Kentucky State Trooper Training

Kentucky State Troopers serve as state-wide law enforcement officers.  These officers enforce state and federal laws across the state, as well as aiding and assisting other law enforcement agencies in investigations and public safety responsibilities.  Kentucky State Trooper jobs are offered through the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.


To learn how to become a Kentucky State Trooper, please review the following steps:

  1. Assess your qualifications
  2. Submit an application to the Kentucky State Police
  3. Pass written, physical agility and oral tests
  4. Submit to a background check and a polygraph examination
  5. Pass the medical and psychological evaluations
  6. Complete the Kentucky State Trooper Training program

Step 1. Assess Your Qualifications

To join the Kentucky State Police, you must possess the following qualifications.

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 21 years or older
  • Have a valid driver’s license with no more than 6 demerit points
  • Completed at least 60 semester hours at a college or university –or—
  • Have a high school diploma with 2 years of military or law enforcement experience

If you have any of the following conditions you may be disqualified from joining the Kentucky State Police.

  • Felony conviction
  • Current user of a controlled substance
  • Dismissal from a public agency for misconduct
  • Submitting false information on the Kentucky State Police application
  • Has tattoos that are visible while wearing a Kentucky State Police summer uniform shirt

Step 2.  Submit an Application to the Kentucky State Police

Application forms may be obtained online at the Kentucky State Police site. Along with the fully completed application, you must also submit the following documents:

  • Copy of birth certificate or naturalization certificate
  • Copy of valid driver’s license
  • Copy of high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Official college transcripts
  • Notarized letters from law enforcement employers
  • Copy of DD214 form documenting veteran status

Step 3. Pass Written, Physical Agility and Oral Tests

The written test to join the Kentucky State Police includes portions on the following subjects:

  • Spelling
  • Vocabulary
  • Language skills
  • Reasoning
  • Math

The physical agility test comprises 40 percent of the selection process’ criteria.  There are five portions with each contributing between 0 and 8 points to the final score.  Exact criteria for points is found here.

  1. Bench press
  2. Sit ups
  3. 300 meter run
  4. Push ups
  5. 1.5 mile run

Following successful completion of these two tests, you will be asked to interview with personnel from the KSP department.

Step 4. Submit to a Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination

The background check and polygraph examination will verify the information provided on the application, other documents and interview.  Your past employment, education and military history will be investigated along with your moral character and reputation.  If you pass this and the prior steps, you will be granted a Conditional Offer of Employment.

Step 5. Pass a Medical and Psychological Evaluation

You must submit to an examination from a state doctor and a psychologist who will ensure that you are capable of performing the responsibilities incumbent upon a Kentucky State Trooper.

Step 6. Complete the Kentucky State Trooper Training Program

Before entering the field as an officer, new recruits must complete the Kentucky State Trooper Training program.  This 23 week program is conducted at the Kentucky State Police Academy in Frankfort and includes the following courses:

  • Constitutional law
  • Juvenile law
  • Traffic law
  • Defensive tactics
  • First aid
  • High speed pursuit
  • Search and seizure
  • Hostage negotiations

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