Trooper Application Process FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the Trooper application process.

  • Do I need to live in New Hampshire to be a New Hampshire State Trooper?

    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.

  • Do you have a minimum age or maximum age?

    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.

  • When and how often do I need to travel to New Hampshire during the testing process?

    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.

  • My vision does not satisfy the NHSP requirement. When am I required to have it adjusted/fixed?

    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.

  • Is the Division accepting applications for Trooper?

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

  • Do I need a New Hampshire Driver’s license when applying to be a New Hampshire State Trooper?

    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.

  • How long is the process from the initial filing of the application to hire date?

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

  • When is the next test date, and how can I apply?

    2023 Test Dates

    • February 11, 2023
      • Application Available: December 16, 2022
      • Application Deadline: February 6, 2023
    • June 3, 2023
      • Application Available: March 31, 2023
      • Application Deadline: May 29, 2023
    • August 19, 2023
      • Application Available: June 23, 2023
      • Application Deadline: August 14, 2023
    • October 28, 2023
      • Application Available: August 25, 2023
      • Application Deadline: October 23, 2023

    Interested individuals are directed to visit the State of New Hampshire Employment Opportunities page for details regarding available positions and the process for application submittal. 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.

  • I applied for the most recent testing cycle, but cannot attend the exam. Is there an opportunity for me to take a make-up exam?

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

  • How can I prepare for the physical agility test?

    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.

  • Is there a recommended study guide for the written examination?

    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.

  • How do I apply as an out-of-state resident?

    The application process is the same for an in-state and out-of-state resident. An application can be downloaded from the New Hampshire State Police Recruitment webpage.

  • Can you recommend hotels that are near the testing facility?

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