How to Become an Alaska State Trooper

Minimum Qualifications

• Age: 21 by Academy entry.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with work authorization.
• Education: High school diploma/GED + 30 semester credits from regionally accredited college.
• Driver's License: Valid.
• Physical Fitness: Pass AST physical ability test (run, push-ups, sit-ups, agility).
• Military: Honorable discharge if applicable.
• Vision: Correctable to 20/30.
• Drug Screen: Negative.

Selection Process

1. Online Application via DPS Alaska.
2. Written Exam (reading, writing, reasoning).
3. Physical Ability Test.
4. Background Investigation (polygraph, psych eval, references).
5. Oral Board Interview.
6. Conditional Offer → 17-Week Academy (paid, residential, Sitka).
7. Field Training (12+ weeks with FTO).

Highly competitive; ~5–10% of applicants graduate. Military/law-enforcement experience and a degree are advantageous.