The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is one of the most respected police forces in the country, and becoming a cop with them is a dream job for many people. To become an NYPD officer, you need to pass a rigorous selection process that includes written exams and physical fitness tests. You also need to have at least 60 college credits before applying. If you’re interested in becoming an NYPD officer, here’s how you can do it.
Step 1: Prepare for the Written Exam
The first step in applying to be an NYPD officer is taking the written exam. This exam covers topics like law enforcement policy, arrest procedures, traffic laws, and more. The test will be given on a computer; there are no pencils or paper allowed during this test! You should expect that there will be around 100 questions on this exam—some will require short answers while others require longer responses.
Step 2: Complete Your Background Check
After passing your written exam (which may take up to three months), you’ll need to complete your background check before moving on to other stages of the application process. Your background check will include fingerprinting and criminal record searches as well as interviews with past employers or landlords who might have information about your character.
How To Become An Nypd Officer
Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in New York
- Age: not less than 20 at the time of appointment nor more than 35 as of date of written examination. It is recommended that candidates be not less than 19 on the date of the examination;
- Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma;
- Medical and physical fitness requirements are set by the New York -State Municipal Police Training Council and must be met prior to appointment;
- Municipal civil service agencies may establish other additional or higher qualifications than those listed above, so you must closely review the announcement for the examination where you are interested in being employed.
Extension or a waiver to the age requirement
Candidates who are veterans of the armed forces may have time spent on military duty, up to a maximum of six years, as defined in Section 243 (10-a)of the Military Law, deducted from their age for purposes of determining whether they meet the age requirement. Beyond this exemption for Veterans there is no ability for a municipal civil service agency or the New York State Civil Service Commission to provide a waiver to the age requirements.
Careers
Keeping the greatest city in the world safe requires finding the best people for the job. The New York City Police Department has a variety of uniformed and civilian job positions. Whether you’re considering a career as a police officer, traffic enforcement agent, or a communications technician, a range of rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities await you in the NYPD.
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) provides in depth information on the civil service hiring process. We encourage you to review the schedule of tests and qualifications. Information and resources for both current employees and a retirees can be found here as well. To further examine career opportunities with the city and view current job listings, visit nyc.gov/jobs.
The NYPD offers competitive salaries and benefits as well as a chance to serve your neighbors: the people of New York City. So please explore the opportunities available in the NYPD, and consider joining us in making this great city even greater.
Register Now For The Police Officer Exam!
The Police Officer Exam will be open for filing from June 8th, 2022- July 15th, 2022. You can register for the exam by clicking on the button below.
