Join NSP In Five Steps
Submit Your Application
Applications are currently closed. Applications are expected to open again in early 2026. Stay tuned for details and join our Talent Network to get the latest information.
Click here to view the NSP Admission Requirements
Prior to applications opening for our next camp, you can stay connected with NSP in our Talent Network.
Testing
WRITTEN EXAM (TABE)
Approved applicants will be invited to take the remote online Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), in a virtually proctored environment. The test, which covers areas of Reading and Language, will be taken by attending a web meeting with the NSP TABE Test Administrator.
Click here to request a Practice TABE exam.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES TESTING (PAT)
Applicants who pass the written exam (TABE) will move on to the PAT. This test consists of a 1.5 mile run, Dummy Drag, Run with Obstacle, Scale Life and Carry, Handle Weapons, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement.
Background Review
PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE (PHQ)
Applicants will receive the PHQ instructions via email. The PHQ must be completed by the deadline identified in the email. Non-completion will result in removal from the process.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
The Nebraska State Patrol will conduct a complete and thorough background investigation on each applicant that moves forward in the process. Applicants should begin gathering copies of the following for the Background Investigator:
-A photocopy of your certified birth certificate (not hospital copy)
-A photocopy of your valid driver’s license
-A copy of DD214 military records (if applicable)
-A copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate
-Copies of your college transcript or diploma (if applicable)
-Naturalization forms (if applicable)
-A copy of your credit report
EMPLOYMENT REVIEW BOARD (ERB)
The Nebraska State Patrol is committed to hiring individuals who exemplify the agency’s values by providing the highest quality of law enforcement and services to the citizens. The ERB is responsible for reviewing the background to ensure the best candidates are selected. The ERB is comprised of NSP sworn officers who can communicate the perspective of one of more of the racial, ethnic, or gender groups protected by the state and federal EEO laws.
Psych and Medical Exams
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
The examination is conducted by an NSP polygraph examiner. The background investigation information, application, and questionnaire are provided to the examiner to assist with conducting the polygraph examination. The examiner will question the applicant in the areas of honesty, integrity, character, and loyalty. The polygraph examiner will submit a report for review to the Administrative Review Board.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING/INTERVIEW
The psychological evaluation is conducted by the agency’s psychologist and is a specialized examination to determine whether the candidate meets the requirements for psychological suitability for the role of Nebraska State Trooper. The psychological evaluation includes psychological testing, a review of background and collateral information, and a face-to-face interview with the agency psychologist. The evaluation is considered when determining final interviews and final offers of employment.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
The examination will take place at a facility which has contracted by the NSP following the policy and procedures outlined by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center. The exam will include, but is not limited to, items such as a blood draw, a complete physical, vision, and hearing tests.
The exam is paid for by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Final Interview and Job Offer
Following successful completion of all necessary prior steps, applicants will be invited to interview with Nebraska State Patrol Command Staff at NSP State Headquarters in Lincoln. Applicants approved by the Command Staff will receive an offer to join NSP and attend our next Basic Training Camp.
Law Enforcement Certification Standards
Admission requirements are set by statute and rules and regulations. Chapter 8 of Nebraska Crime Commission of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice rules and regulations contains specific information. You may view these rules and regulations on the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website.
Enjoy Excellent Benefits with NSP
Salary
Graduates of Camp 72 will receive a base pay rate of $67,496 per year ($32.45 per hour). The current top Trooper base pay rate will be $102,440 per year ($49.25 per hour).
During the Training Academy, recruits earn $28.01 per hour while attending. Upon graduation, recruits are sworn-in as Troopers and automatically receive a pay increase to the starting Trooper salary of $32.45 per hour.
Troopers also have opportunities for additional, including overtime hours at a pay rate of 1.5x their base salary rate, shift differential pay of an additional $.85 per hour if they are regularly assigned to the night shift, and a 2.5% pay increase for qualifying as bilingual.
Benefits
Troopers and Investigators earn great benefits for serving Nebraska.
- Health Insurance (State pays 83% of premiums, with plans available for single person up to full family)
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance (Available for employee, spouse, and children)
- Free College Tuition for the trooper and dependents at the University of Nebraska, Nebraska state colleges, and community colleges in Nebraska. Click here for more details.
