Utah § 53-6-203 - Applicants for admission to training programs or for certification examination -- Requirements.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 53-6-203 — Applicants for admission to training programs or for certification examination -- Requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 53-6-203. Applicants for admission to training programs or for certification examination -- Requirements.

Effective 5/1/2024
53-6-203.  Applicants for admission to training programs or for certification examination -- Requirements.
(1)Before being accepted for admission to the training programs conducted by a certified academy, and before being allowed to take a certification examination, each applicant for admission or certification examination shall meet the following requirements:
(a)be:
(i)a United States citizen;
(ii)a United States national; or
(iii)a lawful permanent resident of the United States who:
(A)has been in the United States legally for the five years immediately before the day on which the application is made; and
(B)has legal authorization to work in the United States;
(b)be at least:
(i)19 years old at the time of certification as a special function officer or correctional officer; or
(ii)21 years old at the time of certification as a law enforcement officer;
(c)be a high school graduate or furnish evidence of successful completion of an examination indicating an equivalent achievement;
(d)have not been convicted of a crime for which the applicant could have been punished by imprisonment in a federal penitentiary or by imprisonment in the penitentiary of this or another state;
(e)have demonstrated good moral character, as determined by a background investigation;
(f)be free of any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the performance of the applicant's duties as a peace officer; and
(g)meet all other standards required by POST.
(2)
(a)An application for admission to a training program shall be accompanied by a criminal history background check of local, state, and national criminal history files and a background investigation.
(b)The costs of the background check and investigation shall be borne by the applicant or the applicant's employing agency.
(3)
(a)Notwithstanding any expungement statute or rule of any other jurisdiction, any conviction obtained in this state or other jurisdiction, including a conviction that has been expunged, dismissed, or treated in a similar manner to either of these procedures, may be considered for purposes of this section.
(b)This provision applies to convictions entered both before and after the effective date of this section.
(4)Any background check or background investigation performed under the requirements of this section shall be to determine eligibility for admission to training programs or qualification for certification examinations and may not be used as a replacement for any background investigations that may be required of an employing agency.
(5)An applicant shall be considered to be of good moral character under Subsection (1)(e) if the applicant has not engaged in conduct that would be a violation of Subsection 53-6-211(1).
(6)An applicant seeking certification as a law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 53-13-103, shall be qualified to possess a firearm under state and federal law.


Amended by Chapter 175, 2024 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Related Utah Legal Topics

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 53-6-203

What does Utah Code § 53-6-203 cover?

Section 53-6-203 ("Applicants for admission to training programs or for certification examination -- Requirements.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 53-6-203?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 53-6-203" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 53-6-203 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.