NEW YORK– The New York State Troopers are again looking to fill their ranks and signups for their exam will end this December – a test that most likely won’t be given for another two years.

To sign up for the exam or check your eligibility, go to www.troopers.state.ny.us or call 561-7400 for details. The last date to sign up is Dec. 1 and exams will begin in early spring.

A trooper’s starting salary is $50,374 with full benefits, and after 20 years of service a retirement plan is offered.

The agency holds the exam every two or four years, depending on a number of factors, including increased demands and attrition.

“It is a paramilitary structured organization, so you must be able to take orders, follow a chain of command and yet be independent, self motivated and able to handle all kinds of situations alone,” said local Station Commander Sgt. Elizabeth Wonka.

“With over 4,900 sworn members, and more than 1,100 non-sworn employees, the New York State Police provides a myriad of special services that include: aviation, dedicated interstate patrols, canine patrols, SCUBA, counter terrorism, crime analysis, forensic sciences, forensic crime laboratory, commercial vehicle enforcement, mobile response team (similar to SWAT), narcotics enforcement teams, violent felony warrant squad, marine unit, crisis negotiation teams, accident reconstructionists, drug recognition experts, mobile command post, major crimes unit, auto theft unit, firearms tracing unit, hazardous materials enforcement, and computer crimes unit,” said the agency in a release.