FAQ

A candidate does not need to be a resident of New Hampshire during the application process, but an appointee will be required to establish residency within his/her assigned troop and patrol by the end of his/her field training program.

A candidate must be at least 21 years of age on the scheduled date of the physical agility test administration. There is no maximum age.

All candidate testing is conducted in Concord, NH. You are required to appear for the physical agility and written tests, both of which are conducted on the selected test date. If selected, you are then required to report for an oral board interview. Following a conditional offer of employment, candidates are then required to appear at the end of the application process for a polygraph examination, personal interview with the Director of State Police, psychological examination, medical examination and drug screening.

Candidates’ eyesight must be at least 20/100 in each eye uncorrected and corrected to 20/40 (near vision) and 20/30 (distant vision) in each eye, with normal uncorrected color and depth perception, at the time of the physical agility test.

Yes, we are testing to fill current and future vacancies in the New Hampshire State Police.

A candidate does not need to possess a New Hampshire Driver’s license. An appointee must obtain a New Hampshire driver’s license and registration within 60 days of establishing residency in New Hampshire.

The whole process ranges from candidate to candidate. Minimally, the process takes a few months, and technically the scores are active for two years.

Updated test dates are posted on the Testing Calendar page. Interested applicants should visit the employment opportunities section of the New Hampshire Department of Safety's website for details regarding available positions. Applicants must submit appropriate documentation (copy of official transcripts, proof of police certification, and/or verification of military service) with their applications to continue in the recruitment process.

If you wish to be scheduled for a future exam date, you must submit a new application complete with documentation supporting your qualifications.

The physical agility test consists of three categories: sit-ups, push-ups, and 1.5-mile run. A recommendation is to practice the events in order with only brief rest periods between the events.

The written examination will be administered at the Police Standards and Training Council Academy and candidates will be afforded one and three-quarter hours to complete this portion of the testing process.  The examination consists of 75 questions, designed to measure requisite skills for entry-level police work, assessing basic skills in arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar, and incident report writing.  A score of 70% is required to advance in the recruitment process.  Calculators will not be necessary and will not be allowed into the testing environment.  You will need only to bring a ball point pen in order to take the examination.

The examination format is the National Police Officer Selection Test, or POST, by Stanard and Associates, and both a study guide and practice examinations are available online. Note: The study guide does not view well on mobile devices, so if you choose to purchase access, do so only while using a laptop or desktop computer. Go to https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/ to access the study guide and practice examinations.  Access to the Study guide and practice examinations, which are transactions strictly between you and Stanard and Associates, costs $5.00 for the study guide and $15.00 for the practice examination

The application process is the same for an in-state and out-of-state resident.

The following hotels are in the Concord area and are within a few minutes drive of the testing facility:

• Best Western Inn & Suites (603) 228-4300
• Comfort Inn (603) 226-4100
• Courtyard By Marriott (603) 225-0303
• Hampton Inn (603) 224-5322
• Holiday Inn (603) 224-9534
• Red Roof Inn (603) 225-8399

The Academy is 16 weeks long and the program is delivered at the Police Standards and Training facility.

You should remain in top physical condition, and also prepare your immediate family members for your absence.

The 16 weeks are residential. You will report on Monday mornings and be dismissed on Friday afternoons.

Yes. All students of the academy are employed by their respective agencies.

f you are currently serving as a certified, academy-trained, full-time police officer in another state, you may be eligible to have some subjects waived in the Academy and only attend approximately 100 hours of commuter “New Hampshire Law Package” training, and pass tests on these modules. You will also be required to pass the Academy’s on-going physical fitness test every 3 years to maintain your New Hampshire certification. The Police Standards and Training Council is reciprocal with all other states in the U.S. and recognizes their training if it is at least equal in scope. Any classes you did not have in your state of origin, you may be required to take in the Academy. If your First Aid/CPR certificate has expired, this training will also be required. If the analysis of your out-of-state training requires you to take the equivalent of 30% of the total Academy hours, you will be required to attend the entire Academy.

The New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council does not recognize Federal or military police training.

An offer of employment includes an assignment to a specific troop and patrol area. Assignments are based on the needs of the Division first, with consideration given to an employee’s preference.

No, but a statement of service letter should be submitted with your application in lieu of a DD Form 214.

Possibly. Points can be added to a passing score on the written exam. War veterans get 5 points and disabled veterans receive 10 points. Proof of eligibility for veteran’s preference must be submitted with the application.

Yes, the New Hampshire State Police supports personnel who have military reserves commitments. The Division was a 2007 recipient of the Freedom Award, which recognizes employer support of the Guard and Reserve.

Special unit assignments will not be considered within the probationary year. Otherwise, special unit assignments are based on several factors to include length of service, work performance, and Division needs, to name a few.

The starting salary range for a State Police Trooper I position is approximately $66,000-$90,000. In addition to their salary, Troopers are eligible for overtime and $25.00 per week diverse duty pay ($1300.00 annually). When a Trooper I has achieved a combined total of ten (10) years of full-time certified law enforcement experience, he/she is eligible to apply for allocation to the Trooper II labor grade.  Approval does not incur a promotion, as one is only eligible to attain the rank of Trooper II (Trooper First Class) upon completion of ten (10) years of service with the New Hampshire State Police and other applicable criteria.

On the first of the month, following one full month of employment. For example, if someone begins employment on March 15th, his/her insurance benefits will begin on May 1st.

Upon appointment, the Division will provide you with uniforms, belts, boots, shoes and all other necessary equipment.

No. Once released to "solo" status, Troopers are assigned their own cruiser which they are permitted to take home.