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Recognition of Prior Basic Training and Experience (RPTE) Program

Recognition of Prior Basic Training and Experience (RPTE) Program

The RPTE program provides a pathway to Michigan law enforcement licensure for individuals who have previously completed law enforcement training or held licensure in Michigan or another state, as well as certain Michigan pre-service candidates. Eligible applicants may qualify for Michigan licensure or additional years of licensure eligibility based on prior training and experience.

  • Program Fees

  • Program Schedule

  • Program Overview

    All participants in the RPTE program will complete a 10-day training program plus one (1) day for the licensing exam. 

    The program includes:

    • Law Enforcement Response to Active Violence (RTAV) (8hrs),
    • Behavioral Health Emergency Partnerships (BHEP) (16hrs in class, 4hrs online pre-requisite),
    • Firearms training to include, but not limited to the active-duty firearms standard (24hrs),
    • Motor Vehicle Code (8hrs)
    • Legal Review (16hrs)
    • First Aid/CPR (8hrs)
    • Licensing Exam
  • Application Process

    Applicants seeking admission to the Recognition of Prior Basic Training and Experience (RPTE) program must complete and submit an application packet for review by the Commission. Approval to enroll in the RPTE program is not guaranteed. The Commission will review each applicant’s qualifications to determine eligibility before approving participation in the program or examination. 

    The completed application must be received and approved by the Commission no later than **two weeks prior** to the start of the program or examination date. Application packets must be submitted on original forms. After a completed RPTE application packet is submitted, the Commission will conduct a review of the applicant’s qualifications before determining eligibility for RPTE program enrollment. A medical examination to confirm compliance with medical standards will be facilitated by the licensing law enforcement agency once employment is secured. Upon completion of the review, the Commission will notify the applicant in writing if approval has been granted. Once approval is received, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the facility offering the program or examination they wish to attend. A facility list and schedule will be provided with the approval letter.

  • Licensed Out-of-State as a Law Enforcement Officer Requirements

    Requirements:

    • Applicant is or was a state (including Washington D.C.) licensed/certified law enforcement officer in good standing in a state (including Washington D.C.) other than Michigan for a minimum of 2080 hours, fully empowered and paid for all hours worked. 
    • Employment prior to the completion of training and awarding of state licensing will not be considered.
    • Applicant has completed a state-recognized basic training program or was employed before the establishment of training standards.
    • Applicant meets the current Minimum Selection and Employment Standards in R 28.14203 and R 28.14204 except as specified in R 28.14203(g).
    • Applicant reasonably expects or anticipates employment within twelve (12) months of the RPTE examinations.
  • Michigan Indian Tribal Law Enforcement Officer Requirements

    Requirements:

    • Applicant must have successfully completed a basic law enforcement training program recognized by a POST agency in another state, or a federally operated police training school that was sufficient to fulfill the minimum standards required by federal law to be appointed as a law enforcement officer of a Michigan tribal police force.
    • Be currently employed or have been employed as a law enforcement officer of a Michigan Indian tribal police force for not less than 1 year and empowered to enforce the criminal laws and have acted in that capacity following the date of appointment.
    • Reasonably expect to meet the current Minimum Selection and Employment Standards of R 28.14203(a) to (j), except (g) and (i), and R 28.14204.
    • If not currently employed as a law enforcement officer, the separation from employment as a law enforcement officer shall have been under such conditions that qualify the candidate for employment in Michigan as a law enforcement officer.
  • Michigan Pre-Service Graduate with No Law Enforcement Experience Requirements

    Requirements:

    • Applicant has met all requirements under the Pre-service Administrative Rules but has not obtained law enforcement employment within one (1) year from graduation.
    • Applicant has successfully completed the:
    • Reading and Writing examination (if you completed training prior to January 1, 2003);
    • Physical Fitness examination;
    • Licensing examination. 
    • Applicant meets the current Minimum Selection and Employment Standards.

    NOTE: All pre-service candidates approved for the RPTE program must attend the entire program course before taking the RPTE examinations. Upon successful completion of the program, passing of the program required assessments and licensing exam, the Michigan Pre-Service Graduate will receive one year of license eligibility. (Pursuant to Commission Policy VI, 2.01, 4.).

  • Previously Licensed as a Michigan Law Enforcement Officer Requirements

    Requirements: 

    • An individual must have been previously licensed in Michigan under the requirements of Public Act 203 of 1965, as amended.
    • The individual has voluntarily or involuntarily discontinued employment as a licensed law enforcement officer for a period of time in excess of that provided for in Section 9 (2) (a), (b) or (c) of Public Act 203.
    • The individual meets the current Minimum selection and Employment Standards in R 28.14203 and R 28.14204, except as specified in R 28.14203 (g).