Florida State Trooper Training

Florida state troopers are members of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) which lives by its motto, “service, integrity, courtesy, professionalism, innovation and excellence. The FHP is seeking qualified candidates to join its ranks. Here you’ll find information on how to become a Florida state trooper:

  1. Meet Basic Qualifications and Apply
  2. Take and Pass the written Basic Abilities Test (BAT)
  3. Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
  4. Polygraph Examination
  5. Physical Exam, Drug Screening, Eye Exam & Psychological Evaluation
  6. Background Investigation/Credit Check
  7. Attend Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy

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Step 1: Meet Basic Qualifications and Apply with the Florida Highway Patrol

You can either apply for Florida state trooper jobs online or download the application and mail the completed form to State Trooper Candidate, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS-49, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Be sure that you meet the following minimum requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • At least 19 years old (no maximum age)
  • Minimum correctable vision of 20/30 with a 140-degree field of vision and no color distinguishing disability.
  • You need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Preference will be given to applicants with an A.A. degree from an accredited college, two years military experience, or employment with a Florida law enforcement agency.
  • You must weigh less than 20 pounds over the maximum recommended weight for your height and gender.
  • You must not have any arrests for a felony, domestic violence or violent crime.

In addition, you are required to have ONE of the following:

  • One year law enforcement experience
  • Two years active-duty military experience
  • Two years public-contact experience
  • 30 semester or 45 quarter hours credit from an accredited college/university

Step 2. Written Test (BAT for Law Enforcement)

The FHP no longer administers the BAT. You must make arrangements to take the test from one of numerous providers located across Florida,  like Miami-Dade College (http://www.mdc.edu/north/f-bat). The test assesses your spatial ordering, written comprehension/expression, memorization, problem sensitivity and reasoning ability. Study guides and sample tests are available online.

Step 3. Physical Abilities Test (PAT)

You will have to perform the following continuous actions in fewer than 6.04 minutes. You will begin seated in a patrol car with your seat belt fastened. You will have to retrieve the trunk key from the glove compartment, exit the vehicle, open the trunk to remove a gin and baton, run 220 yards, complete an obstacle course, drag a 150-pound dummy, run another 220 yards, dry-fire your weapon six times with each hand, place the items back in the trunk, get into the vehicle, replace trunk key and fasten seat belt.

Step 4. Polygraph Examination

You will be questioned about things like your education, past employment, finances, drug/alcohol usage and criminal behavior while attached to a polygraph machine.

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Step 5. Physical/Psychological Examinations

You will undergo a physical exam, given an eye test, screened for drug use and have a psychological evaluation to determine your suitability as a Florida state trooper.

Step 6. Attend Florida Highway Patrol Academy

After you have successfully completed all of the above tests you will be placed on the “ready to hire” list until the next opening at the Florida Highway Patrol Academy in Tallahassee where you will receive state trooper training for 30 weeks.

You will receive an annual salary of $2,514.88 plus room and board while at the academy. Starting salaries after graduation are $33,977.04 to $38, 976, 84/year, depending on the county to which you are assigned. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement benefits, uniforms and a dry cleaning allowance. There will be ample opportunities for salary raises and promotions.

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