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Cadet Program

The Massachusetts State Police Cadet Program provides hands-on training to build the skills and experience needed for a career in law enforcement. Learn more about what the program offers, the qualifications, and how to register for the exam.

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Overview

We are now accepting registrations for the Cadet Exam. The deadline is November 29, 2024.
Cadets with MSP Air Wing

The Massachusetts State Police Cadet Program provides a full-time, paid civilian role with benefits, designed for Massachusetts residents aged 19-25 who are pursuing a future in law enforcement. Successful completion of the program, along with passing the Civil Service State Trooper Exam, may lead to direct appointment into a Recruit Training Troop at the State Police Academy.

During the application period, interested individuals can register through MassCareers and will be provided details to take the Cadet Exam. After the exam results confirm their eligibility, qualified candidates will receive further instructions on completing the full application. The Application Review Committee will then assess the applications to decide which candidates will proceed to the next stage of training. At this point, candidates will be required to complete the following:

  • Background Check
  • Physical Fitness Assessment
  • Medical Exam
  • Psychological Exam

Once all requirements have been met, candidates will receive an official employment offer. Cadets must then complete a 4-week training program at the State Police Academy

Applicants follow a similar application and hiring process as State Troopers and must meet the physical fitness standards required for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the Massachusetts State Police. If a Cadet does not meet this standard during the initial testing, they will have 12 months from their entry into the program to reach the required fitness level.

Key Actions   for Overview

Register for the exam 

Responsibilities

Cadets learning

During their first year, Cadets will be assigned to barracks within the Division of Field Services to assist desk officers with various duties, including:

  • Answering phones
  • Dispatching calls
  • Completing data entries/inquiries
  • Planning and attending community outreach events
  • Performing community service

During the program, Cadets will typically be assigned to rotations of varying lengths in the Division of Administrative Services, Division of Investigative Services, Division of Standards and Training, and the Division of Homeland Security. Cadets will perform administrative duties, such as:

  • Preparing reports
  • Performing crime analysis
  • Completing research projects and special assignments

Qualifications

To be considered, you must:

  • Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • Have high school diploma or equivalent academic credential issued by the MA Department of Education or a comparable governmental unit of a state or territory of the United States.
  • Possess a valid Massachusetts Driver's License.
  • Be not less than 19 nor more than 25 years of age.
  • Have fulfilled all qualifying entrance requirements for State Police Cadets as determined by the Colonel/State Police Superintendent.
  • Be able to pass a mandatory pre-employment background investigation check.
  • Be deemed suitable for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the State Police pursuant to sections 10, 11, and 14 of Chapter 22C, with the exception of the physical standards.  A State Police Cadet shall be required to meet the physical fitness standards required for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the State Police within 12 months of the State Police Cadet's admission to the State Police Cadet Program.
  • Consent to and successfully complete a pre-employment screening that includes physical fitness activities.
  • Possess a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET certification
  • Have not been convicted of a felony
  • Have not been convicted of any misdemeanor which resulted in jail or House of Correction (HOC) punishment
  • Do not smoke any tobacco product(s)
  • Do not have any tattoo, brand, or scarification on face, neck, or hands with the exception of commitment band on hand
  • Do not have any tattoo, brand, or scarification that is considered extremist, including but not limited to indecent, sexist, or racist

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