By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 2, 2026
Learn how to become a state trooper in New Jersey
New Jersey is a great state for state troopers, boasting the ninth largest employment of police and sheriff’s patrol officers in the U.S. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported that the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metropolitan area held the number one spot for the highest employment of police, troopers and sheriffs in the country, with an estimated 54,830 officers in the field. Of note is the Camden area’s also making the BLS’ list for highest employment, ranking at number eight in the nation with an estimated 12,400 officers in the field.
Here are the education and training steps you’ll need to take in order to join state troopers in New Jersey.
In this article
Requirements for state troopers in New Jersey
Basic eligibility requirements
- Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and must not reach their 35th birthday prior to the graduation date of their State Police class.
- Citizenship: Only citizens of the U.S. are eligible for appointment to the New Jersey State Police Academy.
- License: Applicants must have obtained a valid automobile driver’s license at the time that background investigations begin.
- Education: A degree or credits must be attained (see below) at application. All degrees and credits must be earned from an accredited college or university.
- Moral character: Candidates must have a good reputation and be of sound moral character. A comprehensive background investigation will be conducted to ensure applicants possess integrity, reliability, sound moral character, dependability, responsibility and ethical judgment.
Preferred experience requirements
While the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) primarily focus on the minimum eligibility requirements for applicants, certain experiences and qualifications may enhance a candidate’s application:
- Community policing experience: Having at least one year of experience in community policing demonstrates a commitment to public engagement and proactive law enforcement strategies.
- Prior law enforcement experience: Applicants with prior law enforcement experience, particularly those with five years or less, may be favored for certain positions. This experience indicates familiarity with law enforcement duties and protocols.
- Specialized skills or certifications: Possessing specialized skills or certifications, such as bilingual abilities, radar operation or alcotest operation, may be advantageous. These skills demonstrate versatility and the ability to serve diverse communities effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Exhibiting strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with cultural and community sensitivity, may be beneficial. These attributes are essential for building trust and effectively interacting with the public.
Physical fitness requirements
To become a New Jersey State Trooper, applicants must pass the Physical Qualification Test (PQT), which assesses physical readiness for the demands of law enforcement. The PQT is comprised of four timed exercises:
- 75-yard pursuit run: Simulates a foot chase involving quick direction changes and obstacles. Applicants must complete two timed trials, stepping over curb-height barriers without contact.
- Push-ups: Measures upper body strength and endurance. Applicants perform as many correct push-ups as possible in two minutes, maintaining proper form throughout.
- Sit-ups: Assesses core strength. Applicants complete as many correct sit-ups as possible in two minutes, with knees bent and feet secured.
- 1.5-mile run: The run evaluates cardiovascular endurance. Applicants must complete the run within a specified time limit.
While the NJSP does not publicly disclose exact passing scores, recruits at the academy are required to pass an annual physical test with the following standards:
- Push-ups: Minimum of 24 repetitions in one minute.
- Sit-ups: Minimum of 28 repetitions in one minute.
- 1.5-Mile Run: Completed in 15 minutes and 55 seconds or less.
To assist applicants in preparing for the PQT, the NJSP offers a voluntary Pre-Employment Preparation Program (PEPP). This program provides guidance on improving cardiovascular endurance and upper body strength, familiarizes participants with the PQT exercises and offers training tips.
What may disqualify you
- Conviction of an indictable offense or offenses involving domestic violence.
- Conviction of any offense involving a controlled dangerous substance.
- Dishonorable discharge from any branch of military service or law enforcement agency.
- Use of marijuana or hashish within the past three years.
- Use or possession of any other illegal drugs within the past 10 years.
- Providing false information during the application process.
Education requirements
Candidates must have satisfied one of the following educational criteria at the time of application:
- Have 30 college credits, plus at least 24 months of active duty military service with an honorable discharge.
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree.
- Have at least 90 college credits and complete the degree by a specified date prior to the written examination.
- Earned an associate degree or 60 college credits, plus at least 24 months of satisfactory employment or military experience.
Knowing the difference between NJ law enforcement officers
Since law enforcement officials in New Jersey perform different duties and are supervised by different agencies and elected offices, it’s important to understand the basic differences between them. Here’s a concise comparison chart between the three:
State troopers:
Jurisdiction: Entire state of New Jersey
Employer: New Jersey State Police (NJSP), under the Office of the Attorney General
Main duties: Highway patrol, statewide law enforcement and major investigations
Reports to: Superintendent of NJSP
Fact: NJ State Troopers also serve as the primary police force in towns without local PDs
Police officers:
Jurisdiction: Specific municipality or city limits in New Jersey
Employer: Local municipal government
Main duties: Enforce local/state laws, patrol neighborhoods and respond to calls
Reports to: Police Chief and local officials
Fact: Police departments are often funded and governed by city councils
Sheriff’s patrol officers:
Jurisdiction: County-wide, including unincorporated areas
Employer: County Sheriff (elected)
Main duties: Court security, transport of prisoners and patrol county roads
Reports to: County Sheriff
Fact: Sheriffs are elected officials in NJ, and not all counties have patrol functions
Next steps after applying
Here’s what happens after applying to the New Jersey State Police:
Application screening: Your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the minimum qualifications and does not contain any automatic disqualifiers. If your application passes this screening, you will be invited to the next phase.
