Join the State Patrol Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Program options
The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) has two separate employment opportunities. MSP sworn positions are only offered in a full-time capacity.
To determine which opportunity you qualify for, please read a brief description of the two employment opportunities below. You may only apply for one of these options.
Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) (Trooper Trainee 1)
The first opportunity is the LETO Program. LETO is a program designed for applicants who:
- Have no previous law enforcement experience
- Have a two- or four-year degree in any discipline
- Want to become state troopers
To qualify and be eligible to apply, the applicant must have an associate or bachelor’s degree from a college or university listed as regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. To verify accreditation, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database or contact the registrar's office at your school.
The MSP will provide LETO Program applicants with the educational requirements necessary to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam, which is required to become a licensed peace officer. The POST certification training will take place at the Hennepin Technical College, followed by the State Patrol Training Academy. Applicants must pass the POST exam to be eligible for employment.
Traditional Option (Trooper Trainee 2)
The second opportunity is the traditional hiring process for those who are currently POST licensed or eligible, or will be eligible by Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Academy graduation.
Legislative funding and budgetary constraints will determine the number of trooper cadets hired in this process.