The Process

The selection process is job-related and competitive in nature. The process is designed to determine a candidate's potential for success in the NYSP Academy, and as a State Trooper. No prior police experience is required. The first step in the selection process is to complete our entrance exam application. Sign up to GET NOTIFIED when applications are available for our next Trooper Entrance Examination. The next exam is being planned for the summer and fall of 2023.

After applying, the complete selection process consists of:

1. Passing the Entrance Examination
2. Physical Ability Test (PAT)
3. Psychological Evaluation
4. Background Investigation and Polygraph Test
5. Medical Examination

The NYSP Entrance Examination is a two-hour test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions to measure cognitive abilities, along with behavioral characteristics and attitudes. A comprehensive study guide for the exam is provided by the State Police.

With the 2022 exam, the New York State Police have switched from a paper-pencil test to computer-based testing. The agency has partnered with Pearson VUE Testing Centers to provide the exam at 250 locations across the US, including 50 plus in New York State. In addition, testing will be offered for military personnel at 112 locations worldwide.

We anticipate administering our next Trooper Entrance Examination in the summer and fall of 2023. Sign up now to GET NOTIFIED.

Map of New York Testing Site Locations

Map of New York and Surrounding State Testing Site Locations

List of Military Base Testing Site Locations

Following the entrance examination, an eligibility list is established and remains in effect for a minimum of one year, and a maximum of four years. Candidates will be ranked in order of exam scores, plus any applicable veteran's credit.

As new trooper positions are authorized, candidates from the eligibility list will be notified to appear for processing. It is extremely important to keep your information updated so that we may be able to contact you when your rank is reached. Update here.

Candidate processing is typically conducted during a weekend at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, NY. Candidate processing takes place approximately six months prior to the start of an Academy class.

During candidate processing weekend, candidates participate in a series of tests and reviews that include, but are not limited to: college transcript review; physical ability test; vision test; hearing test; and reviewing of documents.
 

The Trooper Candidate Physical Ability Test (PAT) is typically conducted on a Saturday during a candidate processing weekend.

The test measures a candidate's ability to fulfill the essential job functions of the position. The candidate must perform three physical tests, evaluated on a pass-fail basis.

Candidates are invited to participate in the PAT portion of the selection process according to their rank based upon their score on the written examination.

Fitness Requirements

Candidates who successfully complete the Physical Ability Test are offered an appointment to the position of New York State Trooper, which is conditional upon:

• The successful completion of the medical examination.
• Completion of a background investigation.
• The number of potential vacancies.

To help determine character and to verify information provided by the applicant, each potential appointee will be the subject of:

• A thorough background investigation: Applicants must authorize access to educational, financial, employment, and criminal history records. Family, neighbors, associates, and others will be interviewed.
  Derogatory information will be evaluated and may result in disqualification.
• A polygraph examination: Examinations are conducted at various locations statewide, after processing weekend.

Candidates who receive a satisfactory evaluation on the background investigation and meet all other administrative requirements will be considered eligible for appointment.

Approximately one month prior to appointment to an Academy class, medical examinations will be conducted at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, NY, by a NYSP Division Physician. Each potential appointee will be required to authorize access to mental health records.

The Division Physician will examine the candidate's medical condition and general ability to perform the essential related job functions.

If the Division Physician should recommend that a candidate is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, the conditional offer of appointment may be revoked by the Superintendent and the candidate will be disqualified.

Deferment Information

If you are invited for further processing but cannot attend, a deferment may be granted in certain cases. If you cannot attend processing, complete the deferment form explaining why you cannot attend and request a deferment for a future Academy class processing. Deferments are granted on a case-by-case basis. Download and complete the deferment form and email it to [email protected].

Military Candidates

If you are in the military and cannot attend due to an activation or deployment, please outline your circumstances on the deferment form. Email the completed deferment form, along with a copy of your orders, to the email listed above. Upon return, contact your local recruiter and email [email protected] advising that you have returned and are available to continue with the hiring process.

College Credits

If you are invited for further processing but do not have the required number of college credits, you will need to request a deferment. Candidates in consideration for an Academy class are processed approximately six months prior to the date the class is to be appointed. The college credit requirement pertains to the date of appointment, not the date of processing. If the number of college credits you have completed falls below the requirement by more than six credits, and you are not currently enrolled in sufficient course work to satisfy the requirement at the time of processing, an educational deferral request should be submitted. If there is no way for you to obtain the required number of credits by the deadline outlined in the trooper candidate processing invitation, you should request a deferment to a later class.