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Verified by ND Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: Some physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification may substitute for license requirements.

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  7. 7

    For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $75,530 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #24 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Dakota eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to ND Peace Officer Standards and Training Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of $75,530, Police Officers in North Dakota earn 1% below the national median of $76,290. North Dakota ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$75,530

Hourly estimate

$36.31
1% below national median

Difference: -$760

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$58,580
  • P2525th percentile$63,140
  • P50Median$75,530
  • P7575th percentile$81,100
  • P9090th percentile$92,340

State vs National Median

State: $75,530
National: $76,290

Total employment: 1,850 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#24 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$115,400
#2Washington$102,640
#3Illinois$101,530
#4Alaska$100,300
#5Colorado$96,100

Nearby States Comparison

Police Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$75,530Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$83,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$60,300Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Montana$69,910Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

ND Peace Officer Standards and Training Board

PO Box 1054, Bismarck, ND, 58502-1054

Phone: 7013285516

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Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$55,760Specific course requiredVaries by board
Firefighter$53,660Degree requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$39,970Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Police Officer in North Dakota?

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 Dakota?

North Dakota lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.

What education do you need to become a Police Officer in North Dakota?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Police Officer salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in North Dakota is $75,530. Salaries range from $58,580 (10th percentile) to $92,340 (90th percentile).

How does the Police Officer salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Police Officers in North Dakota earn 1% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $75,530.

How many Police Officers work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 1,850 Police Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Police Officer license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. Review agency details at http://www.post.nd.gov/.

How often do you renew a Police Officer license in North Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.