degree required | State exam required | 2 years |
| South Carolina | $58,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 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
Federal Aviation Administration • Airmen Certification Branch • Licenses & Certificates
6425 South Denning Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73169-6937
Phone: 8668782498
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $49,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $37,250 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $35,900 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Police Officers in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in North Carolina is $58,030. Salaries range from $44,850 (10th percentile) to $80,920 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Police Officers in North Carolina earn 24% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $58,030.
How many Police Officers work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 21,650 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is Federal Aviation Administration / Airmen Certification Branch / Licenses & Certificates. Review agency details at https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.