Physical Qualification Test (PQT): This test assesses your physical fitness through a series of exercises:
- 75-yard pursuit run
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 1.5-mile run
Failure to pass the PQT will disqualify you from the current selection process.
Written exam: You will be scheduled for a written examination, which assesses various competencies relevant to law enforcement duties, once you pass the PQT.
Background check: A comprehensive background check will be conducted, and includes the following investigations:
- Verification of personal data and citizenship
- Review of educational and employment history
- Interviews with personal and professional references
- Examination of criminal and motor vehicle records
Applicants who provide false information or exhibit conduct inconsistent with the expectations of a state trooper will be disqualified.
Face the Candidate Review Board (CRB): Following the background investigation, candidates will appear before the CRB for an interview. This board reviews any concerns or issues identified during the background check.
Medical and psychological examinations: Candidates who advance past the CRB will undergo medical and psychological evaluations to determine their fitness for duty. This includes assessments of physical health, mental health and drug testing.
Once all of the above steps are successfully completed, recruits are ready to enter the New Jersey State Police Academy.
What happens at the NJSP Training Academy?
The New Jersey State Police Training Academy is located in Sea Girt, Monmouth County, and serves as the residential training facility for all incoming state trooper recruits. The academy is situated within the New Jersey National Guard Training Center, providing a structured and immersive environment for recruits.
Recruits can expect to participate in approximately 24 weeks—or about 6 months—of intensive, full-time training.The academy delivers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare recruits for the diverse responsibilities of a New Jersey State Trooper. Key components include:
- Physical conditioning: Daily physical training to build endurance, strength and agility.
- Defensive tactics: Instruction in self-defense techniques and control tactics.
- Firearms training: Proficiency with duty weapons, including safety and marksmanship.
- Legal education: Courses covering New Jersey laws, criminal procedures and constitutional rights.
- Emergency vehicle operations: Training in high-speed driving and pursuit tactics.
- First aid and CPR: Certification in basic life-saving techniques.
- Drill and ceremony: Emphasis on discipline, uniformity and attention to detail.
Recruits reside on-site throughout the training period, fostering a disciplined and focused learning environment.
What happens after graduation?
Upon successful completion of the academy, recruits are sworn in as New Jersey State Troopers and assigned to various units across the state so they may begin their law enforcement careers.
Advancing in your state trooper career
Advancing your career as a New Jersey State Trooper involves a combination of experience, education, performance and participation in specialized training programs. Here’s an overview of the promotion process and opportunities for career growth within the NJSP:
Promotion process
The NJSP follows a structured promotion system based on merit and experience. Key aspects include:
- Eligibility: Candidates must meet specific criteria, including time-in-grade requirements and satisfactory performance evaluations.
- Promotional examinations: Eligible troopers may be required to pass written exams that assess knowledge of NJSP policies and procedures.
- Training courses: Newly promoted officers attend mandatory leadership courses to prepare for their new responsibilities.
Leadership development
To support leadership advancement, the NJSP offers specialized training programs:
- Executive leadership course: A 40-hour course for those promoted to Lieutenant, emphasizing strategic planning and organizational leadership.
- Mid-level management course: A 40-hour course for newly promoted Sergeants First Class, focusing on leadership skills and team management.
Career development opportunities
Beyond rank promotions, troopers can diversify their careers by:
- Continue your education: Pursue advanced degrees or certifications relevant to law enforcement.
- Specialize: Join units like the Tactical Emergency And Mission Specialists (TEAMS), K-9 units or Cyber Crimes.
- Transfer: Move between divisions such as field operations, investigations or homeland security.
New Jersey state trooper salaries and job outlook
The annual median wage of state troopers in New Jersey may not be as high as other states like California, Illinois or Washington, but salaries are still higher than the national median. In fact, New Jersey ranks eighth in the U.S. for highest median annual pay, said the BLS. Here are median salaries for New Jersey police and sheriffs officers:
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
10%$57,260
25%$67,320
50%$89,030Median
75%$119,410
90%$134,460
Median Hourly Wage$43
Job growth3.1%
Total Employment21,620
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $76,480 | $59,730 | $128,410 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $75,070 | $49,470 | $124,260 |
| Vineland, NJ | $67,600 | $51,130 | $115,180 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Job outlook for New Jersey
The job outlook for state troopers in New Jersey is about the same as the national average for job growth, said O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS. While the national job growth rate for police and sheriff’s patrol officers is 3.1% through 2034, O*Net reported a 4% projected growth through 2030 in New Jersey, adding an additional 2,010 state troopers to the field.
Guides to becoming a state trooper
Take a look at the steps you’ll need to take to become a state trooper in other states: