10 STEP SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process for the State of Iowa requires successfully completing ALL of the 10 phases shown below, including attending and graduating from the DPS Academy. Failing any step will result in elimination from the process. Applicants are encouraged to produce the best test scores during each of the test phases so it allows the greatest opportunity for a Conditional Offer and Final Offer of Employment.
56th Academy Hiring Process Timeline
Basic & Prior Certified Officer
*Closes: July 19th, 2026
This application process includes hiring for both basic and prior certified officer applicants. The Iowa DPS will be running simultaneous academies for the 56th Academy. The Basic Academy is 20 weeks in length, and the Prior Certified Officer Academy is 8 weeks in length.
- June 12th 2026: Applications Open
- July 19th 2026: Applications Close
- July 27th – 31st 2026: Out-of-State Testing (All Steps)
- August 4th, 5th, and 11th 2026: In-State PT & POST Testing
- August 12th 2026: PT & Post Re-Test Only
- August 24th – 28th 2026: Oral Boards, Fingerprints, Conditional Offers
- August 31st – September 25th 2026: Polygraphs & MMPIs
- September 28th – October 9th 8th 2026: Psychological & Medical Evaluations
- October 23rd – November 13th 2026: Background Investigations
- December 4th 2026: Final Offers
- December 8th 2026 – Academy Initial PT Test
- December 29th – Make Up Initial Academy PT
- December 29th – 31st 2026: Resiliency Training & Orientation
- January 4th 2027: Academy Start Date
- February 26th 2027: Certified Graduation
- May 21st 2027: Academy Graduation
Step 1
Minimum Qualifications Screening
Applicants are required to determine from the list of minimum hiring qualifications whether or not they believe they are suitable for hire as a peace officer with the State of Iowa. Computerized record files (driver license and criminal history) will be searched on each applicant before testing. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications initial screening will be invited to complete the physical fitness assessment.
*Click here to view minimum hiring qualifications and personal appearance policy
Step 2
Physical Fitness Assessment
The physical fitness assessment consists of sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Time and repetitions vary depending on the age and sex of the applicant. Applicants will need to meet the physical fitness requirements of each category to advance to the next hiring process steps.
Applicants failing any portion of the physical fitness assessment will be allowed one (1) re-test to be conducted on a different day. Applicants re-testing will be required to complete all portions of the physical fitness assessment.
One Minute Sit Up
This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. It is an important area of performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems. The score is in number of bent leg sit ups performed in one (1) minute. Hands must remain on or about the head. While in the up position, elbows should touch the knees or upper portion of the thigh. When in the down position, the back must come down so that shoulder blades touch the floor. Legs may be held for assistance.
One Minute Push Up
This test requires applicants to push their own weight off the floor. This measures the amount of force the upper body can generate and is an important area of performing police tasks requiring upper body strength. The score is calculated by the number of push-ups performed in one minute. The chest must come down and touch a fist placed under the applicant’s chest, and then the arms must go to full extension to complete the push up. Women will not be allowed to complete this test with their knees on the ground unless they are in excess of forty-nine (49) years of age.
1.5 Mile Run
This is a timed run to measure the heart and vascular system’s capability to transport oxygen. It is an important area of performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. The score is in minutes and seconds.
Step 3
Written Exam (POST)
Each applicant must pass the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST). The POST is a timed aptitude test divided into four sections. The specific sections are: arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar/spelling/punctuation, and incident report writing. Applicants must score at least 70% on each of the four sections of the test, and the overall average must be at least 75%. A POST study guide is available for review at all Iowa State Patrol District Offices | Iowa Department of Public Safety. In addition, preparatory materials and sample exams are available online at multiple websites. Applicants are strongly encouraged to study and take sample exams in preparation for the POST exam.
*Click here for POST Study Guide Resources
*Click here for the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST)
*Click here for Iowa State Patrol District Offices information
Additional Information
After successful completion of the physical fitness assessment and the written exam, applicants will receive a score to determine eligibility for advancement to the next test phase; the oral board interview. The total score is based upon the physical fitness assessment, average score from the POST exam, and veteran’s points if applicable. Applicants are required to have a minimum of 70% on each section of the POST exam and an overall score of at least 75%. Applicant may be allowed one re-test on the POST exam.
Veteran’s points are awarded in accordance with Iowa law. The Department of Public Safety’s Basic Training Academy is approved by the state of Iowa for G.I. Bill benefits under the on-the-job-training program. This benefit is extended to National Guard members and Reservists also. For additional information, please contact the Veterans Affairs Office at one of the following phone numbers: 800.838.4692 or 515.242.5331.
Step 4
Oral Board Interview
Each applicant advancing to the oral board interview phase will be interviewed and evaluated by three employees within the Department. The average of the combined scores becomes the applicant’s final oral board interview score. Professional business attire is encouraged (i.e. business suit, tie and dress shoes).
Conditional Offer of Employment: After careful review and consideration of applicant materials, test scores and oral board interviews, selected applicants are given a “Conditional Offer of Employment”. These applicants are invited to continue in the selection process and complete the remaining test phases.
Step 5
Polygraph Evaluation
During the polygraph evaluation, information is gathered from applicant materials and oral board responses will be verified. Emphasis will be placed on illegal activity, undetected criminal conduct, and misrepresentation of information given during the previous steps. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications following the polygraph evaluation are scheduled for the next hiring step.
Step 6
Psychological Evaluation
Applicants are required to complete the MMPI (Minnesota Multi-Phasic Personality Inventory). The MMPI consists of 567 true/false questions. Applicants are scheduled to be interviewed by the Department’s psychologist and their MMPI is scored and evaluated. The psychologist will make a hiring recommendation based on the results of the MMPI and the interview/evaluation.
Step 7
Medical Examination
A medical examination is scheduled to determine if the applicant is physically able to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer as described in the peace officer job descriptions and minimum qualifications. A drug screening is conducted during the medical examination phase. Medical conditions not specified will be evaluated by the Department’s physician whose decision will be final.
Step 8
Background Investigation
In the last phase of the process, a careful review of the applicant’s materials, test results, oral board interview, polygraph evaluation, psychological evaluation, and medical examination is conducted by the Divisions. The Divisions will select applicants to advance to the Background Investigation phase. During the Background Investigation, an applicant’s references, employers, schools, co-workers, and other sources are contacted and interviewed. Information obtained in the Background Investigation may be compared with information provided by the applicant. Any false or misleading information provided by the applicant may disqualify the applicant.
Step 9
Final Offers
At the conclusion of all phases of the selection process, final offers of employment may be extended to selected applicants. The Division Directors’ final recommendations, based on the applicant’s qualifications and merit as well as the availability of positions, are made to the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety who then makes the final decision. Any applicant not selected for hire is notified in writing at the conclusion of the selection process. All unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply as long as they meet the minimum qualification standards.
Step 10
Basic Training Academy
The Basic Training Academy is conducted at the Camp Dodge military facility located in Johnston, Iowa and runs Monday through Friday.
Subjects studied during the Academy include such topics as laws of arrest, search and seizure, defensive tactics, arrest techniques, precision driving, firearms, emergency management services, criminal law, physical fitness and motor vehicle law.
At the Academy, training materials, meals, and lodging are furnished at no cost to the recruits during the week. The Academy runs from 8:00 a.m. Monday morning until approximately 5:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon. Recruits are required to stay on complex Monday through Friday but may go home on the weekends. Recruits receive a salary during Academy training.
