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Learn how to become a state trooper in Texas

After California, Texas has the second-largest employment of sheriff’s patrol officers in the U.S. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metropolitan areas took the fifth and sixth spots for highest employment of police and sheriffs in the country, with an estimate of around 32,000 officers in the field.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the onboarding and regulatory process for state troopers, setting the requirements for education, application and training. Usually called “peace officers” in Texas, state troopers are part of this larger body of law enforcement positions that also include sheriff’s deputies and police officers.

If you are thinking about starting your state trooper path in Texas, you must meet the following requirements to become eligible.

Requirements for state troopers in Texas

Education requirements

State troopers in Texas must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• Hold a high school diploma or GED plus three years of full-time work experience or three years of active duty or reserve military experience, OR

• Have completed a two-year associate degree or 60 college credit hours from an accredited college or university. Up to s60 college earned hours may be waived with two years of active military duty or full time peace officer experience .Applicants about to graduate from college or who are in the process of completing a semester that will give them a total of 60 college earned hours can submit a letter from the college, OR

• Have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, OR
• Are currently an active, certified peace officer in Texas, OR
• Are a former federal or military law enforcement officer with arrest powers.

While the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not mandate specific fields of study, pursuing degrees in the following areas may be advantageous:​

• Criminal justice: Provides a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement principles, criminal law and the justice system.​
• Law enforcement: Focuses on policing strategies, public safety and investigative techniques.
• Criminology: Studies the causes, consequences and prevention of criminal behavior.​
• Psychology: Offers insights into human behavior, which can be beneficial in understanding and interacting with the public.​
• Sociology: Examines societal structures and issues, aiding in community engagement and problem-solving.​

These fields equip candidates with knowledge and skills relevant to the duties of a state trooper, such as enforcing laws, conducting investigations and engaging with diverse communities. Too, they may be instrumental in helping advance careers later on by providing fundamental knowledge for management or administrative law enforcement roles.

Knowing the difference between Texas peace officers

Since law enforcement officials in Texas are lumped under the “peace officer” moniker, it’s important to understand the basic differences between the types of law enforcement personnel using the name. Here’s a brief overview:

Next steps after passing the exams

After passing the exams and preparing for training at the Texas DPS Training Academy you must first complete the following:

Background investigation

• Deep dive into criminal history, employment, finances, references, driving record and personal behavior.
• Interviews with family, neighbors and former employers are common.

Polygraph examination

• Lie detector test to verify information provided during the background check.

Psychological evaluation

• Standardized testing and an interview with a licensed psychologist.
• Assesses emotional stability, decision-making, critical thinking and suitability for high-stress law enforcement work.

Medical examination

• Comprehensive physical health check by DPS medical staff (vision, hearing, cardiovascular health).

Final review board

• DPS personnel evaluate all applicant components and determine eligibility for training admission.

What happens at the Texas DPS Training Academy?

Once you’ve passed and completed all of the requirements, you’ll spend six months—or 28 weeks—at the DPS Law Enforcement Academy in Austin. You will be paid at the recruit level while you attend. Recruits—also called “Trooper Trainees”—live on-site Monday through Friday during the duration of the academy training program. Discipline and structure are strict, similar to a military-style environment.

Key training areas while in attendance:

• Firearms training
• Defensive tactics
• Driving techniques (EVOC–Emergency Vehicle Operation Course)
• Texas state and criminal law
• Crisis negotiation
• Cultural diversity and ethics
• Traffic enforcement
• Physical conditioning

What happens after graduation?

• Once you graduate, you are commissioned as a Texas State Trooper.
• You’ll be assigned to a duty station based on staffing needs across the state—you don’t get to pick your location, but you can request your preference.
• Initial assignments are usually within the Texas Highway Patrol, with opportunities to transfer to other divisions, such as criminal Investigations or Texas Rangers, after experience is gained.

Advancing in your state trooper career

Advancement as a Texas State Trooper involves a combination of experience, performance and additional certifications. Here’s a breakdown of the steps and certifications that can facilitate career progression:

Proficiency certifications

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) offers a series of proficiency certificates that recognize an officer’s training and experience:​

• Basic Proficiency Certificate: Entry-level certification upon meeting initial training requirements.​
• Intermediate Proficiency Certificate: Requires additional training hours and years of service beyond the Basic level.​
• Advanced Proficiency Certificate: Further training and experience are necessary beyond the Intermediate level.​
• Master Proficiency Certificate: The highest level, requiring extensive training and significant years of service.​

These certifications may enhance an officer’s qualifications for specialized assignments and promotions. ​

Rank promotions

The Texas DPS has a structured rank system:​

• Trooper I: Achieved after completing the probationary period.​
• Trooper II: Requires four years of service.​
• Sergeant, lieutenant and captain: Promotions to these supervisory ranks are competitive and based on factors such as experience, performance evaluations and successful completion of the promotional process, which may include written exams and interviews. ​

Specialized training and assignments

Pursuing specialized education may open opportunities in various divisions within DPS, such as:​

• Criminal investigations
• Texas Rangers
• Narcotics
• SWAT

Specialized roles often require additional certifications and demonstrated expertise in specific areas.​

Educational advancement

While the minimum education requirement is 60 college credit hours, obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields like criminal justice, public administration or related areas can enhance prospects for advancement and eligibility for higher ranks.

Texas state trooper salaries and job outlook

The annual median wage of state troopers in Texas may not be as high as other states like California, Illinois or Washington, but salaries may vary greatly based on factors such as location, experience and education level, said the BLS. Here are median salaries for Texas and its major metro areas:

Job outlook for Texas

The job outlook for state troopers in Texas is better than 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 healthy 13% projected growth through 2030, adding an additional 5,400 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: