Start Your Journey to Join the New York State Police Today, Here’s How

Entrance exam applications are once again open for the New York State Police, a decision made as part of a massive push by the state in 2024 to increase the number of police officers patrolling our streets.

If you're interested in beginning your journey to become a state police officer, this is everything you'll need to know.

First and foremost, entrance exams will be administered starting on August 15th. In order to enter the State Police Academy, you'll need to have accrued 30-60 college credits already.

Police academy trainees can expect to make $59,612 as a base salary in their first year, per ABC News 10. That pay will increase to $98,300 after one year, and you can expect receive full health and retirement benefits at that point, as well.

Get our free mobile app

Be advised that you will be charged an application fee of $20. At that point, you'll be able to sign up to take the exam itself, which is offered at Pearson VUE testing centers in the following locations: Albany, Brooklyn, Getzville, East Syracuse, Manhattan, New Hyde Park, Rochester, Rockville Center, Utica, Watertown, White Plains, and Yonkers.

The Albany, NY Pearson location sits at 94 New Karner Road, and you'll need to pay an exam fee of $44 in order to take it.

READ MORE: We Uncovered the Crime Rate in Albany, NY for Every Year Since 1996

To qualify to take the exam, you must meet the following three requirements: be a U.S. citizen, be 20 to 34 years old (or up to 41 for those in the miltary, and have a high school or equivalency diploma.

You can learn more about the application and selection process by clicking the link here. Good luck!