Yes, cadets are provided meals and lodging during Academy training and must stay at the Academy Monday through Friday. Cadets may stay at the Academy during the weekend, but will be responsible for their own meals since the dining hall is closed on the weekends.
What type of housing is available while I’m at the Training Academy?
The WSP Academy is located in Shelton, Washington, and situated amid 190 acres of evergreen forests with occasional vistas of the Olympic Mountains. Initially dedicated in 1969, the training complex includes: an administration building, dormitories for 96 live-in students, a multi-purpose building with a gymnasium and water training tank, a kitchen and dining hall, an outdoor firing range, a driver training course, an auto shop, as well as several classrooms and conference rooms. The facility can accommodate up to 120 students each day for training and meetings.
Can I have visitors while at the Academy?
No, however, the Academy may provide an open house for family members.
Application
Where can I get an application to become a trooper?
Applications are valid for 90 days. If you have applied more than 90 days ago, you will be required to submit a new application.
What happens after I apply?
After your application has been received, it will be reviewed and you will receive a letter from our office within 2-3 weeks.
How long does it take to become a trooper?
Once hired, cadets must complete a 7-week Arming Class. A few cadets may be selected to attend a Trooper Basic Training Class immediately following Arming Training. The majority of cadets, however, will be assigned to a field assignment and will compete for a position in the following Trooper Basic Training Class.
Following a rigorous selection process, trooper cadets attend a 26-week basic training course. After successful basic, cadets trade their classrooms for eight weeks of practical instruction with experienced training officers throughout the state. After successfully completing the classroom and practical phases of training, the cadets graduate as commissioned troopers and launch their careers by going to specific assignments in one of the WSP’s eight districts.
How long does the process take from the time of application to selection?
Approximately six months.
Background Questionnaire
Are there any exceptions to the drug standards?
No, any usage outside of those standards is a disqualifier.
The personal history and background questionnaire asks about my neighbors, what if I don’t know them?
Part of the background check is to contact your neighbors, if you don’t know them, you will need to go introduce yourself and get their information for the background questionnaire. We are unable to begin the background investigation without the questionnaire being completed in its entirety.
What information will I need for my background investigation?
What type of assignments are the cadets assigned to?
Cadets are assigned to a variety of assignments throughout the state. For example, cadets provide security on the Capitol Campus, Labor and Industries Headquarters, or Homeland Security.
If hired, do I have a choice where I will be assigned?
Cadets provide the Academy staff their wish list on where they would like to be assigned following Trooper Basic Training. The Academy Commander determines final trooper assignments and takes into consideration the employee's wishes/needs and department's needs. Final placement is at the discretion of the Employer based on its operational needs. All applicants must be willing to accept statewide assignments.
When can I apply for a specialty position (SWAT, Aviation, K-9, Motors)?
Troopers can apply for specialty positions such as SWAT, detectives, Academy Instructors, Motorcycle Officers, K-9 officers, etc. The announcements for these positions are published internally in a daily bulletin to all employees. Each announcement outlines its own selection process.
Miscellaneous
Do you have a lateral entry program for currently certified police officers?
No, law enforcement officers from other agencies/states must apply and successfully complete training at the Academy to be a trooper.
I have a secret clearance from the military. Do I still have to go through the background process?
Yes, all applicants must complete a polygraph and background investigation during the third phase of testing.
Can I go on a ride along?
Ride-a-longs are usually granted on a case-by-case basis to those who are currently in the hiring process to become a trooper.
How do I get a copy of my driving record, how much does it cost?
You may obtain a copy of your complete driving record on-line, in person or through the mail. For more information, please visit the Department of Licensing web site.
What happens if my name is placed on the Eligibility List for Employment?
Applicants who make it to the Eligibility Roster (E-List) can remain on the E-List for 1 year. The E-List gives the Patrol a pool of candidates to choose from when filling classes. Advancing to the E-List is not an offer of employment.
Candidates who are provided a conditional job offer must successfully pass a psychological and medical examination prior to being hired by the WSP.
Can I still test if I do NOT meet the height/weight standards?
Applicants who do not meet the height/weight standards may be accepted for testing, provided their body fat is no more than 20 percent for males and 26 percent for females.
Applicants applying for a waiver to the height/weight standards must submit the following proof with their application that they meet the department's body fat criteria:
Body fat testing must be performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Exercise Therapist, Exercise Physiologist, or other certified individual.
The results must be presented on a proper letterhead form identifying the physician/business conducting the test.
During the fourth phase of testing, all applicants who requested a waiver to the height/weight standards will have their body fat calculation verified by the Patrol’s medical provider. The State Patrol’s medical provider will be the final accepted measurement. Applicants exceeding these standards will not be hired.
Yes. Please bring your completed application with you, provided you meet the minimum requirements.
When will I know if I pass the test(s)?
Candidates who participate in centralized Phase I testing (written tests) are notified if they pass Phase I testing on the day of the test. Candidates that participate in decentralized Phase I testing may need to wait a few days to be notified of the test results since the tests must be sent to Olympia to be scored.
Candidates are notified if they pass Phase II (oral interview) on the day of the test. Phase III testing (polygraph/background investigation) takes approximately, 2-3 months to complete.
If I fail one of the Phases, when can I reapply?
Applicants who have failed one of the phases may reapply as follows:
Phase one – 30 days from the test date
Phase two – 30 days from the oral board interview
Phase three – 1 year from the date of the applicant’s notification letter
Phase four – To be determined by review by the Human Resource Division Commander
Do you have to do a Physical Fitness Test at the written test (Phase I)?
Yes, you will participate in a physical performance test during Phase I testing. Please visit the Trooper Cadet Testing Process web page for additional information.
What do I wear during the Testing Process?
Phase 1 Testing – Wear athletic clothing
Phase 2 Testing – Business attire
Phase 3 Testing – Business attire
Phase 4 Testing – Business attire
What do I need to bring with me to testing?
Phase 1 Testing
Driver’s license
Phase 2 Testing
Birth Certificate
Drivers License
Five year complete driving record from the Department of Licensing
Military Discharge Certificate (DD-214 form, page - member 4)
