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Step 1: Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination
Step 2: Experience and Education Questionnaire
Step 3: MCOLES Physical Fitness Test and Candidate Documents
Step 4: Pre-Screening Interview
Step 5: Background Investigation
Step 6: Background Investigation Review
Step 7: Hiring Interview
Step 8: Conditional Offer of Employment
Step 9: Psychological Screening and Medical Examination
Step 10: Drug Screening
Step 11: Appointment

Step 1: Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination

Scheduled and administered by the Michigan Department of Civil Service, the examination evaluates the skills, knowledge and abilities related to elements of law enforcement positions.  To sign up for an exam time, applicants must submit the Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination Application.  Visit How To Apply for more information.

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Step 2: Experience and Education Questionnaire

After passing the Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination, applicants will receive a request to submit an Experience and Education Questionnaire (PD-34). In order to continue with the selection process, completed questionnaires must be hand delivered or mailed to the MSP Recruiting and Selection Section, 7426 North Canal Road, Lansing, Michigan 48913.

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Step 3: MCOLES Physical Fitness Test

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Physical Fitness Test consists of four separate areas: vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups and a ½ mile shuttle run.  All applicants will receive information about a testing date and location after submitting the Experience and Education Questionnaire.  The test will be administered by MCOLES certified MSP members.

Applicants must bring the following documents to their scheduled MCOLES Physical Fitness Test:

• Resume and cover letter indicating interest in the State Police Trooper 10 position
• Copy of a valid driver's license (Michigan license required prior to start of recruit school)
• Birth Certificate copy
• Social Security Card copy
• Official high school transcript or G.E.D. certificate; Official college transcript (if applicable)
• Copies of any and all marriage licenses and divorce/annulment decrees
• Copy of a Military Certificate of Release from Active Duty (if applicable)

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Step 4: Pre-Screening Interview

The interview assists with determining if an applicant meets the minimum qualifications necessary to continue with the selection process; it is not a hiring interview.  Based on the pre-screening interview, members of the MSP Recruiting and Selection Section make three possible determinations: (1) the applicant can continue with the selection process; (2) in a minimum of two years the applicant may reapply for the selection process; or (3) the applicant is disqualified from the selection process.  Applicants are notified of the results within 10 business days. 

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Step 5: Background Investigation

Considered the most important step in the selection process, a current MSP enlisted member conducts a thorough and comprehensive background investigation, including the applicant's past actions and experiences, to help determine the applicant's suitability for employment.  The investigating officer will have access to all the information provided in the required candidate documents as well as the results from the Pre-Screening Interview, criminal history check and credit check. 

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Step 6: Background Investigation Review

The department places significant emphasis on the results of an applicant's background investigation.  Members of the MSP Recruiting and Selection Section thoroughly review the completed investigations to determine if applicants will continue with the selection process.

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Step 7: Hiring Interview

Designed to assess specific competencies necessary to perform the duties of the State Police Trooper 10, the Hiring Interview will be based on the Michigan Department of Civil Service validated job assessment for the position.  Each applicant will be asked a series of questions in one or more of the following categories:

Within each category, the applicant is asked to describe a situation or task, the action taken and the result of the action.  Successful applicants are able to articulate experiences which demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be a state trooper, regardless of the origin of the experiences. 

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Step 8: Conditional Offer of Employment

All applicants who receive a hiring interview rating high enough to merit appointment to the MSP will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment.  If the applicant continues to maintain the minimum requirements and passes the remaining pre-employment steps, the applicant will be invited to the next recruit school. 

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Step 9: Psychological Screening and Medical Examination

Members of the MSP Behavioral Science Division will administer a psychological screening to all applicants within 180 days of the beginning of the recruit school.  An MSP physician will administer a complete medical and physical examination within 120 days.  Failure to receive psychological and medical approval will result in disqualification from the recruit school.

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Step 10: Drug Screening

All applicants will be screened for drugs at least once prior to appointment to the recruit school.  The screening may take place anytime after the completion of the Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination.  Failure to attend or pass the drug screening will result in disqualification from the recruit school.

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Step 11: Appointment

Applicants who successfully complete all selection process steps are invited to the next scheduled recruit school.  Applicants will receive an appointment letter describing details of the recruit school orientation and specific equipment necessary to begin the training.

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