Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for a career as a Vermont State Trooper involves focusing on conduct, education, experience, and finances.

• Conduct: Avoid criminal behavior, drive responsibly, stay away from illegal drugs and alcohol misuse. Even using someone else’s prescription drug is illegal and can disqualify you.
• Education: Pursue higher education, get certifications like CPR and first aid, learn a second language, or develop other relevant skills.
• Experience: Be a reliable citizen and employee, volunteer in your community, and consider gaining military or law enforcement experience.
• Finances: Show financial responsibility by avoiding late payments, overdrafts, and excessive debt, and maintain a good credit rating.

By following these guidelines, you will be well-prepared to uphold the values and responsibilities of a Vermont State Trooper.

To apply, you need to meet the minimum fitness standards based on a 2000 meter row at the 50th percentile. Check our Fitness Standards below for more details.

Besides the row, you'll also need to complete:

• Bench press
• Sit-ups (1 minute)
• Push-ups (1 minute)
• 500 meter row
• 1.5 mile run

Prepare well to meet these requirements.

VSP policy prohibits any type of tattoo that indicates an extremist, sexist or racist ideology or affiliation. Tattoos on the face, neck or hands also are forbidden. The sole exception is for commitment band tattoos on ring fingers.

To read the full policy, click here.

You do not have to be a current resident of Vermont to apply. However, you must establish residency in Vermont by the time you graduate the basic Academy.

If you're on active duty, you should begin applying about six months before your separation date.

No. Contact your high school for a copy of your transcript.

No. If hired, you’ll be trained at the academy. Pre-Basic classes begin in January and July, and the Basic Academy begins immediately afterwards. The entire training process at the Academy is about 27 weeks.

Yes, with three years of law enforcement experience and approval of training records. You must submit all of your training records and certifications to us for approval. The hiring process remains the same.

The waiver process is overseen by the Vermont Police Academy and the Vermont Criminal Justice Council. More information is available on their website at this link.

Yes, starting from your first day of Pre-Basic.

Yes, typically from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon. If your home far from the Academy, we can direct you to local motels that offer discounts.

You'll choose your top three barracks during training, but final assignment depends on department needs.

We always do our best to station new Trooper to a barracks that works well for them. 

Training lasts for about 27 weeks, including field training.

The first 3 weeks are similar to a military style boot camp and involves only State Police recruits. The next 17 weeks involve attendance and graduation from the basic police academy.

The remaining 7 weeks of "post basic" training is for certifications such as DWI, radar, first aid/CPR, shotgun, emergency vehicle operation, and several other specialty courses. Instruction in the State Police computer system and remaining equipment issues will also be included.

Graduates participate in a 45-day minimum and 63-day maximum Field Training Program under the supervision of another Trooper.

Shifts vary by barracks and include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Typical shifts can look like:

• 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (If on day shift, you may be on call from 4:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
• 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. (If on night shift, you may be on call from 2:00 a.m. - 4:30 a.m.)

Troopers often work alone in remote areas. They must be mentally and physically prepared to deal with any situation until additional support arrives.

We train our Troopers to handle these kinds of situations. However, it also requires self-confidence, which can only come from within.

All gear and uniforms are provided by the State, including a take-home patrol vehicle.

Applicants must be drug-free for one year, including marijuana use.

The Vermont State Police values diversity and encourages minorities and women to apply.

Yes. The state prohibits discrimination and offers a right to appeal if discriminated against.

Discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, place of birth, age, or against a qualified person with disabilities, or any other non-merit factor is prohibited.

Any applicant for employment who feels discriminated against in his or her opportunity for employment shall have the right to appeal. Such appeals shall be submitted in writing to the Commissioner of Public Safety at the following address no later than 30 calendar days from the effective date of the action being appealed:

Department of Public Safety
45 State Drive
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2101