We are now accepting applications for our next Academy Class

Your journey starts here.

You will need to submit an application, pass our written and physical fitness examinations as well as a background investigation that includes a polygraph and drug screening. When you accept a position in an academy class, you will undergo a final psychological assessment in order to begin training. Please visit our academy page for more information about cadet training and how to prepare.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is an equal opportunity employer.

Minimum Requirements for Cadets

Age: A cadet must turn 21 years prior to commission. The Ohio Revised Code 5503.02 stipulates that applicants must enter academy training prior to their 40th birthday. There are no exceptions or waiver.

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Driver's License: Must have a valid operator's license. Must obtain an Ohio driver's license prior to commission. Six or more points on your license is a disqualifier.

Citizenship: Must be a citizen of the United States.

Residency: Must become a resident of the State of Ohio prior to commission (graduation from the academy).

Vision: You must have uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100 in each eye separately, correctable to 20/20 monocular vision. Color vision must be normal.

Hearing: Hearing level shall not exceed 30 decibels of loss at any of the following frequencies: 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, & 3000 Hz in each ear.

Character: Applicant must be of good moral character.

Application Process: Successfully complete every step of the application process.

Training: Attend 24-26 weeks of paramilitary training academy located in Columbus, Ohio.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Application & Forms

1. Application

• Go to "Search for State of Ohio Government Jobs"
• Read the on the job posting.
• Click the "Apply Online" button at the bottom of the page.
• Click the "I Accept" button to continue to the job posting.

*If you are a current State of Ohio Employee, please search and apply for jobs via an employee-only jobs portal.

If you meet the minimum requirements you will be notified by email to proceed to the next step. When setting up your account, please select notification type as email. NOTE: Please check spam and junk folders to ensure the message was not filtered out.

2. Forms

Print and complete required forms from the Forms and Applications box on this page. Every effort should be made to bring completed forms with you to your test date.

• Applicant Release for Physical Assessment (OHP 0215 HP-47E-PFA)
  • Review, sign and date the form. A witness signature is required; a witness can be anyone over the age of 18.
• Vision Specialist's Report (OHP 1181)
  • This form must be completed by a certified Optometrist or Ophthalmologist within six months of your initial test date.
• Hearing Report (OHP 1188)*
  • This form must be completed by a certified Otolaryngologist (ENT) or Audiologist within six months of your initial test date.
• Pre-Employment Questionnaire (OHP 1463)
  • All attempts should be made to type this form, but if it needs to be handwritten, please write neatly and use separate sheets of paper for large portions of information.

*Applicants who do not meet our Hearing and/or Vision Standards will be advised of options at the test date.

Step 2: Written Exam

The Office of Recruitment will administer a 50 item multiple choice exam consisting of the following sections: Crash Diagrams, Ethical Dilemmas, Spelling and Vocabulary, Map Reading, Math and Scenario based Questions. Applicants will have 75 minutes to complete the exam, a passing score is 75% or greater. (Calculators and pencils will be provided) Applicants who pass the written exam will immediately move on to the Physical Fitness Assessment that same day.

• There is not an official study guide for this exam, please review the Sample Examination Questions
• Dress in physical fitness attire on test day.
• Bring your valid driver's license on test day.

Step 3: Physical Fitness Assessment

The Physical Fitness assessment consists of a timed 1.5 mile run, one minute timed push-ups and one minute timed sit-ups. Below are the minimum fitness standards. Time allowed is based on Aerobics Institute's twentieth (20%) percentile, based on age and gender.

*The 1.5 mile run may be conducted outside or inside, depending on weather conditions. You should bring appropriate clothing and running shoes to perform the physical fitness assessment in either environment.

Step 4: Polygraph Exam

Applicants who successfully complete the written and physical fitness examinations will be contacted by The Office of Investigative Services to schedule their Polygraph exam. Refusal to take or complete the polygraph examination will result in immediate rejection of the applicant from the hiring process.

Step 5: Background Investigation

Ohio State Highway Patrol investigators will conduct a complete and thorough investigation of your background to determine your suitability for employment as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper.

Your family, friends, neighbors, present and former employers, fellow employees, school officials, physicians, firms with which you have done business, courts and local law enforcement agencies, etc. will be contacted as part of this investigation. An in-depth interview will be held with you at a location of the investigator's choosing.

You will need to begin gathering copies of the following forms for the Background Investigator when you have successfully completed the polygraph.

1. A photocopy of your birth certificate.
2. A photocopy of your driver's license.
3. A photocopy of your marriage license (if applicable).
4. A photocopy of any/all divorce decrees (if applicable).
5. A photocopy of your Social Security card.
6. Copies of ALL paperwork pertaining to a divorce or separation; including financial or visitation agreements.
7. A copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate and transcripts.
8. Copies of your college diploma and certificates of completion for any other schooling and ALL grade transcripts of any type of additional schooling past high school. These must be in a sealed envelope from the school.
9. Copies of title, registration and proof of insurance for all vehicles owned by you or your spouse.
10. A list of ALL doctors and dentists of any you have seen; include name, address, phone number, date and reason. Also include clinics or hospitals, if applicable.
11. Copies of medical records from the doctors, clinics or hospitals for surgeries or any serious medical conditions (including allergies). These must be in a sealed envelope form the respective offices.
12. Copies of DD-214 and ALL military records.
13. Naturalization forms, if applicable.

Step 6: Selection Committee

The completed background investigation will be presented to the Screening Committee which will review the information and make a determination of your qualifications for employment as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper. Applicants will be notified via email the results of the selection committee.

Step 7: Psychological Assessment

Applicants will be contacted by the Office of Personnel to schedule your psychological assessment. All applicants are required to pass the psychological assessment in order to be placed on the eligibility roster and considered for a future academy class.

Step 8: Drug Screen

Applicants will submit to a mandatory drug urinalysis by a Division approved regional medical lab. Applicants must have a negative test to successfully complete the hiring process. Applicants with a positive result on the drug urinalysis will be immediately disqualified from the hiring process.

Step 9: Orientation and Assessments

Once an academy date has been established, applicants selected for the class will be notified via email of the dates and time for the mandatory orientation and additional physical fitness assessment. All applicants are required to attend both New Hire Orientation and pass an additional physical fitness assessment in order to enter an academy class.

Step 10: Training Academy

Cadets will attend the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus for approximately 6 months of training. Cadets will live at the Academy during the week and are released for the weekend.

Step 11: Field Training

A newly appointed trooper will serve a field training period of not less than 70 working days after graduation from the Academy. The FTO is expected to work all three shifts (approximately 20 days on afternoon shift, and 30 days on the midnight shift) to ensure the new trooper develops the necessary skills and experience needed to proficiently carry out all job tasks.