HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) recently announced a substantial increase in eligible applicants for state trooper positions. This follows Governor Shapiro’s decision six months ago to waive the college credit requirement for applicants, a move that has made the dream of serving as a state trooper more accessible to many Pennsylvanians.
The latest selection cycle saw 1,830 eligible applicants for the state trooper exam, with a significant 41% of these candidates previously unable to pursue careers as state troopers due to the college credit requirement.
“This surge in applications signifies a new era for the PSP,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We are witnessing an influx of men and women driven by a passion to serve their community, a calling that is not exclusive to those with a college education.”
Between November 1 and January 31, PSP received applications from a diverse range of educational backgrounds. Of the eligible applicants, 752 listed a high school diploma or equivalent as their highest level of education, while 581 had some college but no degree. The remaining applicants include those with associate degrees (170), bachelor’s degrees (288), and master’s degrees (39).
Governor Shapiro’s decision to suspend the requirement of 60 college credits on August 28, 2023, has clearly had a positive impact. In the first half of 2023, with the credit requirement still in place, PSP received 1,374 eligible applications over six months. In contrast, the first two-month hiring cycle without the college credit requirement saw 1,545 eligible applications.
Applicants have until February 7, 2024, to take the state trooper exam, which serves as the next stage of the hiring process. The previous selection cycle, which was the first without the college credit requirement, saw 1,074 candidates take the written examination, with 1,054 moving on to the next phase. Of these applicants, 624 would not have been eligible due to the college credit requirement.
The next cadet application cycle is set to open on February 12, 2024. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate, a valid driver’s license from any state, and be at least 20 years old at the time of application. Upon entry into the training academy, they must be at least 21 years old and under 40. Cadets must also be Pennsylvania residents and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license upon graduation. No prior law enforcement experience is necessary.
The cadet training lasts approximately 28 weeks. It is paramilitary in nature and includes comprehensive coursework in Pennsylvania’s crimes and vehicle codes, law enforcement principles and practices, firearms and special equipment training, and physical fitness activities. Upon completion, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive a salary of $66,911 annually.
Governor Shapiro’s commitment to broadening job opportunities extends beyond the PSP. On his first day in office, he announced that 92 percent of state government jobs, roughly 65,000 positions, do not require a four-year college degree. The Governor also ordered all state agencies under his jurisdiction to emphasize work experience in their hiring processes, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive workforce across Pennsylvania.
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