How Do I Become a SWAT Officer? 7 Steps

SWAT officers hold specialized roles within local police departments and federal law enforcement agencies. They are called in to handle high-risk situations, like hostage or hazardous materials scenarios, and to perform crowd control and suicide intervention.

Read on if you'd like to learn about how to become a SWAT team member. We'll also provide basic information about SWAT officer skills and responsibilities and answer some frequently asked questions you may have.

SWAT Requirements

Standard SWAT requirements are designed to ensure officers have the training and skills needed for high-risk situations. Most departments require you to already be a sworn police officer before applying. This means completing a state-approved police academy, earning POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification, and gaining at least two to five years of patrol experience. 

Candidates must also maintain strong physical fitness, pass firearms qualification, and show the ability to perform under pressure. Background checks are strict, and a clean criminal record is necessary to move forward. Meeting these SWAT requirements sets the foundation for advanced tactical training and consideration for a team role.

Steps To Become A SWAT Team Officer

It takes layers of training and several years of experience before you can start working on a SWAT unit. If you're curious about how to join SWAT, follow the steps below.

1. Meet Basic Requirements

Becoming a SWAT officer first involves becoming a police officer. To do this, you'll need to meet the basic requirements for most entry-level law enforcement jobs. These requirements generally include:

• being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• having a high school diploma or GED
• being 18 years old or older
• having a valid driver's license

If you don't meet all of these requirements, you may have a hard time finding work as a police officer. Take steps to meet all of these basic requirements if you fall short in any area.

2. Consider a Degree

Getting a college degree isn't always necessary to work in law enforcement, but it can give you a better chance of getting hired. Some law enforcement departments may require officers to hold an associate degree or even a bachelor's degree.

Majoring in criminal justice or a related field can give you a solid foundation of law enforcement principles that you will use throughout your career. Criminal justice is a popular major that many colleges and universities offer online and in-person.

3. Consider Military Experience

Some aspiring SWAT professionals choose military experience in addition to or in place of a college education. Military experience will not only help you develop skills and discipline, but it will also help you become physically fit.

Joining special forces like the Army Rangers or Navy SEALS can help you gain real-world experience that will come in handy later on. Training in negotiation, tactics, principles, and weapons use will likely prove invaluable to your future law-enforcement career.

4. Join a Law Enforcement Department

Once you have the training and experience necessary to work in law enforcement, you can join a department or agency. Local police departments, regional agencies, and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) can help you gain the experience you need to become a SWAT officer.

Make sure you understand the job duties and requirements of any specific position you apply for. These can vary from agency to agency. You may also want to research the process of becoming a SWAT officer for each particular department so you can get a better idea of the timeframe and specific steps you'll need to take.

5. Complete Training and Gain Experience

New officers must complete and pass training in their department's police academy. This will likely consist of classroom and hands-on training, followed by fieldwork where you gain on-the-job skills under the guidance of an experienced officer. If you work for the FBI or another regional or federal agency, you may need to travel to a training facility.

Once you have passed all necessary training, you'll need to gain at least two years of experience on the job. During this time, work hard to maintain exceptional service records and improve your skills. This may increase your chances of being promoted to the SWAT team.

6. Join Your Force's SWAT Team

Depending on the agency you work for, you may need to complete a separate application to be considered for a SWAT promotion. You may be offered the job based on merit, or you may be automatically promoted to the SWAT team as part of a mandatory rotation.

In most cases, you must meet various qualifications to serve as a SWAT officer. These may include passing background checks and exams, as well as being physically and mentally fit.

7. Complete SWAT Training

Finally, you will need to complete specialized training before you can begin working on the SWAT team. This training may include:

• close combat techniques
• using specialized weapons (e.g., concussion grenades and sniper rifles)
• operating vehicles (e.g., helicopters and armored trucks)
• tactics for special situations and undercover operations
• safely handling hazardous materials

You may need to travel to a regional or national training facility. Training will likely involve simulated exercises that take place in constructed towns or abandoned buildings. Once you successfully complete this training, you will be ready to begin working as a SWAT officer.

Challenges of SWAT Work

SWAT officers face some of the most demanding conditions in law enforcement. The role often involves high-risk operations such as armed standoffs, hostage rescues, or hazardous materials incidents. These assignments expose officers to physical danger, long hours, and high-stress environments where decisions must be made quickly. 

