Learn how to become a police officer in a Massachusetts Civil Service Department
Being a police officer is a meaningful way to serve a community. As a police officer, you will be a public servant responsible for responding to fires and other emergency situations in your community. You often respond to risky and physically demanding calls and work shifts that operate around the clock with your fellow police officers.
Please read the steps to becoming a police officer;
First step is to take the written exam. Check the exam schedule to find the next exam being offered. Requirement to take the exam is;
- You must meet the age requirements.
You do not need to be a resident of Massachusetts to take the exam. More detailed information can be found on the exam poster.
After taking the written exam, your name will be placed on the eligible list. When a police department is ready to hire, they request the eligible list and the Civil Service Unit sends a list of names.
If your name is reached, the hiring process will begin and may include the following;
- complete an extensive employment packet
- thorough background check
- interview
If you are offered a job you can expect to first complete the following as part of the conditional offer of employment;
- Take and pass a medical exam
- Take and pass the Initial-Hire Physical Ability Test (PAT)
Once you have successfully passed the medical exam and PAT as well as any additional requirements from the department, you will begin your new rewarding career as a police officer.
