Police Officer1 positions with the Ohio State Highway Patrol are full-time, permanent, bargaining unit, classified positions, located in the Columbus, Ohio area.

If you are interested in becoming a Police Officer, you will need to apply to take a Civil Service Exam. The Civil Service Exam is content valid and tests for the job knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the specific classification. It consists of a written multiple-choice test only. The objective section will cover the following areas: knowledge of law enforcement, public and interpersonal relations, grammar and English usage; ability to think logically, take direction, write reports, keep records and spell and perform mathematical computations.

Minimum Qualifications
Formal education in arithmetic that includes fractions, decimals and percentages; formal education in reading and writing English vocabulary; valid driver’s license; probationary period is one year. – OR - Possession of certificate having successfully completed approved basic peace officer training program or completion of 20 years active duty as peace officer per Section 109.78 (D) of ORC for Mental Retardation, Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health. Probationary period is one year.
Note: Applicant must be able to successfully perform Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program (OPOTC) Fitness Testing Entry Standards for New Recruits.

Hiring Process
If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive a letter indicating the date and time of the test from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) approximately two weeks before the test. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, you will receive a denial letter.

This examination is only given in Columbus, Ohio. Test results will be scored within two weeks; please allow one additional week for your score to arrive in the mail. If you do not pass the test, you can take the test again after four months.

If you pass the test, your name is placed on the Certification Eligible List. Agencies are required to hire from this list when a vacancy exists. The eligible list is arranged according to examination scores from highest to lowest. Your name will stay on the list for one year.

After you receive your test score, you can determine your rank on the eligible list by calling the Office of Certification at (614) 466-4194. Names are added and deleted from lists regularly, so your ranking is always subject to change.When a vacancy exists, we will receive (10) names at a time from the eligible list. If you are not chosen within a year your name will be removed from the eligible list. To become eligible after this period of time, you must retake and pass the examination. Ifyour name, address or phone number changes, be sure to notify the DAS in writing, so they may update your file.

If we receive your name on our eligible list, you will be sent a letter. If interested, you must respond as directed in the letter within 7 days. At that time you will be scheduled to attend a formal informational session detailing the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s hiring process for the position of Police Officer.

Please be advised, you must undergo a pre-employment polygraph examination and a background check prior to final approval of your employment with the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

To apply to take the Civil Service Exam for the Police Officer 1 position:
• Go to: www.statejobs.ohio.gov
• Under the menu title “Select an Agency” choose “**Current Civil Service Exams” only and click “Search”. Do not select a title or a county.
• Click on “Police Officer 1”.
• At the top left or right side of the page, click on “How to Apply”.
• Click on “Apply on Line”.
• Enter username and password if you have an established profile OR select the “click here” link to establish one.
• Complete the required information and submit application.
• You will receive a confirmation email stating that you successfully applied for a position online. No further action is needed.

Applications are reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum qualifications.