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    Officer Firearms Requirements

    Title 37 §203.52 (b) (1) (i) states that “a weapon may not be carried on duty for which the officer has not qualified.” Each year, MPOETC establishes and publishes minimum standards for annual firearms qualifications.

    Firearms Standards

    In June 2025, the MPOETC Commission voted to accept a Mandatory Patrol Rifle Course and a Mandatory Shotgun Course for anyone who carries those weapons in the performance of their duties. This requirement is effective starting January 1, 2026. The previous “Optional” courses are no longer accepted. If you do not carry a rifle and/or shotgun, you do not need to qualify with those weapons.

    On March 14, 2024, the Commission approved the change to firearms qualification ammunition. Departments can now use either duty or practice/range ammunition provided the cartridge is the same bullet weight and manufacturer as their carry/duty ammunition. ​

    Beginning in 2020, MPOETC required all certified officers to qualify on a standardized course of fire for the primary duty weapon (handgun). Starting in 2022, departments are required to qualify officers using either a previously approved course of fire or the standard MPOETC course listed below.

    MPOETC 2026 Requirements for Firearms Qualification

    MPOETC encourages firearms instructors to use the other standardized courses of fire available below when qualifying officers on weapons other than their primary duty weapon (handgun).

    Municipal Police Instructors (Firearms)

    Municipal Police Instructors (MPI-Firearms) are certified by MPOETC in two-year increments (renewable) and authorized to conduct firearms training at certified municipal police academies. Individuals wishing to be MPI-Firearms certified by MPOETC must be employed by a certified police academy and the certified police academy must submit the request for certification. To learn more, visit Apply for Certification as a Municipal Police Instructor.

    Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors

    Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors are certified indefinitely by MPOETC to conduct annual qualifications for law enforcement officers. 

    View the current Certified Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor List.