PAPD Recruitment Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How will I know when the open application process begins?
  2. What are the age requirements that I must meet to be eligible to participate in the Port Authority Police Officer written examination?
  3. What are the education requirements that I must meet to be a Port Authority Police Officer?
  4. Am I eligible for the examination if I have been convicted of a felony?
  5. Must I reside in New York or New Jersey to be eligible to participate in the written examination process?
  6. Must I be a United States citizen to participate in the written examination process?
  7. Do I need to possess a valid New York State or New Jersey State driver's license to participate in the written examination process?
  8. Can I apply for the written test if I am in the armed forces and currently deployed overseas, unavailable for testing now?
  9. What are the remaining steps to become a Police Officer if I pass the written examination?
  10. Where can I get more information and have questions answered?

PAPD Recruitment

1. How will I know when the open application process begins?

It will be posted on this Web site. Interested applicants should check regularly.

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2. What are the age requirements that I must meet to be eligible to participate in the Port Authority Police Officer written examination?

To participate in the evaluation process, you must be at least 21 years of age by the day the written testing begins, and not have attained your 35th birthday at the time of appointment to the Police Academy Training Program.

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3. What are the education requirements that I must meet to be a Port Authority Police Officer?

In order to take the written test, you must have completed an application and submitted it during an open application period. You must also have at least a high school diploma or a GED. Further, if you pass the written test and you are invited to continue the screening process, you must have completed either of the following in order to continue in the evaluation:

A minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited college or university
or
An honorable discharge from the United States Military after serving a minimum of two full years of continuous active duty.

Failure to provide proof that you have satisfied either the college education or military service requirement by the date an invitation is made to you to continue in the screening process beyond the written test will result in your disqualification from any further consideration as a Police Officer candidate.

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4. Am I eligible for the examination if I have been convicted of a felony?

No. You cannot qualify to take the exam with a felony conviction.

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5. Must I reside in New York or New Jersey to be eligible to participate in the written examination process?

No. However, you must be a resident of NY or NJ when you are appointed to the Police Academy Training Program.

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6. Must I be a United States citizen to participate in the written examination process?

No. However, you must be a United States citizen at the time of appointment to the Police Academy Training Program.

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7. Do I need to possess a valid New York State or New Jersey State driver's license to participate in the written examination process?

No. However, you must possess a valid New York State or New Jersey State driver's license at the time of appointment to the Police Academy Training Program.

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8. Can I apply for the written test if I am in the armed forces and currently deployed overseas, unavailable for testing now?

If you are a member of the armed forces deployed overseas, you need to submit your application online during an open application period.

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9. What are the remaining steps to become a Police Officer if I pass the written examination?

A large number of applicants pass the written examination. Each becomes a part of an eligible roster of test-qualified applicants. This roster may be used to meet the need for Police Officers as they arise. Each time a police class is needed, the Port Authority will draw a number of applicants for invitation to the remaining parts of the screening and selection process, through which successful candidates are chosen to enter a Police Academy training class.

Please note that you must meet the college education or military requirement at the time that you are invited to participate in the remaining parts of the screening and selection process, and that you must meet the age, citizenship, residency and driver's license requirements by the time of appointment to the Police Academy Training Program.

All communications, schedules and invitations will be sent to the address you have provided. If your address changes, it is your responsibility to notify the Port Authority in writing by sending correspondence to: Port Authority Police Project, Human Resources Department, 10th floor, 225 Park Avenue South, New York, NY, 10003. Failure to respond to correspondence from the Port Authority or to attend appointments as scheduled will result in the removal of your name from the applicant pool. Correspondence that is undeliverable because of an applicant's failure to provide a correct and up-to-date address will result in the removal of the applicant's name from the applicant pool.

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10. Where can I get more information and have questions answered?

More information about the evaluation and selection process is available on pages within this Web site, and through the Police Recruitment Customer Service Center: 212 435-2832.

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