• There are a number of requirements to joining a SWAT teampolice image by Robert Grzywaczewski from Fotolia.com
  
  Special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams are members of law enforcement agencies that are deployed in situations that require highly skilled tactical officers, such as hostage or kidnapping incidents. Members of SWAT teams are usually veteran members of the department who have undergone special training and who are in excellent physical and mental condition.
  
  

Education

• SWAT teams members must be well versed in departmental and criminal justice regulations and must have demonstrated generally high intelligence. Applicants should possess a high school education; many entry-level applicants have completed some college and others are college graduates. Most state agencies require team members to hold a college degree.
  
  

Exams

• Before being accepted to the team, applicants must complete a barrage of exams that test their knowledge of the law, proper police procedure, tactical material and their general intelligence. Most often, the test is written, but there may be an oral component as well.
  
  

Experience

• SWAT team members are generally veteran members of the police force. While many departments have no minimum number of years, candidates must be at least 20 years of age unless a special exception is made.
  
  

Physical Fitness

• SWAT team members are often called upon to perform tasks that require significant strength or physical endurance. Before joining, and periodically throughout their time on the SWAT team, members are required to health and physical fitness exams. According to SpecialOps.com, this can include being required to perform a certain number of bench presses, leg presses, sit-ups and pull-ups; run a certain distance within an allotted period of time and carry a certain weight for a certain distance.
  
  

Psychological Fitness

• SWAT team members face situations that require mental toughness, cognitive acuity and presence of mind. All applicants undergo a psychological fitness test, and many have a meeting with a psychiatrist or a psychologist who will evaluate their personality and decision-making skills. The candidate's character traits and background are investigated and evaluated as well.
  
  

Review Board

• In most departments, candidates are required to pass an interview with a review board. The board will test the candidate's ability to think on her feet and decide if she is an appropriate fit for the team. The board will attempt to gain insight into personality, teamwork skills and the candidate's level of commitment. Candidates may also be required to make a presentation on a relevant topic.
  
  

Firearms Testing

• SWAT candidates must be skilled marksmen who are proficient with weapons, including small-arms fire and automatic firearms. Those who are applying to sniper positions must demonstrate special talent.
  
  

Further Requirements

• Additional requirements and restrictions may be placed on SWAT team members upon admittance. Members may be required to abstain from alcohol and drug use. In addition, they may be required to undergo periodic drug and alcohol testing, as well as regular medical and physical fitness exams.