State Police Applicant Process

Step 1: Entrance Exam

The entrance test is a pass/fail exam. Results are mailed within 4-6 weeks after the exam. Once an applicant has passed the written exam, the applicant is advised by the State Police Commission that the next phase of the process will be handled by the Office of State Police. If an applicant fails the written test, a re-application can be made by sending a letter to the State Police Commission requesting to be scheduled for another test date.

Step 2: Availability/Personal Data Questionnaire Packet

After passing the written test, and when the department schedules an academy class, applicants are mailed a packet, including an Availability/Personal Data Questionnaire, to be returned within two weeks.

Step 3: Physical Condition Assessment

In order to be considered for employment, applicants must pass a Physical Condition Assessment. The Physical Condition Assessment is comprised of three events: push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run for time. Applicants are graded by Cooper's Standards for Law Enforcement Personnel. The standards are listed below:

Entrance Standards - Male

Entrance Standards - Female

Pre-Hire Physical Training Recommendations

Step 4: Background Investigation and Polygraph

A background investigation will be conducted of all applicants who turn in the Availability/Personal Data Questionnaire packets. While the backgrounds are being conducted, a polygraphist will contact each applicant to schedule a polygraph exam. This process can take several months for completion, depending on when an academy class is scheduled.

Step 5: Oral Interview

Applicants will receive a letter informing them of their scheduled date for appearance before an oral interview board.

Step 6: Selection of Candidates

Upon completion of the application process, applicant information will be assembled in a candidates' pool. This information will be reviewed for available positions by members of the selection board. Candidates will then be selected in a non-discriminatory manner.

Step 7: Conditional Offer of Employment

All selected candidates will receive a letter for a Conditional Offer of Employment. If a candidate accepts the offer, he/she must sign and return the letter before a specified deadline.

Step 8: Medical Examination, Drug Test, and Psychological Evaluation

Upon acceptance of the Conditional Offer of Employment, candidates are required to report for a medical exam, drug test, and psychological evaluation by a licensed, contracted physician on our staff. Another physical condition assessment will be given during this step.

Step 9: Final Offer of Employment

After passing the medical exam, drug test, and psychological evaluation, candidates will receive a letter for a Final Offer of Employment. They will be required to sign and return the letter before a specified deadline.

Step 10: Start of Academy

All candidates who accept the Final Offer of Employment will receive information regarding the Academy reporting date and time as well as a list of required items to bring with them.

* The entire Applicant Process can take approximately 9-12 months or longer, depending on budget issues and when the Academy Class is scheduled to begin.

* If the applicant is not selected for hire, they may submit a letter to the Louisiana State Police Commission (P.O. Box 66555, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6555), requesting that their name be placed back on the eligibility list.

Application and Cadet Testing

We are an equal-opportunity employer.

You may download an application to apply to become a Louisiana State Trooper at the Louisiana State Police Commission website or by clicking below.

The Louisiana State Police Commission is responsible for the application and initial Cadet test. Please visit the LSPC website in order to fill out and submit your application. Additional information, including a Cadet test preparation manual, can be found on the Commission's website.

If you need more information, please contact a recruiter or the Louisiana State Police Commission.

State Trooper Application

Cadet Test Schedule

For cadet testing information, contact:
Debbie Givens
Louisiana State Police Commission
225-925-4996
Debbie.Givens@la.gov

LSP Commission Website