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Training Academy Recruits

Training Academy Recruits

To become a licensed law enforcement officer in the State of Michigan, individuals must meet the requirements established under Public Act 203 of 1965 (the MCOLES Act). These requirements establish the standards for the selection, training, employment, and licensure that must be met before an individual can serve as a licensed officer in Michigan.

  • Physical Fitness Schedule

  • Reading and Writing Schedule

  • Academy Directory and Schedule

  • Drug Testing

    Candidates are required to complete a drug test using the required drug test report and approved laboratory list.

    In accordance with Rule 203: A person selected to become a law enforcement officer under the act shall meet all of the following requirements:

    (h) Test negative for illicit use of controlled substances under the following conditions:

    (i) The process used to detect the presence of a controlled substance and the laboratory used to conduct the test shall be approved by the commission.

    (ii) An applicant who tests positive, refuses to submit to a test, or fails to report for a test, shall not be eligible for training or licensing for 2 years after a test. An applicant who tests positive may request an opportunity to show cause to the commission why the test results were not indicative of an illicit use of a controlled substance.

  • Physical Fitness Testing

    Candidates are required to complete the pre-enrollment physical fitness test and must complete the Physician’s Health Screening Form. Candidates are required to contact the academy directly to register for an upcoming testing date.

    The physical fitness test consists of four separate events: vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1/2 mile shuttle run. The cost to take the test will be no more than $55.00. Candidates should contact the test site directly to register for the physical fitness pre-enrollment test. Official notification of the test results will be given to the candidate on the day of the test. The results will be on an official form and the score will be reported as PASS or FAIL.

    The physical fitness test must be taken within 180 days (6 months) of the start of the training academy session. Tests are offered only at training academies which are under Commission supervision. Other forms of fitness testing will not be accepted, although applicants are encouraged to practice the events prior to testing at an official site. Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to use the fitness testing as a pre-screening device prior to sending their applicants to an official physical fitness test.

    Candidates are required to pass all four events of the test. The official results notification may be presented to employing agencies or to recruit academies.

    The minimum performance standards for the physical fitness test are displayed below. The numbers in the tables represent the "cut score", or pass/fail point for each event. In order to pass the test, candidates must score at least the minimums listed in the tables on each of the four events. Select a test category to view preparation instructions for each event.

    Males
    Age Group Vertical Jump Sit Ups Push Ups 1/2 Mile Shuttle Run
    18 - 29 17.5 32 30 4:29.6
    30 - 39 16.0 30 30 4:38.2
    40 + 15.0 30 28 4:54.7
    Females
    Age Group Vertical Jump Sit Ups Push Ups 1/2 Mile Shuttle Run
    18 - 29 11.0 28 7 5:35.4
    30 - 39 9.0 19 7 5:59.1
    40 + 8.0 18 7 6:13.3
  • Reading and Writing Testing

    Candidates are required to pass the pre-enrollment reading and writing test. 

    The Reading and Writing test is designed to measure writing skills and reading comprehension required both in basic police training and on the job.  The cost to take the test is $72.

    Tests are offered only at participating training academies which are under Commission supervision. Your test results never expire, if taken after November 1, 1999, but you may retake the test at any time, if you desire. If you tested before May 2024 and do not have a copy of your results, you may request a copy of the results from mcolesteam@talogy.com. When requesting a copy of your results, please include your name, date of birth, and current mailing address. If you tested after May 2024, your test results are emailed to the email address you registered with on the Talogy website 24 hours after the test administration is completed. In addition, a hard copy of results will be mailed to all candidates within two weeks of the test administration.

    If you need to cancel an exam, send an email to mcolessupport@talogy.com and include your name, the date and time of your exam, and the last 4 digits of your social security number after you have followed the directions for cancelling (found in your confirmation letter). NOTE: Tests cannot be cancelled within 48 hours of the test date, so please cancel more than 48 hours before the scheduled test time.

    To register for the Reading and Writing Exam, visit the Talogy website. After completing the registration form, you will be prompted to pay for the exam and select a testing date. If you encounter any technical issues while logging in, contact Talogy support at mcolessupport@talogy.com.