Ace the New York State Police Trooper Exam: Become Part of the Elite Few
- Overview
- Question Format
- Curriculum
- Reviews
Every year thousands of candidates step forth to answer the call of duty and become NYSP troopers. However, only an elite 9% even make it to processing week. The challenge? The NYSP Trooper Exam. A rigorous two-hour test of their cognitive skills and behavioral attributes.
It is the first hurdle that stands between deserving candidates and their ambition to serve and protect. 91% of candidates falter during this stage. The difference between success and failure? Preparation. Just having the ambition to become a trooper is not enough, one needs to support it with the best guidance, learning resources, and practice materials available to stand out from the rest.
That is where Prepterminal’s NYSP Trooper Prep Course shines. It offers specialized knowledge, training, and practice, empowering candidates to approach the exam with confidence. Join the elite group poised to serve and protect by starting your journey with the best support.
Let us break down the exam and how to conquer it.
Demystifying The NYSP Trooper Entrance Exam
The New York State Police Trooper Exam is a state-of-the art-test designed to pinpoint candidates possessing the knowledge, skills, and drives necessary to excel in a law enforcement role. It is the first and most significant hurdle in proving one’s suitability as a trooper.
This exam measures a wide spectrum of abilities essential for the everyday responsibilities of a trooper. These fall into two broad categories: cognitive ability and personality attributes.
Cognitive Ability
This section assesses a variety of skills necessary for a trooper to perform their duties effectively, such as suspect identification, memory recall of pivotal information, and analysis of complex data sets. Broadly speaking, there are 5 cognitive categories which are further divided into 12 abilities.
Let us explore them in order.
Reading/Writing: Evaluates the capability to understand and articulate information through language, verifying that the candidate meets the essential standards expected of a law enforcement officer. This skill is vital because troopers frequently engage in reading and drafting incident reports, training manuals, and carrying out written communication with various units.
Here are the topics this contains:
- Reading
- Writing
Fluid Intelligence: Tests candidate skill in drawing precise conclusions from broad details, reconstructing event sequences with scattered data, and utilizing specific facts to form overarching principles. This ability is critical for troopers who must master laws and crime components to apply them aptly in varied scenarios, synthesize evidence and witness accounts to establish timelines, and integrate diverse information for informed decision-making.
Here are the topics this contains:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Ordering of Information
- Inductive Reasoning
- Pattern Recognition
Crystallized Intelligence: Assesses a candidate’s command of word usage, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary, essential for excelling in reading and writing tasks related to the exam and the wider duties of a trooper.
Here are the topics this contains:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
Visual Intelligence: This comprehensive category covers abilities like creativity, pattern identification, and navigation skills. These competencies are invaluable for a trooper in tasks like suspect identification, maneuvering through intricate environments, and discerning critical details amidst crowded or chaotic settings.
Here are the topics this contains:
- Visualization
- Spatial Orientation
- Flexibility of Closure
Short-Term Memory: Here candidates are required to demonstrate their capacity to retain and recall critical information, including words, numbers, images, and processes, as presented earlier in the test. This skill directly correlates with a trooper’s responsibility to memorize essential details from specific situations and utilize that knowledge effectively in their duties.
Here are the topics this contains:
- Memorization
Personality Attributes
The job of a law enforcement officer comes with demands, stresses, and high-pressure situations that not everybody can deal with. The personality section of the exam assesses the suitability of the candidate in terms of personality traits. It is not aimed at diagnosing mental health issues or sanity but to assess whether the applicant has the emotional resilience and personality characteristics that make them the “right” fit for the role. Unlike the cognitive section, this section doesn’t have a general pass/fail criteria but it merely states if the candidate would work as a law enforcement officer or not.
Key values assessed are:
Competencies that can be focused on:
For in-depth information on each of these abilities and effective ways to develop them, check out our NYSP Prep Course.
Test Format & Question Type
The NYSP Trooper exam represents the biggest hurdle for aspiring troopers due to its varied structure and types of questions. Without familiarity with the test’s format or sufficient preparation, candidates risk underperforming. To pave the way for your success, here is a comprehensive overview of the exam.
The Trooper exam is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple choice-questions testing a range of cognitive abilities and behavioral characteristics. Out of these 65 are dedicated to cognitive skills, while a whopping 85 items evaluate personality attributes. These questions range from the various categories previously discussed.
But that is not all. The NYSP Trooper exam is also a timed test, with a two hour time limit. This further adds to the complexity, as candidates receive one hour and forty minutes to ace the cognitive half of the exam, and twenty minutes for the behavioral half.
Thus, to truly excel in the test one needs more than just knowledge. They need the proper guidance, strategic approach, and time saving tips required to turn the rigorous exam into a career launchpad.
Let us look at the kind of questions one may expect in the test.
Reading
The concept of universal basic income (UBI) has gained traction in recent years as a potential solution to economic inequality and job insecurity. UBI is a form of social security in which all citizens or residents of a country receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of their employment status. While proponents argue that UBI can provide financial stability and alleviate poverty, critics express concerns about its feasibility and potential disincentives to work.
