Options for Military Personnel

If you exceed the age limit to apply (42 years old) but served on active-duty and were honorably discharged, you may still qualify.

Subtract the amount of active-duty service recorded on your DD214 from your current age, up to a maximum of seven (7) years.  If the result is less than 42, you may apply.

Requests and corresponding military orders can be emailed to our Member Hiring Unit, [email protected]

If you are a current or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible to have additional credits added to your passing score on the NYSP Entrance Examination. 

• Non-Disabled Veterans may receive five (5) extra points.
• Disabled Veterans may receive ten (10) extra points. 

You qualify for Veterans’ Credits if you:

1. Served in the U.S. Armed Forces on federal active duty, and,
2. The active duty was other than for training, and,
3. You received or expect to receive an honorable discharge.

In addition to the qualifications above, a Disabled Veteran must:

1. Be certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as having a service-connected disability rated at 10% or more, and eligible to receive payments.

During the online application process, you will have the opportunity to indicate if you qualify for and desire to use additional Veterans’ Credits.  You must upload the required supporting documentation before the application window closes. 

Required Supporting Documentation:

• A copy of your DD214 showing your characterization of service was “honorable”.  The only copies that include the characterization of service are the Member-4, Service-2, Service-7, and Service-8 copies.
• If you are currently on active duty and do not have a DD214, we will need a copy of your official PCS orders or deployment orders.  Your DD214 will be required upon separation.
• For Disabled Veteran's, we will need your VA Determination and Rating Decision Letter showing your percentage and how it was determined. 

After passing the exam, you may be invited to process.  Processing events occur in New York State.  If you cannot participate in these events due to a conflict with active-duty military service, please outline your circumstances on the deferment form.  Email the completed form and a copy of your orders to [email protected].

You may start processing while on active duty if your separation date is prior to the start date of the academy.  This includes terminal leave.  You cannot start the academy while on terminal leave.

Veterans may be eligible to receive a 30-college credit waiver.  To qualify, Veterans must have:

Successfully completed their initial entry training and have or expect to receive an honorable discharge.

The above qualifications are validated utilizing a DD214.

Review the education requirements here: https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/education-requirements

If appointed (hired), there are additional benefits available for Veterans, including:

Read more information on Military Service Credit

1. I applied to take the exam, but I can no longer attend due to military service. What should I do?

If you are unable to take the exam because of military service, log in to your Pearson VUE account online to reschedule your exam. You may also contact Pearson VUE at 800-274-5989 for assistance with changing your exam date.

Pearson VUE administers the exam at approximately 250 locations nationwide, including more than 50 sites in New York State. Testing is also available for military personnel at 112 locations worldwide.

Important: Exam fees are paid directly to Pearson VUE and cannot be refunded by the New York State Police.

2. Can I begin processing while still serving?

You may begin processing if your official separation date is prior to the Academy start date.

· Processing typically takes 6 months.

· Processing events occur in New York State, and multiple visits may be required.

· You may not attend the Academy while on terminal leave.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring their separation timeline aligns with Academy eligibility. If you cannot attend processing due to military obligations, review the deferment section below.

3. Can I defer processing due to military service?

Yes, but eligibility depends on your service status and exam cycle. Some exams offer multiple processing opportunities. If additional cycles are available, you may defer to a later processing date. If no additional cycles exist, deferment eligibility will be determined based on your service documentation.

4. Do I qualify for a deferment?

Regular Armed Forces service qualifies for deferment. Not all Reserve or National Guard service qualifies. If your service does not qualify, you must reapply and retake the exam.

To Request a Deferment: 

a. Complete a deferment form. 

b. Email the form and a copy of your military orders to: [email protected]

5. I am currently on active duty. Should I apply now or wait?

If you are serving in the Regular Armed Forces and are within two years of separation, you are encouraged to apply now. If invited to begin processing, you may be eligible for deferment.

6. If I have a VA disability rating, am I still eligible?

Yes. A VA disability rating does not automatically disqualify you. All candidates must complete a medical evaluation during processing. The New York State Police Division Physician will determine whether you can perform the essential duties of a New York State Trooper.

7. What Guard/Reserve service qualifies for veteran credits?

Training periods do not qualify for Veteran credits.

8. Can I use Veteran’s credits if I previously applied them to another Civil Service exam?

Yes, provided you were not hired from that exam. Veteran’s points are considered used upon hiring.

9. What do I need as proof of my military service?

Provide one of the following:

· DD214 (Member 4, Service 2, Service 7, or Service 8 copy) showing active-duty service

· Official orders documenting service during a national emergency

· Official active-duty orders if not reflected on your DD214

10. What documentation do I need to verify my service-connected disability?

Provide a VA Award Letter showing At least a 10% service-connected disability rating, and Receipt of VA compensation.

Additional Inquiries?

Applicants with Military service–related questions may contact: 

[email protected]

All Other Applicants: 

Contact your local NYSP recruiter: NYSP Recruiters