New York State Police are reminding the public there is less than week remaining to apply to take the upcoming trooper examination.

The deadline to apply is Sept. 8.

So far, more than 26,000 people have signed up to take the exam. The state police encourage the public to take advantage of this testing opportunity, which won’t happen again for at least another four years.

In June, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico announced that on-line applications were available for the upcoming statewide trooper examination. Exams are scheduled for Oct. 5, Oct. 12, October 19 and Oct. 26, and will be offered at several locations around the state.

“I strongly encourage young people to apply for the exam. Seek out a State Police recruiter. Talk to a trooper. Discover what a challenging and rewarding profession it is to be a New York State Trooper. Our web site has more information and I invite you to apply on-line at www.NYTROOPER.com,” Superintendent D’Amico said.

Currently, a trooper’s starting salary is $50,374 during academy training. Upon academy graduation, the salary increases to $66,905, and after one year to $71,261, with additional salary steps during the first five years of service. After 5 years, a trooper’s salary increases to $84,739, with additional longevity payments through 25 years of service. Additional location compensation is provided for troopers assigned to NYC, Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties.

Those interested in becoming a trooper can apply on-line at: www.NYTROOPER.com

On-line applications must be submitted by Midnight EST September 8, 2013. Results from the examination will establish an eligibility list that may remain in effect for a maximum of four years.

The New York State Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and encourages all individuals interested in public service to apply.

A detailed list of qualifications is attached:

• Must be a citizen of the United States and be at least 20 years old by the application deadline, September 8, 2013.

• Must not have reached their 30th birthday by the date of the application deadline. Except the maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active Federal military duty – up to a maximum of 6 years.

• Must be at least 21 years old to be appointed.

• Must be appointed prior to 36th birthday, except the maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active Federal military duty – up to a maximum of 6 years.

• Must be a New York State resident and have a valid New York State driver’s license at time of appointment.

• Must be able to pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) sit-ups, push-ups and a one-and-one-half mile run.

• Must be able to work rotating shifts any day of the week, including holidays.

• Vision Requirements: uncorrected – no worse than 20/100 in each eye able to be corrected to 20/20 in each eye. Correction may be achieved using glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Color blindness is disqualifying.

• Must comply with New York State policy which requires all members to present a neat and professional appearance at all times. Tattoos, brands, body piercings and other body art shall not be visible while a member is in uniform or other business attire. The uniform includes the short sleeve shirt open at the front of the neck. In addition to visibility, some tattoos or brands may have symbolic meanings that are inconsistent with the values of the New York State Police.

• Must possess a graduate certificate from senior high school, New York State high school equivalency diploma, military GED certificate, or high school equivalency diploma from another state The candidate must also have completed 60 college credit hours at an accredited college or university at time of appointment.

Exceptions: 30 college credits may be waived, if the candidate has either:

Received an honorable discharge from the United States military after two years of active military service;

Successfully completed a certified police officer training course approved by, or equivalent to a course approved by, the New York State Municipal Police Training Council. A certified peace officer training course does not qualify.

Must be of good moral character. A felony conviction or a dishonorable discharge, from any military service, is an automatic disqualifier.

Must successfully complete a medical examination, vision test, hearing test, background investigation including polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation to be appointed.

Salary information:

$50,374 Starting salary;

$66,905 upon graduation from the NYSP Academy;

$71,261 after 1 year;

$84,739 after 5 years.

(Salaries do not include additional location compensation for NYC, and Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties.)

Apply on-line or get additional information on becoming a New York State Trooper at: www.NYTROOPER.com or by calling 1-866-NYSP-EXAM