Please read all the basic requirements. Many applicants waste time and money coming to test when they are ineligible to continue in the process.
Basic Requirements to Become a Vermont State Trooper
Age
Minimum 20 years old to apply and begin the testing selection process. You must wait until your 20th birthday to apply. There is no "age limit" to apply but we do have mandatory retirement at age 57.
Vision
Applicants must have satisfactory depth perception, no marked muscle imbalance, and have a satisfactory visual field. The applicant must have uncorrected vision not worse than 20/200 (Snellen) and corrected 20/20 in one eye and not worse than 20/40 in the other eye. Contact lens wearers must have 20/20 corrected vision and have worn contact lenses successfully for a minimum of one year. If an applicant has had laser eye corrective surgery and meets the above criteria, a six month waiting period is required before beginning the Academy. All candidates must pass a color vision test.
Hearing
Normal
Health
Mental and physical condition appropriate to successfully perform, with reasonable accommodation, the essential job functions for this position.
Education
Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
Selective Service System
Applicants must be in compliance with all applicable Selective Service requirements.
Military
Not required. However if military service has been performed, an honorable discharge or separation must have been obtained.
Residency
Applicants must bear the expense of travel to Vermont for multiple stages in the hiring process. Vermont residency is required upon graduation from the academy. A birth certificate, Social Security card, or other documentation showing your authorization to work in the United States.
Driver's License
Must possess a valid motor vehicle license at the time of application, or be willing and eligible to obtain one before you report to the academy. Upon graduation,you must obtain a Vermont operator's license.
Physical Requirements
A mandatory physical assessment program is in place that encompasses a 1.5-mile run, a 500-Meter Row on a Concept 2 Rower (with a damper setting of 5), as well as a sit-up and push-up assessment. The standards for these assessments are based on the 50th percentile for a candidate based on age and gender. View the requirements.
Body Piercing, Tattoos or Body Art
Arm tattoos are permitted to be visible. Tattoos on the face, neck or hands are forbidden (the sole exception is for commitment band tattoos on ring fingers). VSP policy prohibits any type of tattoo that indicates an extremist, sexist or racist ideology or affiliation.
To read the full policy, click here.
Drug use, including marijuana
Applicants need to be drug-free for one year prior to becoming a Trooper. This includes marijuana use. While marijuana is legal in Vermont, it is a Schedule I drug and illegal under federal law. VSP policy prohibits its use by Troopers.
Criminal History
You must not have been convicted of any felonies. Your right to carry a firearm shall not have been revoked for any reason. You must disclose criminal activity, if any, during a later phase in the hiring process. Complete honesty is required.