Texas State Trooper Exam – Career Requirements, Assessment & Study Guide
Last Updated on January 18, 2023
It will come as no surprise that when applying to become a Texas State Trooper, there will be a rigorous application process.
In 2021 alone, 145 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers were commissioned by The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is the largest — and most diverse — number of new recruits in DPS history.
Preparation for such a prestigious career is vital. Tailored preparation materials from Job Test Prep will ensure that you have the highest quality resources available to you in order for you to prepare and ace the Texas State Trooper recruitment tests.
Read on to discover more about the enrolment process and how Job Test Prep can help you.
About Texas State Troopers
The Texas Rangers were established in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin primarily to protect American settlers from Indian attacks. Over time they were transformed into a paramilitary force and fought in several wars, including the Texas Revolution, Mexican-American, and Civil Wars.
These days, Texas State Troopers are law enforcement professionals serving in the Texas Highway Patrol, which is an agency of the DPS. The Troopers ensure that drivers follow state vehicular laws and regulations.
Officer duties include:
- Direction of traffic
- Issue of citations
- Criminal arrest
- Assisting injured motorists involved in vehicular accidents
- Assisting local law enforcement agencies
What Are the Requirements Needed to Become a Texas State Trooper?
In order to be a state trooper in Texas, you must be a US citizen and be at least 20 years of age. There is no maximum age limit, although you must have completed at least 60 college hours or two years of police or military experience.
What Does the State Trooper Hiring Process Entail?
Becoming a Texas State Trooper is a law enforcement position at a state level as opposed to a local or community level. This adds significant responsibility, not only to protecting the public but also to the other more diverse duties.
This means that the hiring and training standards are some of the most stringent in the nation. Initially, you will be asked to submit an online application, and this will include a background investigation questionnaire.
This will be followed by:
- Physical Readiness Test
- Trooper Trainee Exam
- Polygraph Exam
- Oral Board Interview
Once you have been successful in these tests, there will be a rigorous 23-week recruit school training program. The training program is both mentally and physically demanding, and you will need to complete the program to become a Texas State Trooper.
What Is the Texas State Trooper Exam?
The Texas State Trooper Exam is an assessment that will assess your cognitive abilities.
The questions are the equivalent of a 12th-grade educational level, and the score given will be either pass or fail.
What Does The Texas State Trooper Trainee Exam Include?
The Texas State Trooper exam will test your skills and aptitudes through a variety of questions. The types of questions include:
- Basic reading comprehension
- Mathematical aptitude
- Grammar and writing skills
How Can I Prepare for the Texas State Trooper Exam?
Job Test Prep can provide you with a package of tailor-made tests and sample questions to help you feel confident and thoroughly prepared for your upcoming exam.
Their online Texas State Trooper test preparation will enable you to take a simulated practice exam that will fully familiarize you with the content and format of the real test.
Within the package, you will receive a total of 62 questions covering topics such as:
- English tests
- Maths Drills
- Extra Numerical Drills
You’ll also get:
- 18 Reading comprehension tests
- 12 English tests – covering grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling
- 8 Basic math drills – covering addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- 6 Math word problems in various subjects
- 11 Extra numerical drills – covering percentages, fractions, and decimals
- 7 Study guides and video tutorials in both numerical and verbal subjects
- Guides, Score reports, and Answer Explanations
What Is a Polygraph Exam?
The testing process for law enforcement applicants is quite different from any private-sector job. You will need to pass the polygraph test before you are hired.
A typical polygraph exam will include three parts:
- A pre-test interview – the examiner will complete the required paperwork and talk to the examinee about the test
- Chart collection phase
- Test data analysis phase
What Is in the Oral Interview to Become a Trooper?
General Background Questions
There are likely to be some quite general questions. At the beginning of the interview, questions that explore your reasons for applying and your interest in the position will be presented by the multi-member panel.
You will need to explain why you think you are the best candidate for the role. This will include identifying your strengths and weaknesses along with your career goals and plans.
You may be asked questions about your previous work experience, including any mistakes or successes you have enjoyed.
Situational Questions
You should expect questions designed to demonstrate your ability to identify and solve problems. You may be asked a series of questions about how you might respond to a problem in a work situation. You’ll be given a scenario, then asked to describe what you think the problems are and what you would do to address and resolve these.
You may be asked to describe appropriate relationships between colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates and questions about favored and less favored tasks.
All of these questions will give the panel an idea of your overall suitability to become a state trooper. It is important to answer honestly and using your first instinct.
But it is also important to bear in mind that qualities such as honesty, empathy, self-control, and self-confidence will be seen as vital skills for the role. Good communication and decision-making skills will also be highly rated.
The Ethics of Becoming a Texas State Trooper
Texas State Troopers outperform any agency for outstanding victories against the obstacles they face. They pride themselves on presenting a symbol of dedication and professionalism amongst law enforcement agencies.
Expectations of a Trooper are well above that of any other title, and they are seen as the face of Texas. Their motto is Courtesy, Service, Protection.
In Summary
The position of Texas State Trooper is one that is prestigious and highly sought after. You will need to make sure you are well prepared for the application process in order to stand head and shoulders above the other candidates.
We highly recommend using study materials from Job Test Prep. These will make sure that you have the best possible chance of success with the carefully prepared practice tests and resources. We are honored to be a part of your career journey and look forward to another successful candidate securing a great role with great prospects.
Written by Karen Stanley
Karen is a former teacher of 20 years and ten times published author. She writes content for educational organisations and businesses, nationally and internationally. She coaches new and budding writers through to publication and is passionate about creativity; she runs creative writing workshops in schools and fostering agencies.
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