HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police has opened a new cadet application cycle with no college credit requirement for women and men seeking careers as state troopers. 

Waiving the requirement for the previous hiring cycle significantly increased the number of cadet applicants, say the state police.

“We streamlined the process for those who want to serve as a state trooper, and we’re pleased to see people taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. 

At the direction of Gov. Josh Shapiro, the state police suspended the educational requirement of 60 college credits on Aug. 28, when it opened a two-month hiring cycle that resulted in 1,545 eligible cadet applications received.

Over a six-month period with a college credit requirement, approximately 150 people per month took the state trooper exam. During the two-month period without a college credit requirement, 537 people per month took the state trooper exam. That’s a 258 percent increase in applicants taking the test to become state troopers.

Applications for the current cycle remain open through January 31, 2024.

Cadet applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. Applicants must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation.

Applicants who meet all eligibility requirements move on to a qualifying written examination. Applicants who pass the qualifying exam must have a polygraph examination, background investigation, physical readiness test, medical screening, and psychological screening before training at the academy.

Cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks and is paramilitary in nature. Training includes coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness activities.

Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually.

Governor Josh Shapiro, on his first day in office, announced that 92 percent of state government jobs — about 65,000 positions — do not require a four-year college degree. Governor Shapiro also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to take steps to emphasize work experience in their hiring.

For more information on becoming a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, visit patrooper.com. To apply for the current hiring cycle, go to governmentjobs.com.