This slideshow describes application process for becoming a Texas State Trooper, how to determine whether or not you are qualified, the deciding disqualifications that will keep you from becoming a Texas State Trooper, and the benefits of the job.

1. How to
Become a
Texas State
Trooper
TEXAS STATE TROOPERS ASSOCIATION

2. Job Duties of a Texas State Trooper
According to the Texas State Department of Public Safety's
website, the main function of a Texas State Trooper is to
enforce the laws of traffic on Texas' rural roads.
They also are to confront and apprehend violators of traffic
law, investigate automobile accidents, pursue wanted
persons, and recover stolen property. They also are to
enforce laws regarding weight and registration of commercial
carriers, as well as assist in other law enforcement agencies
at a time of emergency.
Being experts on traffic safety and laws, they are to educate
and provide information on traffic safety and crime
prevention.

3. Application Process:
Make sure you meet all minimum requirements
Fill out online application at dps.texas.gov
As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you
will be contacted for physical and written testing, which
must be completed within 30 days of application date.
Must receive a passing grade.
Submit any necessary paperwork
From there, recruiters will choose only the most
qualified candidates to continue in the process

4. Am I Qualified?
Age/Basic Requirements:
Must be at least 20 years of age or older to apply and
must be 21 years of age or older upon graduation from
the training academy.
No maximum age limit to apply.

5. Am I Qualified?
Education:
Applicants must have 60 hours of college hours earned
from an accredited college or university, or a
combination of college hours and law
enforcement/military experience.
The table explaining the exact ratio of college hours and
experience can be found on the Department of Public
Safety website, as well as what is considered eligible law
enforcement/military experience.

6. Am I Qualified?
Fitness Requirements:
All state trooper trainees are required to
complete a physical test, which is set to scale
based on their age and gender. This test is only
a part of the application process, however, the
better the score, the better the chances of
being accepted.
The test: Rowing 2000 meters on a Concept2 Rower

7. Am I Qualified?
Physical/VisionRequirements:
After completing the physical test and receiving a
passing grade, you will then be required to submit
for a physical examination.
Vision: Distant visual acuity of any degree that does
not correct with contact lenses or glasses to at least
one of the following:
20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other
20/30 in one eye and 20/400 in the other
20/20 in one eye and 20/400 in the other

8. Benefits
Paid training
Competitive salaries
Uniforms provided
Travel reimbursement
Troopers covered under State Employees
Retirement System and Worker's Compensation
Holiday and vacation leave
Comprehensive health insurance plans

9. Disqualifications:
Even if you meet all of the requirements to become a state
trooper in Texas, you could still be disqualified if you:
Are prohibited by state or federal law to operate a vehicle
History of illegal drug use as an adult
Possession of a dishonorable discharge on military record
Have been convicted of a family violence offense
Currently on probation
Being prohibited from carrying a firearm by state or federal
law
Being convicted of any offense of the grade of felony or class
B misdemeanor
More information about the application process and disqualifications,
please visit dps.texas.gov