Trooper careers
What we do
The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) provides for an exciting and meaningful career that goes beyond the highway.
Today, our nearly 600 state troopers help create safe, efficient movement of traffic on Minnesota’s roadways. They do this through assistance, education and enforcement.
Our troopers also investigate and reconstruct serious crashes, conduct flight patrols and search-and-rescue missions, assist other law enforcement agencies, investigate vehicle crimes and serve as vital components of the state’s homeland security efforts.
With its 30x30 initiative, the Minnesota State Patrol strives to be 30 percent female by the year 2030.
Types of trooper employment
MSP offers two separate trooper employment opportunities: Traditional and Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO). Both are MSP sworn positions and are only offered as full-time positions. You may only apply for one of these options.
Traditional option
The traditional option is for those who are, or will be, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) licensed.
Visit the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) website for more information about how you can become an officer. For out-of-state law enforcement officers and military personnel, the POST Board also has information about reciprocity licensing exams.
LETO option
The LETO program is designed for applicants with no previous law enforcement experience and who have a two- or four-year degree.
More information
Please review the Traditional and LETO postings below for additional details. We have also compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the State Patrol trooper application process.
Postings
Additional information and forms
2025 hiring timeline
Important date(s) |
LETO |
Traditional |
---|---|---|
Applications open |
March 3, 2025 |
Aug. 4, 2025 |
Applications close |
March 30, 2025 |
Aug. 31, 2025 |
Physical fitness test/interviews |
April 2-3, 2025 |
Sept. 3-4, 2025 |
Backgrounds |
April 9-June 3, 2025 |
Sept. 10-Nov. 4, 2025 |
Conditional offers |
June 16, 2025 |
Nov. 17, 2025 |
Medical and psychological exam |
June 18-July 11, 2025 |
Nov. 19-Dec. 12, 2025 |
Final offers |
July 18, 2025 |
Dec. 17, 2025 |
Orientation |
July 23, 2025 |
Dec. 31, 2025 |
LETO program begins |
Aug. 4, 2025 |
Not applicable |
Academy begins |
Jan. 12, 2026 |
Jan. 12, 2026 |
Graduation |
April 21, 2026 |
April 21, 2026 |
Questions?
Please start with the Frequently asked questions. If that does not answer your questions, please contact Sgt. Mary Miller at 651-757-1921 or patrol.recruiter@state.mn.us.