Interested persons have until October 1 to file an application to become a NYS Trooper. (File photo from NYSP)

NEW YORK - The New York State Police announced today that applications to take the Trooper Entrance Exam are now over 10,000.

Applications opened on July 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is quickly approaching as applications close on October 1, 2023.

Earlier this year Governor Kathy Hochul approved a request from the New York State Police to raise the maximum age to apply to become a New York State Trooper from 29 to 34.  As a result, almost 2,400 individuals between those ages have taken advantage of this change and applied.  Military applicants may be able to apply up until the age of 42.

The New York State Police also revised its tattoo policy in 2022.   Candidates may now have tattoos capable of being covered by wearing a properly fitted long sleeve uniform shirt or business attire, with no portion of the tattoo showing. 

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

The New York State Police has contracted with Pearson VUE testing centers and is offering the Trooper Entrance Exam at 59 testing centers in New York State, 250+ locations in the United States, and 112 military locations around the world.

Candidates can choose where and when they take the exam. The computer-based testing process is more convenient and accessible for those interested in becoming a Trooper. The last day to test is October 15, 2023.

Individuals can get in touch with a recruiter by emailing recruit@troopers.ny.gov or calling (518) 485-0855.

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 Equivalency diploma. Additional requirements can be found  here.

Salary & benefits:

Minimum total compensation  after one year of service:  $98,300

Full benefits & retirement


The New York State Police has redesigned its recruitment program to reach a diverse pool of candidates. This includes meeting with leaders in communities that are underrepresented within law enforcement, with the goal of building positive long-term relationships. The New York 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.

- From the NYSP