One of the main arguments in favor of UBI is its ability to address income inequality. By providing a basic income to all individuals, regardless of their income level, it can reduce poverty and ensure that everyone has access to essential needs. Additionally, in a rapidly changing job market with automation and technological advancements, UBI can offer a safety net for individuals whose livelihoods may be threatened by job displacement.
However, the implementation of UBI raises questions about funding and economic sustainability. Critics argue that providing a universal basic income to all citizens could strain government budgets and lead to inflation. Moreover, some fear that it may discourage individuals from seeking employment or pursuing higher education if they can rely solely on unconditional income.
The chief emphasis of the passage is on?
- A:
Promoting the concept of universal basic income (UBI)
- B:
Criticizing the feasibility of UBI
- C:
Analyzing the economic sustainability of UBI
- D:
Advocating for the complete elimination of UBI
Writing
A city council meeting was convened to address the rising concerns over public safety and crime rates in the downtown area. The meeting saw a large turnout of residents, business owners, and local law enforcement officials. Various strategies were discussed, including the introduction of more street lighting, increased police patrols, and community outreach programs. By the end of the meeting, there was a consensus on implementing a comprehensive plan combining all these measures, with particular emphasis on community engagement and preventive strategies.
The chief emphasis of the passage is on?
- A:
At a city council meeting, concerns over public safety and crime rates were addressed, leading to a consensus on increasing police patrols and street lighting for the downtown area. The meeting had numerous attendees, but none from law enforcement.
- B:
The city council meeting focused on public safety concerns, attended by residents, business owners, and law enforcement officials. Resulting in a comprehensive plan that includes more street lighting, increased police patrols, and community outreach programs.
- C:
Residents and business owners attended a city council meeting to discuss public safety, agreeing on the need for more street lighting and police presence. Law enforcement officials emphasized community outreach programs above any other measure.
- D:
A discussion on public safety at a city council meeting led to the agreement on implementing community outreach programs, alongside other safety measures.
Deductive Reasoning
The State Cybercrime Unit (SCU) has developed a detailed classification system to categorize and respond to incidents of cybercrime effectively. The system is outlined as follows:
- Category A: Incidents that involve unauthorized access to confidential or personal data fall under this category. This includes access obtained through hacking, phishing, social engineering, or other illicit means.
- Category B: This category is reserved for incidents where unauthorized access is accompanied by intent to commit further crimes or to facilitate the commission of such crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, or selling stolen data.
- Category C: Activities where an individual causes a computer or network to perform functions with the specific intent to secure unauthorized access to data or programs. It includes the distribution of malware, use of ransomware, or denial of service attacks aimed at crippling systems.
- Category D: The creation, distribution, or use of software tools designed specifically to aid in the commission of cybercrimes described in Categories A, B, or C. This also includes the creation of botnets and the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities
In cases where an incident spans multiple categories, the SCU will assign a primary category based on the most severe aspect of the crime and note secondary categories for the comprehensive understanding of the incident.
An individual is caught distributing software that facilitates unauthorized access to personal data without the intent of committing further crimes. Under which category of the State Cybercrime Unit's classification system does this incident fall?
- A:
Category A: Unauthorized access to confidential data
- B:
Category B: Intent to commit further crimes
- C:
Category C: Causing a network to perform unauthorized functions
- D:
Category D: Distribution of tools designed to aid in the commission of cybercrimes
Ordering of Information
While patrolling, a police officer realizes his communication radio is not functioning. The standard procedure in such a situation is:
- First, check if the battery is properly connected.
- If that's not the issue, try switching channels.
- Notify the patrol supervisor immediately if communication still isn't restored.
- Once back at the precinct, report the faulty equipment to the equipment officer.
Given the above, if a police officer has checked the battery and tried different channels but still can't communicate, the next step should be to:
- A:
Continue with the patrol, assuming the radio will start working again.
- B:
Immediately head back to the precinct for a new radio.
- C:
Notify the patrol supervisor about the communication issue.
- D:
Ask a nearby civilian for their phone to make a call.
Inductive Reasoning
Lieutenant Morris is investigating a string of thefts at a marina in the Lakeside district. Each theft involved stealing boating equipment from docked vessels. Witnesses' reports vary but some descriptions overlap. The details from the reports are as follows:
Theft 1 (March 10) - Male, possibly in his 30s, over 6 feet tall, heavyset, with a beard, seen wearing a fisherman's hat and a navy jacket.
Theft 2 (March 17) - Male, no clear age estimate, approximately 5'10", of medium build, clean-shaven, reported to be wearing a raincoat and a baseball cap.
Theft 3 (March 24) - Male, estimated 35 years old, roughly 6'2", large build, mustache, dressed in a dark sweater and beanie.
