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Verified by WY Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in Wyoming

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Wyoming

Estimated timeline: 1-3 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4. Must be free of physical, medical and emotional problems which might adversely affect the applicants performance as a peace officer. 5. Must successfully pass an oral interview. 6. Must pass a background investigation. 7. Must submit to a criminal history investigation. 8. Must submit fingerprints 9. Must complete a Commission approved peace officer basic training program. In Wyoming, basic training is provided by the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (http://www.wleacademy.com/). Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Peace Officers: 1. Temporary Certificate: Certificate is valid for one year and certificate holder must attend peace officer basic training. 2. Basic Certificate: Issued after completion of basic training or upon successfully completing a challenge process. Officer must advance to an advanced Certificate within two years. 3. Advanced Certificate: Issued after one year of service at the basic level plus 80 hours of training. Officer must progress to professional certificate within three years. 4. Professional Certificate: Officer must have a high school diploma or GED plus 80 hours of training plus 36 months of service as an advanced peace officer OR they must have an associates degree plus 40 hours of training plus 24 months of service as an advanced peace officer OR they must have a bachelors degree plus 12 months of service as an advanced peace officer. After reaching the professional level certification, peace officers are required to complete 40 hours of continuing training every 24 months. There are separate requirments for reserve peace officers. Contact the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for more information. Restrictions Candidates may not have been convicted of any felony. Candidate may not have been convicted of any offense that would make the applicant ineligible to own or possess a firearm. School Located in Wyoming Training in Wyoming is provided through the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (WLEA

    • https://www.wleacademy.com/). License The Wyoming POST Commission issues certificates upon successful completion of training requirements. Examination Testing is conducted as part of training at the WLEA. Fees None. Licensing Agency Chris Walsh, Executive Director 1556 Riverbend Drive Douglas, WY 82633 Phone: (307) 358-8213 Fax: (307) 638-9706 https://post.wyo.gov/ Additional Sources of Information Occupational Outlook Handbook: Police and Detectives" http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm Last updated June 2023"
  2. 2

    Must be a United States citizen. 2.

    • Be an adult. 3.
    • Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4.
    • Must be free of physical, medical and emotional problems which might adversely affect the applicants performance as a peace officer. 5.
    • Must successfully pass an oral interview. 6.
    • Must pass a background investigation. 7.
    • Must submit to a criminal history investigation. 8.
    • Must submit fingerprints 9.
    • Must complete a Commission approved peace officer basic training program.
    • In Wyoming, basic training is provided by the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (http://www.wleacademy.com/).
    • Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Peace Officers: 1.
    • Temporary Certificate: Certificate is valid for one year and certificate holder must attend peace officer basic training. 2.
    • Basic Certificate: Issued after completion of basic training or upon successfully completing a challenge process.
    • Officer must advance to an advanced Certificate within two years. 3.
    • Advanced Certificate: Issued after one year of service at the basic level plus 80 hours of training.
    • Officer must progress to professional certificate within three years. 4.
    • Professional Certificate: Officer must have a high school diploma or GED plus 80 hours of training plus 36 months of service as an advanced peace officer OR they must have an associates degree plus 40 hours of training plus 24 months of service as an advanced peace officer OR they must have a bachelors degree plus 12 months of service as an advanced peace officer.
    • After reaching the professional level certification, peace officers are required to complete 40 hours of continuing training every 24 months.
    • There are separate requirments for reserve peace officers.
    • Contact the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for more information.
    • Restrictions Candidates may not have been convicted of any felony.
    • Candidate may not have been convicted of any offense that would make the applicant ineligible to own or possess a firearm.
    • Sc
  3. 3

    Education: Specific course required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  5. 5

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  6. 6

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  7. 7

    Must pass a background investigation.

  8. 8

    Must complete a Commission approved peace officer basic training program.

  9. 9

    In Wyoming, basic training is provided by the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (http://www.wleacademy.com/).

  10. 10

    Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Peace Officers: 1.

  11. 11

    Temporary Certificate: Certificate is valid for one year and certificate holder must attend peace officer basic training.

  12. 12

    Basic Certificate: Issued after completion of basic training or upon successfully completing a challenge process.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing Education There are 4 levels of certification for Peace Officers: 1

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,180 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4. Must be free of physical, medical an...; Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4. Must be free of physical, medical an...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4. Must be free of physical, medical an...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4. Must be free of physical, medical an...; Must be a United States citizen. 2. Be an adult. 3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent. 4. Must be free of physical, medical an...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wyoming

With a median salary of $65,180, Police Officers in Wyoming earn 15% below the national median of $76,290. Wyoming ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-3 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.5%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,175

Median annual salary

$65,180

Hourly estimate

$31.34
15% below national median

Difference: -$11,110

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,380
  • P2525th percentile$57,810
  • P50Median$65,180
  • P7575th percentile$75,210
  • P9090th percentile$80,720

State vs National Median

State: $65,180
National: $76,290

Total employment: 1,300 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#33 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
Wyoming$65,180Specific course requiredState exam required1-3 years
Montana$69,910Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$60,300Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nebraska$72,160Varies by state boardState-approved exam21 years
Colorado$96,100Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Utah$77,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$66,150Specific course requiredState-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
Wyoming62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Montana78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION

1556 RIVERBEND DRIVE, DOUGLAS, WY, 82633

Phone: 3073588213

Related Careers in Wyoming

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$51,740Specific course required1-3 years
Firefighter$51,850Specific course required1-3 years
Security Guards$36,330Varies by state board1-3 months
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-3 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Police Officers in Wyoming?

Wyoming lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.

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

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

What is the typical Police Officer salary in Wyoming?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in Wyoming is $65,180. Salaries range from $49,380 (10th percentile) to $80,720 (90th percentile).

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

Police Officers in Wyoming earn 15% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $65,180.

How many Police Officers work in Wyoming?

Wyoming employs approximately 1,300 Police Officers according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Wyoming?

The licensing agency is WYOMING PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS & TRAINING COMMISSION. Review agency details at https://post.wyo.gov/.

How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Wyoming?

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