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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

Registration for the upcoming Cadet Exam has closed as of September 19, 2026. For those registered, the Cadet Exam is anticipated to be held on October 10, 2026.

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.

Registration for the upcoming Cadet Exam has closed as of September 19, 2026. For future opportunities, please monitor our website.

For those registered, the Cadet Exam is anticipated to be held on October 10, 2026.

The Cadet Exam is administered free of charge at test sites across the Commonwealth. All candidates who apply will be able to choose their preferred test site. An exam study guide is available to prepare for the exam itself.

Once registered for the exam, all applicants will receive a Notice to Appear for the exam by email. It will be sent to the email address listed in their MassCareers account. Make sure your preferred email address is listed in your account before applying. After applying, check your spam and junk settings to ensure you can receive messages from MassCareers and the Massachusetts State Police.

After eligibiltiy and exam results are confirmed, qualified candidates will receive further instructions on completing their 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.

Please note: Applicants must be Massachusetts residents, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and be 19–25 years old.

Additional Resources

Cadet Exam Study Guide, Open PDF file, 608.08 KB (English, PDF 608.08 KB)

Requirements

To be considered, you must:

  • Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent academic credential issued by the Massachusetts 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 on the last date to apply for the current Cadet Exam.
  • 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 Massachusetts State Police pursuant to sections 10, 11, and 14 of Chapter 22C, with the exception of the physical fitness standards. A Cadet shall be required to meet the mandatory physical fitness standards for appointment for initial enlistment as a uniformed member of the Massachusetts State Police within 12 months of the Cadet's admission to the Massachusetts State Police Cadet Program.
  • Consent to and successfully complete a pre-employment screening that includes physical fitness activities
  • 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

Responsibilities

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

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