On March 31st, a person was caught on a security camera attempting to steal fishing rods from a boat at the marina. The suspect was described as follows:
Theft 4 (March 31) - Male, about 6'1", in his mid-30s, bulky build, with facial hair, sporting a wool cap and a dark jacket.
Based on the descriptions provided in the first three reports, should the person caught on camera in Theft 4 be considered a suspect in any of the previous theft incidents?
- A:
Theft 1.
- B:
Theft 2.
- C:
Theft 1 and 3.
- D:
Theft 2 and 3.
Pattern Recognition
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
Grammar
Complete the following sentence.
- A:
Defeated
- B:
Indifferent
- C:
Resilient
- D:
Apathetic
Vocabulary
Catalogue
- A:
List
- B:
Novel
- C:
Bookshelf
- D:
Librarian
Visualization
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
Memorization
- A:
Truck Route
- B:
One Way
- C:
Road Closed
- D:
Path Closed
Spatial Orientation
What is the quickest route from Theatre to police station if the McGregory street is closed?
- A:
St. Vincent Street > Left to School Street > Right on Principal Street > Left on Borrelli Street
- B:
St. Vincent Street > Right to School Street > Left to 10th Avenue > Straight to East Street
- C:
St. Vincent Street > Straight to 10th Avenue > Right from Sport center.
- D:
St. Vincent Street > Right to School Street > Left from Short Street
Flexibility of Closure
Which plate has the number 8244FL on it?serve the imga
- A:
- B:
- C:
- D:
The variety of questions on the NYSP Trooper test can be confusing to a newcomer. Use our free practice test to get familiar with the exam pattern and identify any problem areas. We have also included detailed explanations to help you comprehend the logic of each question type.
NYSP Free Cognitive Practice Test
Take a Look at our New York State Police Test Modules
- Introduction2 Step - 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Reading4 Steps - 1 Hour 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Writing4 Steps - 2 Hours & 15 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Deductive Reasoning4 Steps - 1 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Ordering of Information4 Step - 1 Hours & 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Inductive Reasoning4 Steps - 1 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Pattern Recognition7 Steps - 3 Hours & 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Grammar4 Steps - 1 Hours & 45 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Vocabulary4 Step - 2 Hours & 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Visualization4 Step - 2 Hours & 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Spatial Orientation4 Step - 2 Hours & 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Flexibility of Closure4 Step - 2 Hours & 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Memorization4 Step - 1 Hours & 25 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Psych Evaluation1 Step - 1 Hours & 5 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- NYSP - Full Size Cognitive Practice Quizzes2 Steps - 3 Hours & 20 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Background Screening Procedure1 Step - 1 Hours & 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Polygraph test1 Step - 1 Hours & 10 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
- Bonus - Medical Exam1 Step - 30 MinutesBuy this Course: Get full access to all lessons, practice tests and guides.
Why Choose Us?
Comprehensive Study Guides: Our course comprehensively covers the NYSP Trooper exam from start to finish, providing in-depth analysis of various topics and equipping you with the necessary skills to confidently approach the exam and apply these skills in real-world scenarios.
Curated Practice Tests: We offer a collection of practice tests tailored to acquaint you with the exam format and conditions. These tests are invaluable for monitoring your progress and pinpointing areas needing improvement.
Proven Test-Taking Strategies: Our course includes effective strategies to enhance your efficiency across the exam’s diverse question types. We provide specific tactics for each section of the test, along with tips to save time.
Flexible Learning: With Prepterminal, you dictate your study schedule. Our flexible learning system allows you to study at your preferred pace on various devices, offering the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere.
The journey to wearing the badge is tough, but not out of reach. With the right preparation, you can be among the elite who move forward to serve and protect. Enroll today and take charge of your future!
Created by: Matthew Appleyard
Psychometric Tutor, Prepterminal Test Expert
1420 students, 4.4, 192 Reviews
Hey, welcome to our NY State Trooper Exam Guide. I’m Matthew Appleyard, I am here to assist you with any queries about the NY State Trooper Course. Don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
FAQ
Does Your Course Guarantee a Specific Score on the Exam?
No. Our course is designed to familiarize you with every aspect of the NYSP Trooper Exam, from the fundamentals to practice quizzes. But your final score is dependent upon a host of personal factors, such as your level of comprehension, regularity of practice, and factors like attentiveness.
Is there negative marking on the exam?
No. Your score on the NYSP exam depends on the number of items you answer correctly. However, no additional points are deducted for incorrect answers.
Can I use a dictionary during the exam?
Do NOT bring dictionaries, books, or other reference material for use during the exam. These materials, alongside other electronic devices with a typewriter keyboard, can get you disqualified from the test.
What other steps would I have to go through to become a trooper?
Candidates would have to pass 5 evaluations in total to be eligible to become a trooper. These are:
- The NYSP Trooper Exam
- The Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Psychological Evaluation
- Background Investigation and Polygraph Test
- Medical Examination
Are you prepared to be among the elite? The path is challenging, the competition fierce, but your resolve and our expertise can forge the key to unlock your potential.