The New York State Police is a full-service law enforcement agency that provides police services alongside the Uniformed Force and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The New York State Police, a team of more than 4,500 sworn members, provides patrol, specialized investigations, public assistance, and emergency and disaster services.
This guide serves to assist candidates who want to know how to become a New York State Trooper. In particular, you must complete the following steps be eligible for New York State Police jobs:
- Meet all minimum qualifications for employment as a New York State Trooper
- Submit an application for employment
- Take the written examination and complete the Trooper Candidates Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Undergo a psychological evaluation
- Undergo a background investigation, polygraph, and medical examination
- Attend training at the Police Academy
Step 1: Meet all Minimum Qualifications for Employment as a New York
State Trooper
Before you apply for a career as a New York State Trooper, you must first determine if you meet all minimum eligibility requirements.
All candidates must (at the time of appointment):
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at between 21 and 36 years old (The maximum age may be extended for up to 6 years for those with active military service.)
- Must be a New York State resident
- Must have a valid New York State driver’s license
- Must have 20/20 vision (corrected or uncorrected)
- Have no tattoos, body piercings, or other body art that is visible when in uniform or business attire
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have completed at least 60 college credit hours at an accredited college or university (exceptions apply for former military service men and women.)
Step 2: Submit an Application for Employment
Applications for New York State Trooper jobs are available throughout the year. Candidates are encouraged to regularly check the New York State Police website for updates. You may also sign up to receive an email notification when New York State Trooper applications become available.
Step 3: Take the Written Examination and Complete the Trooper Candidates
Physical Ability Test (PAT)
All candidates must pass the written examination to move onto other phases of the pre-employment process. Upon completion of the written examination, candidates who pass the test will be listed as eligible. All eligible candidates receive notification to complete the remaining phases of the pre-employment process.
The Trooper Candidate Physical Ability Test (PAT) measures a candidate’s ability to fulfill the job of a New York State Trooper and is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
The PAT includes sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
Candidates may also participate in vision and hearing tests, fingerprinting, document review, and college transcript review. Drug screening may occur at any time throughout the process.
Step 4: Undergo a Psychological Evaluation
If you successfully complete the PAT you are eligible for the psychological evaluation, which includes a written test and a psychological interview. The psychological evaluation typically occurs during Candidate Processing Weekend.
Step 5: Undergo a Background Investigation, Polygraph and Medical Exam
If you successfully pass the psychological evaluation you can expect to be scheduled for a polygraph examination. A background investigation commences at this point, as well.
The final pre-employment step includes a medical examination, which takes place about one month before your appointment to the Academy class. A New York State Police physician conducts all medical examinations.
Step 6: Attend Training at the Police Academy
New York State Trooper training consists of a 26-week Basic School, followed by a 10-week Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP), where new graduates work alongside Field Training Officers (FTOs).
The FTEP serves as a continuing job screening process throughout the probation period (one year from the completion of the Basic School).