- Every Trooper is issued a take-home patrol vehicle. Your shift starts the moment you get in your unit.
- Uniforms, equipment, and body armor are supplied by the State Patrol. A monthly clothing allowance exists for non-uniformed troopers and investigators.
Recruits also receive excellent benefits during the Training Academy process. Click here for the current benefits for Trooper Candidates.
Vacation & Schedule
All new Troopers begin their career in the Patrol Division. Patrol Division Troopers have a regular work schedule of 4 days per week (10-hour shifts), with 3 required days off per week. Other divisions within NSP, such as Carrier Enforcement or Investigative Services generally work 5 days per week with 8-hour workdays.
Troopers earn vacation time for their first day on the job. Yearly vacation hour totals increase with years of service:
- Years 1-5: 96 hours
- Years 6-15: 120 hours plus 8 additional hours for every year beyond year 6
- Years 16+: 200 hours
Troopers and Investigators have 108 hours of sick leave available per year.
State of Nebraska employees also have 12 paid holidays per year. Keeping Nebraska safe is a 24/7 mission, so Troopers whose schedule requires work on one of those holidays will get a paid day off in close proximity to the state holiday.
Promotional & Career Opportunities
NSP offers a wide-range of opportunities to define the career path you want to pursue. Those include opportunities for promotions, the ability to serve in any part of the state, and take on a large number of job functions throughout your career.
Some Troopers love the road and serve on patrol for their entire career, while others choose to serve as Investigators, K9 handlers, pilots, drone operators, and many more avenues your career can take.
Retirement Package
Nebraska State Troopers are eligible for an excellent pension plan upon retirement from the Patrol. Troopers are eligible to retire at age 50 if they have at least 25 years of service. Troopers with 10 years of service are eligible to retire at age 55.
DUTY STATION ASSIGNMENTS
The Nebraska State Patrol offers the opportunity to work in communities across the entire state. Prior to starting the training process, recruits will know their first duty station. The process to receive that duty station assignment is below. Each trooper is assigned an area as their primary location, but any day can take you to a wide array of place across our state.
RESIDENCY
Nebraska State Troopers are each assigned a community across Nebraska. Troopers need to live within 40 miles of that duty station, provided their residence is in the State of Nebraska and on a maintained road.
NSP offers the ability for Troopers to laterally transfer to another duty station, as set out in the SLEBC contract, based on availability and seniority.
ASSIGNMENTS
Applicants have the opportunity to identify their top three duty station requests from the list of available communities. To ensure those requests are addressed while maintaining quality coverage across Nebraska, NSP uses a system where candidates will know their duty station before beginning training at the NSP Training Academy.
Before submitting an application, each candidate will select their top three duty station preferences. Applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment will be awarded points based on several factors, including the timing of their application, prior law enforcement experience, education, military service, family considerations, and community ties. Candidates with the highest scores at the time of the final job offer will be prioritized for their chosen duty station. If their top three choices are already filled, candidates will be offered a selection from the remaining available options.
All candidates will know their duty station assignment prior to beginning camp.
A career as a Nebraska State Trooper is full of opportunity. With dozens of specialty positions, there are endless roads you can take. Hear from some Troopers and Investigators serving in a wide variety of positions and locations across our great state.
All Nebraska State Troopers receive training at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy, located in Grand Island. During the 24-week camp, recruits receive extensive training from the Troopers and Investigators who serve across the state on a daily basis. The training includes numerous life-like scenarios and hundreds of hours of academic work. The NSP Training Academy Staff is dedicated to preparing each recruit to serve with honor and expertise when they hit the road in service to Nebraska.
Camp 70 Class Video
The Nebraska State Patrol Talent Network provides potential applicants with a connection to the patrol prior to submitting an application. Members of the Talent Network receive periodic emails regarding upcoming hiring processes, updates on our current training academy class, and information about the career serving Nebraska as a State Trooper. Click the image to join today!
Benefits That Support You
$32.45/Hr Starting Pay
Trooper Salary Range: $67,496 - $102,440 per year.
Plus incentives, shift differential, and overtime.
Your Own Patrol Vehcle
Your own patrol vehicle to take home.
Begin your shift the moment you get in your unit.
3-Day Weekends
Patrol Division Troopers work four 10-hour shifts.
12 vacation days, 12 sick days, 12 holidays per year.
