what does it take, or what are the steps to becoming a New York State Trooper? Is a college degree needed?

Answer 1

To qualify as a trooper with the New York State Police you:

Must be at least age 20 on the Application Deadline and be 21 at time of appointment.

Must not have turned 30 before the Application Deadline, unless you have military service and qualify for a maximum age extension. The age limitation may be extended up to six years for active military service.

Must be a citizen of the United States on or before the Application Deadline.

Must have a high school diploma at time of application. You must posses a:

Graduate certificate from senior high school,
New York State High School Equivalency Diploma,
Military GED Certificate or
High School Equivalency diploma from another state converted to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma.


Must have completed 60 college credit hours at an accredited college or university at time of appointment.

Exceptions: A candidate may have 30 college credits waived, if the candidate has either:

Received an Honorable Discharge from the United States military after two years of active military service
- OR -
Successfully completed a Certified Police Officer Training Course approved by, or equivalent to a course approved by, the New York State Municipal Police Training council. (A certified Peace Officer Training course does not qualify.)


Must be a New York State resident at time of appointment.

Must have a valid New York State driver's license at time of appointment.

Must be of good moral character. A felony conviction results in automatic disqualification. Convictions for all other crimes and offenses are subject to evaluation during a background investigation.

Must be able to pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) that consists of sit-ups, push-ups and a one-and-one-half mile run.

Must conform to height and weight standards at time of appointment.

Must be able to work rotating shifts any day of the week, including holidays.

Must comply with New York State Police policy which requires all members to present a neat and professional appearance at all times. Tattoos, brands, body piercings and other body art shall not be visible while a member is in uniform or other business attire. The uniform includes a short sleeve shirt open at the front of the neck. In addition to visibility, some tattoos or brands may have symbolic meanings that are inconsistent with the values of the New York State Police.

Vision Requirement: uncorrected - no worse than 20/100 in each eye, must be corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Correction may be achieved using glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Color blindness is disqualifying.