Even outside of critical events, SWAT officers spend significant time in continuous training to keep their tactical skills sharp. In smaller agencies, many officers split time between patrol duties and part-time SWAT responsibilities, which adds to the workload. The intensity of the work requires resilience, adaptability, and an ongoing commitment to physical and mental fitness.

SWAT Team Responsibilities

Those on SWAT teams are responsible for handling situations requiring special training or weapons beyond the basic capabilities of the police force. They may be called on to deal with active shooters, perform hostage rescue, and undertake special operations like counterterrorism.

SWAT members are on-call all the time. They may work part-time or full-time in regular police officer capacities, transitioning to more specialized operations if a crisis situation arises.

Special Weapons and Tactics

SWAT stands for Special Weapons And Tactics. SWAT members often have specific roles within their teams. Common specializations for SWAT officers include:

• crisis negotiator
• medic
• swat operator
• breach specialist
• sniper

SWAT members must have excellent marksmanship skills, as the job typically involves using military-level weapons like submachine guns. They must also be able to handle some of the most intense scenarios in police work, like hostage situations, terrorism, high-risk search and seizure, and other situations that threaten public safety and require specific tactical operations.

Police Officer Skills

SWAT team members must have the same basic skills, allowing them to meet the job requirements for a police officer. These basic skills may include firearms skills, such as proper handgun operation, as well as other skills like:

• teamwork and decision-making skills
• interpersonal communication
• active listening skills
• physical fitness and stamina
• first aid and CPR
• courage
• empathy
• assertiveness

These skills are necessary, not only for self-defense but also for long-term success in law enforcement. To have the best chance of being selected for your unit's SWAT team, you should work to hone these skills during your time as a police officer.

SWAT Career Paths

Career paths in SWAT vary depending on the size and type of agency. In large urban police departments, SWAT teams are often full-time units dedicated exclusively to tactical operations. Smaller or county agencies typically operate part-time SWAT teams, where officers balance patrol or investigative duties with specialized callouts. 

At the federal level, tactical opportunities include the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), the U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Department of Homeland Security’s Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC). Each path has different training requirements, time commitments, and advancement opportunities, but all demand strong skills and proven experience in law enforcement.

FAQs About SWAT Officer Career Development and How To Join SWAT

If you still have questions about what it takes to become a SWAT officer, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some common questions you may be wondering about.

How Long Does It Take To Be a SWAT Officer?

It can take several years to progress through all the steps necessary to become a SWAT officer. Getting a degree, completing initial training, working in law enforcement for a few years, and completing SWAT-specific training generally requires anywhere from five to 10 years.

Can You Be a SWAT Officer Without Being a Cop?

Almost all departments promote SWAT officers from within. In other words, you need to already be working for a police or other law enforcement department before you can become a SWAT officer.

What Qualifications Are Needed To Join a SWAT Team?

The exact qualifications to become a SWAT officer can vary. In most cases, candidates need a degree and work experience in law enforcement. They must pass a physical fitness test, background check, and written examination. Some departments may also require hearing and sight exams and psychological tests.

Once you meet these initial qualifications, you will have to undergo training to develop special skills for vehicle operation, weapons use, handling hazardous materials, and various emergency situations.

Do I Need a College Degree To Become a SWAT Officer?

A college degree is not always required to join SWAT, but it can improve your chances of selection. Some departments prefer or require at least an associate or bachelor’s degree, especially in criminal justice or a related field. Earning a degree also prepares you for leadership roles later in your career.

How Many Years of Patrol Work Are Required Before SWAT?

Most agencies require officers to complete two to five years of patrol experience before applying to SWAT. This time allows officers to build skills in crisis response, decision-making, and community interaction. The exact number of years depends on the department’s policies and competition for open positions.

What Is the SWAT Fitness Test Like?

The SWAT fitness test is designed to measure endurance, strength, and agility. It often includes timed runs, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and obstacle courses. Some agencies also require weapons handling drills and stress-based exercises to test performance under pressure.

Can I Join SWAT in a Small Department?

Yes, but the structure is different. In smaller departments, SWAT officers usually serve part-time, balancing regular patrol work with tactical callouts. This means you may have fewer full-time opportunities, but you’ll still gain specialized training and experience.

Explore Online Programs for Law Enforcement Careers

If you're ready to learn more about how to become a SWAT officer, explore criminal justice programs available through schools on Learn.org. Reach out to the individual schools to learn more about their available programs and to find the right one for you.