CHENANGO COUNTY - The New York State Police announced that Governor Kathy Hochul has approved a request from the State Police to raise the maximum age to apply to become a New York State Trooper from 29 to 34.

“This change will allow us to recruit the most diverse and skilled group of candidates possible,” said Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli.   “There are many qualified candidates from the military or other careers who decide that they want to transition to the State Police, but because of the previous age requirement, some were not eligible.   These are individuals that have a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to the job. The New York State Police has a proud tradition of excellence. By raising the age, we are ensuring that we have the best and most qualified candidates possible to carry on that legacy, and serve and protect the people of New York.”

Candidates can learn about becoming a New York State Trooper and sign up to take the exam at joinstatepolice.ny.gov. 

The next Trooper Entrance exam will be held simultaneously with the application process from July through September of 2023, and will be administered online at authorized testing centers to make the exam more accessible. Individuals will be able to apply beginning July 1, and can schedule a time to take the exam as early as July 10. 

The State Police has contracted with Pearson VUE, which will offer the Trooper Entrance Exam at 54 testing centers in New York State, more than 280 locations in the United States, and 100 military locations around the world. Candidates can choose where and when they take the exam. The online testing process makes it more convenient and accessible for anyone interested in becoming a trooper. 

A study guide for the exam is available here.
 

Minimum exam qualifications:
•      us citizen
•      20-34 years of age (the maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty - up to a maximum of 7 years)
•      high school diploma or equivalent
additional requirements can be found here.

Salary & benefits:
•      starting salary: $59,612
•      after one year: $84,331
•      full benefits & retirement

State Police has redesigned its recruitment program to reach more potential female and minority candidates. This includes meeting with leaders in communities that are underrepresented within law enforcement, with the goal of building positive long-term relationships. The State Police has also taken the 30X30 pledge and is committed to increasing its percentage of female recruits to 30 percent by 2030. The agency has recruitment teams in each troop to network at events and within neighborhoods.  
 

- Information from the NYS Police