Becoming a New York State Trooper with the New York State Police (NYSP) is a demanding yet rewarding career dedicated to public safety. The NYSP seeks highly committed individuals to enforce laws and provide essential services across the state. The journey to earning the title of Trooper is rigorous, involving multiple selection stages designed to assess a candidate’s character, physical capability, and mental aptitude. Success requires focus and preparation throughout this competitive process.
Meeting the Initial Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning the formal application, prospective candidates must satisfy several foundational criteria to be considered for the position. Applicants must be a United States citizen and must be at least 20 years old by the application deadline date. The maximum age for applying is 34, although this limit can be extended by one year for each year of full-time active military duty, up to a maximum of seven years.
Age and Citizenship
United States citizenship is a requirement at the time of application to the New York State Police. Additionally, candidates must be a resident of New York State and possess a valid New York State driver’s license by the time of appointment to the Academy. Good moral character is also a prerequisite. A felony conviction or a dishonorable discharge from any military service results in an automatic disqualification.
Education and Experience
A high school diploma or a recognized equivalency diploma, such as a GED or Military GED certificate, must be held at the time of application. Before formal appointment to the Academy, candidates are required to have completed 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution. This college credit requirement can be partially waived, with 30 credits excused for individuals who have served two years of active federal military duty with an honorable discharge, or who possess a prior police officer training certification.
Driving and Background History
Maintaining a clean driving record and demonstrating responsibility are closely scrutinized elements of a candidate’s profile. A valid driver’s license must be held throughout the entire selection process and at the time of appointment. The comprehensive background review will examine a candidate’s financial history and past employment to ensure trustworthiness and compliance with laws.
Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must meet specific physical and medical benchmarks to ensure they can perform the duties of a State Trooper. Vision requirements mandate that uncorrected sight must be no worse than 20/100 in each eye, but correctable to 20/20. Color blindness is disqualifying, and applicants must also meet strict hearing standards. The New York State Police prohibits visible tattoos, brands, or body art while a member is in uniform or other business attire.
The Application and Written Examination Process
The first step toward a career with the NYSP is successfully navigating the application and the mandatory written entrance examination. This examination is the gateway to the subsequent phases of the selection process. The New York State Police has partnered with Pearson VUE Testing Centers to administer the exam, utilizing a computer-based format offered at numerous locations across the country, making it more accessible to applicants.
The entrance examination is a two-hour assessment consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate critical skills necessary for police work. This comprehensive test measures cognitive abilities, including reading comprehension, observation, and situational judgment, along with behavioral characteristics. A comprehensive study guide is provided by the State Police to assist candidates in preparation.
A passing score is necessary to proceed. Successful candidates are placed on an eligibility list, ranked in order of their exam score, with applicable veterans’ preference credits factored in. This ranking is important because candidates are called for further processing in the order they appear on this list, meaning a higher score significantly increases the chances of an early invitation.
Navigating the Comprehensive Selection Process
The stages following the written exam are intensive, designed to thoroughly vet a candidate’s suitability and resilience for a law enforcement career. This multi-faceted assessment begins once a candidate is selected from the eligibility list. Failure to meet the standards at any point during this review will result in disqualification from the current hiring cycle.
The Physical Ability Test (PAT) measures a candidate’s fitness level against established standards. The PAT typically involves a sequence of physical tasks, including sit-ups, push-ups, and a timed one-and-one-half mile run. Candidates must perform at a level that demonstrates the requisite strength and endurance needed for the physical demands of the Academy and the job itself.
Simultaneously, a thorough background investigation is initiated. Investigators delve into a candidate’s entire history, requiring access to educational records, financial accounts, past employment information, and criminal history. Character references are contacted, and interviews are conducted with family members, neighbors, and past associates to build a complete profile of the applicant’s integrity and stability. This phase also includes a polygraph examination to verify the veracity of the information provided.
Following the successful completion of the background check and PAT, candidates must undergo a psychological evaluation and a final medical examination. The psychological assessment, conducted by licensed professionals, uses written tests and a structured interview process to determine if the candidate is emotionally stable and psychologically fit to endure the stresses of police work. The medical examination confirms that the candidate is physically capable of performing all job functions, including meeting the specific vision and hearing standards.
Attending the New York State Police Academy
Acceptance to the New York State Police Academy requires a demanding commitment from every recruit. The Basic School is a residential program, meaning recruits live at the facility for the entire duration, typically spanning approximately 26 weeks. This immersive environment operates under a strict paramilitary structure, designed to instill discipline, teamwork, and commitment to the agency’s standards.
The curriculum is extensive, encompassing over a thousand hours of instruction that blend physical conditioning with rigorous academics and hands-on skill development. Core academic areas include Police Science, which covers Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and Vehicle and Traffic Law. Recruits also receive detailed instruction in:
- Criminal investigations
- Constitutional law
- DWI enforcement
- Accident investigation
A major focus of the training is the development of Police Skills, which includes intensive physical training and defensive tactics designed for self-protection and suspect control. Recruits spend significant time in firearms training, learning marksmanship, safety, and tactical deployment of their issued weapon. The Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) provides specialized instruction in safe, high-speed driving techniques necessary for patrol and emergency response. The Academy maintains high standards, and any failure to adhere to the rules, or a lack of proficiency, can result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Life as a New York State Trooper
Graduation from the Basic School transitions the recruit into the formal role of a Trooper, but the training and evaluation period continues on the job. Following the Academy, new Troopers enter a mandatory Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP), which typically lasts about ten weeks. During FTEP, the new Trooper performs regular patrol duties while closely supervised and mentored by an experienced Field Training Officer.
Upon successful completion of FTEP, the new Trooper is assigned to a troop and station, where they serve a one-year probationary period. Initial assignments are based on the operational needs of the agency, often requiring new members to relocate to different regions across the state. This flexibility allows the State Police to maintain coverage across its vast jurisdiction.
The compensation structure is competitive. Starting salaries for recruits while attending the Academy are approximately $70,748 annually, increasing to around $91,191 upon graduation and appointment as a Trooper. The salary progresses significantly with tenure. The base pay for an experienced Trooper reaches a top level of approximately $137,265, not including additional compensation for overtime or specialized assignments. Troopers can pursue career advancement through specialized units like the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, K9 units, or aviation, and by taking promotional examinations to achieve ranks like Sergeant or Investigator.