NSP Application Process

NSP Application Process

Applications to become a Nebraska State Trooper are Currently closed.

Check back soon, or follow NSP on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram FOR UPDATES on the application process.

Follow these five steps to get from application to hire

Salary & Benefits

Salary & Benefits
Salary & Benefits

Officer Candidates are compensated at $21.00 per hour during the 22 weeks at the Training Academy.  Upon becoming a State Patrol Trooper, the base salary is $49,379 per year, with many opportunities for advancement and other pay incentives.

The State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council (SLEBC) is currently the collective bargaining unit for troopers. Collective bargaining will have an influence on wages, benefits, and working conditions. Click on the associated links below for more information on some specific areas of benefits for NSP employees.

Duty Station Assignments

Duty Station Assignments
Duty Station Assignments

Troop Area requests will be considered if an applicant makes it to the background investigation step, and receives a Conditional Offer of Employment. Requests will be accepted and reviewed up to the time of a Conditional Offer of Employment only, and applicants will know at the time of that offer, if their request is approved.
 

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Step 1
Step 1

Application

Follow NSP on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on the application process.

Step 2
Step 2

Written Exam and Physical Abilities
 

WRITTEN EXAM

Approved applicants will be invited to take the remote on-line Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), in a virtually proctored environment; this means attending a web meeting with a NSP TABE Test Administrator while you are taking the test, which tests the areas of Reading and Language.  

 *Applicants, who have taken and passed the TABE, with the NSP, NLETC or Morrow & Associates must provide verification of their passing score to NSP to waive this step; they may notify HR and provide verification once they are invited to testing. 
* You must bring your valid driver's license to the exam.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES TESTING (PAT)

Applicants who pass the written exam (TABE) will need to pass the PAT, which consists of a timed 1.5 mile run, Dummy Drag, Run with Obstacle, Scale Lift and Carry, Handle Weapons, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement.

Male Age 1.5 Mile Run Time Female Age 1.5 Mile Run Time
20-39 15:10 20-39 18:30
40-49 16:00 40-49 19:20
50-59 17:36 50-59 20:45

 Click here for the the Candidate Preparation for Physical Abilities Handbook.

Step 3
Step 3

Personal History, Background Investigation, Employment Review Board
 

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)

Applicants will received 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. Applicant should  begin gathering copies of the following for the Background Investigator.

  1. A photocopy of your certified birth certificate (not hospital copy)

  2. A photocopy of your valid driver's license

  3. A copy of DD214 military records (if applicable)

  4. A copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate

  5. Copies of your college transcript or diploma (if applicable)

  6. Naturalization forms (if applicable)

  7. A copy of your credit report

Employment Review Board (ERB)

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) 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 or more of the racial, ethnic, or gender groups protected by the state and federal EEO laws.

 

Step 4
Step 4

Polygraph, Psychological Testing/Interview & Medical Exam
 

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 honest, integrity, character, and loyalty. The polygraph examiner will submit a report for review to the Adminstrative Review Board. 

psychological Testing/Interview

Applicants will be required to take a series of written psychological tests. These tests will provide the necessary information required by the psychologist, contracted by the NSP, to do a follow-up interview.

Medical Examination

The examination will take place at a facility which has been contracted by the NSP following the policy and procedures outlined by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy. The exam will include, but is not limited to, such items as a blood draw, a complete physical, vision and hearing tests. * Exam is paid for by the Nebraska State Patrol.

Step 5
Step 5

Final Interview
 

Following successful completion of all necessary prior steps, applicants will be invited to interview with Nebraska State Patrol Command Staff at State Headquarters in Lincoln. 

 

Law Enforcement Certification Standards


Admission requirements are set by statute and rule and regulation. Chapter 8 of Nebraska Crime Commission on 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 Web Site.

 

General Admission Requirements.

If you have questions or would like additional information about the Nebraska State Patrol Sworn  Recruitment process please call us at JOIN NSP (866-564-6677) or email nsp.recruiter@nebraska.gov
 

The Nebraska State Patrol is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to assuring equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees in all aspects of personnel administration without regard to political affiliation, race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, or religious creed.

 
PDF icon admission_requirements.pdf