State Requirements

Detailed examination announcements, applications, and fee waiver forms are available at the Department of Personnel Administration, Room 303, One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108. Write or visit us for an application, or call (617) 727-6371 or 1 (800) 392-6178 (toll-free).

There is an application fee, which may be waived for applicants receiving Unemployment insurance. Worker’s Compensation, or certain other forms of state or federal public assistance.

The Examination (Schedule)

The written examination for Police Officer is the first step in a highly competitive selection process. The results will be used to establish eligible lists for the MBTA Police and for all cities and towns whose Police Departments are covered by Massachusetts Civil Service. The written multiple choice examination tests the abilities and traits required for success as a Police Officer. If you wish to take this examination in Spanish, you should make that request in writing at the time you apply for the examination. If you take the written examination in Spanish you will also be required to take a separate test on the same day showing that you can read and understand English.

Entrance Requirements

• Education/Experience Requirements: You must have either:
  1. A high school diploma or equivalency certificate Issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education or;
  2. Three years experience in the armed forces of the United States with last release or discharge under honorable conditions.
• Smoking Prohibition: You must be a nonsmoker at the time of and after appointment.
• Character: A candidate may be disqualified for evidence of character clearly unsuited for police services. No person who has boon convicted of a felony shall be appointed as a Police Officer.
• Firearms Permit: Applicants must be able to obtain a firearms permit.
• Drivers License: You may need a valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license before you will be hired by some Police Departments.
• Medical Examination: Municipalities may require you to pass a medical and/or a psychological evaluation before you are appointed.

A Federal Court decree provides preference in consideration for Black and Hispanic applicants in various Police departments across the state, so this exam presents a broadened career opportunity in the Police service for Black and Hispanic applicants. In addition, many cities and towns are actively seeking to recruit members of other racial and ethnic minorities, women, and applicants with fluency in languages such as Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole or Spanish into local police departments to allow them to reflect and serve the diversity of the community.

AS A POLICE OFFICER YOU’LL BE ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, WORKING TO PROTECT LIVES, PROPERTY AND CIVIL RIGHTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. ITS A DEMANDING AND REWARDING JOB. IT REQUIRES INTEGRITY, OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATION SKILLS, GOOD JUDGMENT, AND ENORMOUS DEDICATION. IT’S WORK THAT YOU CAN PERFORM WITH PRIDE. IF YOU ARE QUALIFIED AND BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE THE LEADERSHIP ABILITY, COMMITMENT AND STRENGTH OF SPIRIT AND CHARACTER THAT THIS JOB REQUIRES, BE SURE TO FILE YOUR APPLICATION BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.