How to Become a Cop in New York

Police officers receive extensive training.

The New York Police Department patrols the boroughs of New York City, working to protect citizens and to prevent and solve crimes. Candidates to be New York police officers must be at least 17½ years old and no older than 35 on the day of testing. Officers must meet physical, mental and educational requirements and pass a background check.

Things You'll Need

• Birth certificate
• Verification of citizenship
• Verification of previous employment
• Verification of residency
• Social Security card
• Driver's license
• Birth certificate for your children, if applicable
• Marriage license, if applicable
• Military discharge, if applicable
• Work history
• Verification of income
• Membership cards such as union and fraternity cards
• Licenses, such as liquor and gun licenses

Instructions

1. Apply and study for the written examination. Prepare for the written test through the interactive online tutorial on the NYPD website. You can also download the test preparation kit sample questions. The test questions assess the applicant’s memory, comprehension, information processing, inductive and deductive reasoning, visualization and mathematical skills. Check the website for dates and times for the computerized test, which is administered at the Lower Manhattan Testing Center and the Downtown Brooklyn Testing Center.

2. Take the written examination administered by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. The test has 100 questions, so be prepared to sit for a lengthy period. The written test provides valuable information for the Applicant Processing Division, which selects the most qualified applicants. These names are forwarded to the NYPD, which then begins the process of selecting applicants.

3. Prepare to undergo a medical evaluation as required by the NYPD. Passing the medical evaluation confirms that you are in excellent health required to become a police officer. You must provide the physician with information on your past and current medical condition. The medical examination will include a vision and hearing test, a check of your blood pressure, and an electrocardiogram, which tests for heart abnormalities.

   Additional testing is required if any abnormalities are found or concerns are raised during the initial examination.

4. Provide information for the preliminary screening. This includes verification of 60 college hours with an average grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, or two years of service in the military. You will interview with an investigator, who will review the application booklet and discuss any problems or discrepancies during the interview. Prepare to undergo an FBI fingerprinting clearance, and bring your birth certificate or verification that you are a U.S. citizen. You will also need your marriage license, if married; birth certificate for all of your children; Social Security card; driver's license; record of divorce, annulment or separation, if appropriate; military papers, as appropriate; verification of income for the last 10 years; two proofs of residency; membership cards for any unions, fraternities, or other social memberships; information on any court actions; and any licenses, such as a liquor, pistol or rifle license.

5. Take and pass the written and oral psychological examination. Unfortunately, you cannot prepare for this test in advance. The psychologist who interviews you will simply ask you a battery of questions. You will need to be honest in your responses.

6. Take the Standard Job Test, a gender-neutral test that assesses your physical ability in six areas, all of which must be completed in 4 minutes and 28 seconds. You will need to avoid junk food several days before the test and avoid any stimulants, such as caffeine, on the day of the test. You may want to boost your carbohydrate intake, drink plenty of water or sports drinks, and rest the day before the test.

7. Schedule to have the pre-interview, which is usually with department heads. This interview is more or less a getting-to-know-you interview. You can expect a review of test performances and credentials during the pre-interview, which is another opportunity for you to ask questions and seek further information about the job duties, benefits and other pertinent information you may need.

Tips & Warnings

• The procedures and tests are not necessarily administered in the same order.

References

• New York City: NYPD Learn About
• New York Police Department Recruit: The Hiring Process
• New York Police Department: Exams and Employment Requirements

Resources

• New York City: NYPD Candidate Resource Booklet
• NYPD Recruit: Inside the NYPD
• NYPD: Tutorials